Gijon to Santander
Our time in Spain had come to an end and we had to drive from Gijon to Santander to take the Ferry back to the UK. It was sad to leave but at... READ MORE
The Parador in Gijon
The Parador in Gijon is on the edge of the town, at the far end of the San Lorenzo Beach from the old town. I’ve talked a lot about it so a separate... READ MORE
Isabel la Catolica Park in Gijon
The Parador of Gijon overlooks the Isabel la Catolica Park in Gijon, in fact you might say it is situated in the park. It was a joy to stroll here at some point... READ MORE
Wandering in Gijon
On this day we decided wandering in Gijon would be a good idea, so we took a taxi to the town centre again. We were also on a hunt for wine! The harbour... READ MORE
Cimadevilla of Gijon
The old town is the Cimadevilla of Gijon, situated on and around the Santa Catalina Hill in Gijon. We took a taxi into the town – I was still on somewhat ‘go-slow’ –... READ MORE
The Museum in Gijon
The Museum of the Asturian People in Gijon is situated close to the Parador. We visited twice because there was just too much to take in at one time. Spain is very proud... READ MORE
Latest Posts
The Pellissier House Museum, Bethulie
The Rev Jean Pierre Pellissier (1808-67), of the newly created Paris Evangelical Missionary Society, arrived in the Cape in 1831. He stayed in Wellington to learn Dutch, and then moved further north to Bethulie. His house was built in 1834-35 by C Gosselin, a … Continued
British Concentration Camp in Bethulie, Free State
The concentration camp at Bethulie was one of the largest camps established by the British during the Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902. Of the 1,737 people who died at the camp, 1,311 were under 15 years, and 426 were over 15 years. The women and … Continued
Bloemfontein to Graaff Reinet
It was going to be a long, hot day and so we set off early to drive 504 kms from Bloemfontein to Graaff Reinet.
The President Brand Cemetery, Bloemfontein
The President Brand Cemetery is disturbing in many ways: there is a memorial to the women and children who died in the Anglo-Boer War; there are graves of young men who died, both in combat and from disease; gravestones had been broken and damaged; … Continued
The Anglo-Boer War Museum
In the grounds of the Museum there are interesting sights: a hospital, train, blockhouse, replica guns, and a memorial graveyard.
The Anglo-Boer War Museum & Women’s Memorial, Bloemfontein
I read The Boer War as we travelled in South Africa and was horrified by the bungling, stupidity, ruthlessness, and barbarity of the 1899-1902 war. Of course there were acts of bravery, daring, and enterprise, even cleverness, but this was a war which … Continued
The Franklin Nature Reserve, Bloemfontein
The Franklin Nature Reserve on Naval Hill is within the boundaries of the town and was created in 1930, named after Sir John Stuart Franklin, the Mayor of Bloemfontein in the 1920s. The Reserve covers 250 hectares and holds a pair of giraffe, zebra, and birds. Apparently … Continued
The Oliewenhuis Art Museum, Bloemfontein
‘…Oliewenhuis – a Neo-Dutch style mansion – was designed by William Mollison, Head Architect of the Department of Public Works and his assistant, John Stockwing Cleland in 1935. Completed in 1941, this mansion, located on Grant’s Hill, served as the … Continued
Performing Arts Centre of the Free State
The Performing Arts Centre of the Free State is a startling contemporary building amidst historic sandstone buildings from earlier times. The building opened in 1985 You may be interested in Tourist attractions in Bloemfontein