03 MAY 2015 - DAY 18 - GRAAF REINET TO GARIEP DAM - PART 2/4
WALKING AROUND NIEU BETHESDA
An eternal spring bubbles on the plateau just above Nieu Bethesda. Its water rises up from the village to flow downhill and through the village’s network of furrows, one of the last working furrow systems still operating daily. The babble of water is a fitting soundtrack to the serene pace of life in this small village, where the streets remain untarred and the locals greet visitors like friends.
Nieu Bethesda is overlooked by Compassberg, the highest mountain in the Eastern Cape, and is lined on either side by hills. In this fertile valley lies a village waiting to enchant and beguile. Night skies are clear, velvety and unforgettable and the air is crisp and enlivening. Ancient pear trees and quince hedges edge the roads and fields. And even though the village has no streetlights, it is safe to walk at any time of the day or night.
However, only in 1878 did Graaff-Reinet agree to the petitions of the Nieu Bethesda people. Rev. Charles Murray had made a few suggestions regarding a name and, at the founders meeting said: “Laten sy dese plaats nu Bethesda noemen.” These words are reported to have been minuted incorrectly as “Laten wij het Nieu Bethesda noemen.” In fact, during the prolonged negotiations, the name Nieu Bethesda had been used frequently – probably because of the strong fountain and its biblical reference
(John 5: 2-4.)
For the 68 permanent residents life in Nieu Bethesda potters along much as it did 130 years ago, when the village was founded. Stone water furrows still line the wide, dusty streets. Night skyscapes are unpolluted by streetlights, and the air is still fresh and clean. As always, the Compassberg watches over the village and Nieu Bethesdans still while away the hours on their stoeps, watching village life go by.
There are only two roads, one tar the other gravel, in and out of the village and there are no petrol, banking or ATM facilities. Mobile phone usage is discouraged.
An old road sign still standing in the middle of the village.
Some scenes in the village.
This is how your capachino is served at the Ibis Lounge.
All in all, the two hours we spent here was way too short a time.
Part 3/4 to follow.
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