If you like mountaineering, Stellenbosch is one of the best places to live. This might explain why many street names in Stellenbosch are named after the mountains.Piekesig Street, Uitsig Street, Botmaskop Way, Simonsberg Street, Bergzicht Street.Am I ready for the mountains?Start by hiking one of the well marked Cape Nature r...  Continue reading

The jogging/cycling trail along the Eerste river recently got a new sign post. What is koloniesland and why the name?The short answer is that 'colonies lant', as it used to be spelled, means the same than 'public land' or 'state property'The flow of the Eerste RiverStellenbosch's first 'municipality' or local authority was th...  Continue reading

Stellenbosch has 4 Libertas storiesOude Libertas is a well-known amphitheater with a popular slow market.Klein Libertas is a theater complex that recently burnt down.Libertas Street is located in the neighbourhood of Karindal.Libertas Parva is a series of historic buildings in Dorp Street.Interesting facts about each:Oude Lib...  Continue reading

The peaceful neighbourhood of Karindal is one of the most beautiful in Stellenbosch, and also the closest to Jonkershoek.Located next to the Eerste river and the 'hangbrug', it is an ideal area for walking the dog or simply getting some fresh air. The two cul de sacs, Bergvliet and Otterkuil are here as well.The old Lanzerac ...  Continue reading

Stellenbosch's first teacher was Sybrand Mancadan, but he wasn’t a schoolteacher in the same sense as today.Controversial figureAlthough Mancadan was schooled in Theology, he was expelled from ministry in Friesland (a province in Holland) due to his indecent behaviour. Thereafter he was sent per ship to the small settlement, ...  Continue reading

Last week I explained where the names Murray-, Neethling- en Hofmeyer street originated.Today I look at Bosman's crossing, an area on the Western periphery of Stellenbosch.The exact origin of the name Bosman’s crossing is debated, some reckon it is named after a certain Mr Daniel Bosman who owned a brandy distillery next to t...  Continue reading