Travel Snippets from around the World: stellenbosch south africa

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15 April 2018

South Africa - Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden, Stellenbosch

Looking for a magical interlude away from the madding crowd??
The sound of bees, frogs and birds will soothe the soul, the views will rejuvenate and the incredible sculptures make one gaze in awe.

Look no further than Dylan Lewis' Sculpture Garden on "Mulberry" Farm in Stellenbosch for an interlude of tranquillity.

One has to wonder where the name Mulberry Farm originated - I did spot some olives but no mulberries!

Dylan Lewis is a world renowned artist/sculptor with many outstanding animal and human interpretations in an wonderfully different art form.

Dylan quotes "Nature is a church with no dogma" and his sculptures are, by his own admission, an outlet for emotion. An incredible journey towards self-acceptance and non-judgement.

The garden is a journey in itself - with over 60 sculptures, winding paths, stepping stones over natural streams, a scenic lake and many nooks and crannies to explore over 7 hectares.

The views of the mountains are incredible - wild leopard still apparently roam these mountains.

The paths are approx 4 km and it seems to end too soon - we could have done the entire circuit again and again!

Dylan Lewis spent many years sketching both wild and captive leopards. Other big cats followed - cheetah, lion and tiger.

The artists impression of raw power and emotional tension is immediately visible in many of the sculptures. Immense and awe-inspiring!

A very detailed map is given on arrival. The gardens have many aspects - Aloe Garden, Waterfall Pond, Poplar Grove, Wild Olive Grove, Pincushion Protea Grove, Natural Wetland, etc.

Highly recommended for both the art forms, the views, and the gardens.

Many years of dedicated work have gone into this piece of paradise.

For more info contact 021 880 0054

info@dylanart.co.za

NB: Please note that visits and tours are BY APPOINTMENT only

"Unearth the wilderness within"

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

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Travel Snippets

Travel is my passion, Hospitality is my industry, Photography is my creative outlet. Meeting people from all walks of life and from all over the globe, keeps me on my toes and itching to travel more!

21 July 2015

South Africa - Stellenbosch - Historic University Town

Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

When one thinks of Stellenbosch, the first things that come to mind are; oaks trees, students, wine, art galleries and food! Not in any particular order as they are all in abundance except during the University holidays when the younger set all depart for their home towns and leave the town in quiet mode for awhile!

Stellenbosch Pavement Cafe

It's a fabulous place for students, they basically have the run of this beautiful tree-lined place during term time. It's an idyllic situation and most students will always fondly remember the Varsity days. Sometimes, I wonder how they ever pass any exams - it is just such a laid back kind of place where students are king! However, having attended a graduation ceremony, it seems that most do pass and with excellent results!

Stellenbosch, founded in 1659, is the 2nd oldest settlement in the Cape after Cape Town and is fondly known as the "City of Oaks" or "Eikestad" due the the huge number of oak trees. These trees were planted by Simon van der Stel and lend a gracious air to the streets in both their autumn, winter or summer coats. During autumn the foliage is so picturesque, during winter the bare branches cast intriging shapes on the surrounding buildings and, in summer, the beautiful green foliage provides welcome shade from the heat of the day.

Dorp Street, Stellenbosch

Anybody who is interested in architecture will love the more well-known streets of this town as the Cape Dutch buildings are picture perfect. Dorp Street, which has been declared a National Monument, has one of the longest rows of historic houses in South Africa. Walking is an absolute must - start at "Oom Samie se Winkel", an "olde world" type of store where you can get lost in bygone times! Then walk the rest of the street to admire the buidlings of yesteryear.

Near the end of Dorp Street you will find the Theological Seminary. The gates are normally open and one can wander around. This became the first university-level institution in 1859.

Food and Wine - what can one say! This area is renowned for both and boasts the oldest wine route in the country. Check out: www.wineroute.co.za

Food lovers will revel in this town with many, many restaurants - from coffee shops to 5* dining - you should find something that caters to your pocket and your palate.

Astronomer's Head by Anton Smit

The Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens are rather hidden away but we managed to find them purely by chance. These gardens are not very big but worth a 10 minute stroll or a respite from all the food and wine!

This is just a brief blog to whet your appetite to explore this renowned town - there is much to see and do, much to eat and drink, and loads of art galleries and shops in which to spend your money!

If you over-indulge, there are many places to choose from for an overnight or week-end stay.

Enjoy!


The drive to Stellenbosch is stunningly beautiful!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bradclinphotography

For Accommodation Cape Town, South Africa

www.bradclin.com

om Samie se Winkel (a ‘living museum’) is the ‘old world’ village store housing antiques, collectables, old-fashioned sweets and local products and produce.

- See more at: http://www.stellenbosch.travel/attractions/museums#sthash.TAPhzbQf.dpuf

Theological Seminary, Dorp St.. On the site of the original settlement, which was on an island in the Eerste River until one of its watercourses was filled in. This became the first university-level institution in 1859. The garden contains two pines from Norfolk Island, near Australia, which the University's students sometimes like to climb! edit

Theological Seminary, Dorp St.. On the site of the original settlement, which was on an island in the Eerste River until one of its watercourses was filled in. This became the first university-level institution in 1859. The garden contains two pines from Norfolk Island, near Australia, which the University's students sometimes like to climb! edit