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Bloemfontein
Bloemfontein, the Capital City of the Free State Province in South Africa,
is centrally situated roughly in the middle of the Province, as well
as in South Africa. The "City of Roses", as it had become
known locally, is placed with more pivotal importance than any other
city in the country. The Judicial Capital, sixth largest city in South
Africa, lies on the main road, rail and air links between north and
south, east and west.
The atmosphere that one feels in Bloemfontein, this heart of the Free
State situated in the central highlands, is one based on an appreciation
of family values, where quality of life is of prime importance. Business
and family interests are combined, in a hand-in-glove way, with no reason
for discord; cultures are intermingled, again with peaceable accord.
There is little stress and less haste; the peaceful atmosphere, which
is somehow almost tangible, can be felt in every street, on every pavement
- all of which are noticeably clean and free of litter.
Graceful charm is to be seen all along the historical, tree-lined President
Brand Street, a declared national monument; stately museum buildings
stand proudly visible at the ends of the bustling main streets in the
business district, while small monuments and memorials, almost unnoticeable,
are deliberately preserved even in built-up suburbs.
Other attractions include the Orchid House, a tropical oasis of lush
beauty, with astonishing colour and uniqueness. Then there's Loch Logan,
a popular venue for a braai or get-together, or the Botanical Gardens,
or Aventura Maselspoort, where you can enjoy various activities and
watersports.
The Bloemfontein Zoo, Naval Hill with the Franklin Reserve, Sand du
Plessis Theatre, other theatres and galleries, arts and craft-markets.
For the culture-vultures there are also the Bloemfontein National Museum
and the Women's Memorial and War Musem. |
