Guests having a bad day
Our Guesthouse has 9 rooms and it’s just the 4 of us running it. Our family of 4 consists of Yvonne (mom) and Michell (daughter) running the Restaurant and the Shop and the men. Ron (dad) and Aldo (son).
We live here and the guests are our guests, we look after them and we try our best. Just sometimes our best is not enough!
Like on Saturday morning I got a phone call from an elderly man who was inquiring about the Guesthouse. After a lengthy conversation during which I was clutching the phone between my shoulder and my ear, whilst cooking breakfast for the other guests, in which I must add I had to repeat myself almost every time I answered a question and tried shaking my moaning 3 year old clinging to my legs… I could tell this Guest will be trouble.
He had his own phone on speaker and I could hear his wife also repeating everything I said to him as he obviously had difficulty hearing. From asking if the rooms were clean? How much discount and if the bed is good? with a lengthy explanation about bad backs and their worry about getting food I assured the man we do our best for our guests. During the day I still had 3 more calls from them keeping me up to date on their progress and arrival time.
As it was a quiet weekend I just had 1 other booking. These guests also called me and asked if they could bring their cooler box…
At the last minute before my expected elderly couple arrived I moved them to another unit as I was sure that the other guest and the cooler box might be causing noise complaints.
The couple arrived at 4:30 pm and the Eskom Loadshedding hit us at 5pm. This meant no electricity until 7:30 at night.
After a lengthy check in process of various repetitions and double to triple explanations I eventually got them to their room. After various snippy remarks without any tact I eventually left them to unpack and ran back to the shop as we were suddenly extremely busy and we were just juggling everything between the two of us. (Mom and I) It was Aldo’s weekend off and that meant that Dad will be handling any maintenance that could come our way. We thought we had all the damage the storm brought two days ago under control. We have solar power and emergency lights in our rooms and even battery powered TV’s so that guests can still relax even while Eskom is loadshedding. An option of free channels and one DSTV channel. Hot water boiler and gas stoves in all our units.
But then our elderly guest showed up… the TV was not working…the lights were not working…and more questions about Loadshedding which he was obviously not used to. In a desperate effort to salvage the situation I pulled my Husband in and asked him to go and see if he can do something about the TV. He came back reporting that it was an overall problem throughout all the units requiring Aldo. Dad went to see if he could help and as he was switching the emergency lamp on to show them that they did have light…it just blew! He went to find a new bulb…returning with the new bulb he got the light working and thought he would open the windows as it was hot…the next moment he stood with the window’s lever in his hand…it broke right off…!! So he thought he would send them back to the shop to go and see the Museum in the Shoe while he repairs the window.
As it was already late we had just closed the main doors and were just about to close up when the elderly couple arrived to see the Shoe. I asked them to come in through the kitchen as the main doors were already closed… Aldo’s girlfriend who was visiting for the night ran to pick up her little miniature doberman pinscher as it was prone to bite strangers. (And the last thing we needed was the dog biting our guests!) She stood holding the dog while the couple passed through the kitchen to enter back into the Shop. After the elderly man sarcastically made remarks about our kitchen and the ‘burnt malva pudding’ which was actually a chocolate cake standing on the counter waiting to cool down…they eventually left for their room again.
After a while my husband returned as he was giving the TV another go he just shook his head and said: ‘I don’t think they like your place’. They complained about the bad hygiene of the girl in the kitchen holding a dog…more complaints about the refrigerator not being cold…and so on.
By now it was almost completely dark outside…we diverted our remaining solar power to the lights around the property and this meant I had to go and prepare their dinner in the dark…I managed to do this with my torch and eventually by the time I got their food and drinks to their room I was exhausted. We went home to have dinner and all laughed at all the bad luck these people were having. Unfortunately it wasn’t over yet…I still had to serve them breakfast in the morning.
The next morning I made sure I was in the Shop extra early as I was trying to avoid any more complaints! As they were eating my mother decided she will at least go and talk to them with her sparkling personality. I heard the elderly man asking her all the personal questions without shame…at one point he said: You are much younger than your husband! He likes them young doesn’t he? (That could have been our only compliment as my mom is only 3 years younger than my dad!)
We bid them farewell with wide smiles.
Some people just have all the bad luck!
The joys of having a guesthouse!
The Voortrekker Entrenchment
This Heritage site is just a few Kilometers outside the town Ohrigstad on the R36 Mainroad towards Hoedspruit.
The Town of Ohrigstad was first found in 1845 by Andries Hendrik Potgieter and Voortrekker companions. The Town was named after Andries Hendrik Potgieter and Georgius Gerhardus Ohrig who was a traveling merchant.
At this site where the hall is built there used to be a fort where the people would stay and protect themselves. The Hall was built on the original foundation of the fort. It was dedicated on 16 December 1952 a hundred years after the death of Andries Hendrik Potgieter.
The Monument in the picture below:
The Monument was erected in 1927 to the remembrance of the Voortrekkers who lived here between 1845 and 1850 who died because of Malaria. You can read more about the history of Ohrigstad on my other post.
Next to the Monument we have the Voortrekker Chest. It was built by Mr. S.J. Schoeman, the chair person of the ‘Ossewa-Eeufees komitee’ in 1938. The chest is to be opened in 2038. No one knows what is in the box.
The Entrenchment is kept in order by the Ohrigstad community. It was fenced with an electric fence a few years ago to keep it from being vandalized. You need to make arrangements to get a key from the local people to be able to visit this site. (I will post the details as soon as it is available)
However you can go and see the Voortrekker Cemetery which is only a few kilometres from this site.
The Voortrekker Cemetery
The Cemetery is open to the public and is located right next to the main road towards Burgerfort just a short drive outside the town of Ohrigstad.
The Map location above will help you find the spot.
Places to visit in Ohrigstad the Town
Ohrigstad now has 2 Stop streets! Wow!
If you were to enter Ohrigstad from the North (Burgersfort/Tzaneen) you will first find our local Butchery / Restaurant. It is called Tizers.
Tizers
Tizers sells some fresh produce, meat, milk, cheese en preserves. They also offer a small Lunch and Breakfast menu.
Try Me Dealers
Try Me Dealers is the name of our local supermarket. They are located on the main road of the town. (Turning up into town at the first stop street)
The local Pep Stores will help you out if you need any emergency clothes.
Ruba Bande/Tyres
Ruba Tyres will fix any Tyre problems you might have. They are also located on the Main Road of Ohrigstad.
Driving through Ohrigstad towards the second stop street you will find the Police station on your left and the Oasis shopping center on your right.
Oasis Shopping Center
Other than a filling station and tuck shop the Center also offers a Liquor store, Deli, Hair dresser, Restaurant, hobby shop and a hand made wooden furniture shop.
At the tuck shop you will find the local Magnets for your fridge with the name of Ohrigstad on it.
If you did not manage to find them you can get them all at The Shoe.
Bourke’s Luck Potholes
Bourke’s Luck Potholes will be the second stop on the Panorama Route (R532) if driving from the North (The Shoe). The fascinating circle like erosion caused by the water over time draws many tourists. This is a lovely spot to just sit with your feet in the ice cold mountain water and let the kids play in the water.
As all the other sites along the Panorama Route there is quite a hefty entrance fee to see the potholes. At the time of this post it is R85 per person to enter the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. The reason for the heavy fee is because they provide BBQ and picnic spots free of charge. Except for the 400 meter paved stroll and two bridges that cross over the river you can also wander into the Wildlife Museum. They have some archaeological explanations of how the Potholes originated and a few stuffed birds and small prey animals on show.
There are usually a group of locals consisting of young children who do traditional dances with drums. There are also two serious walking trails that start here. Those interested in a day trail or a 6 day trail can arrange their trip from the Reception area on site. These trails are paid for extra.
Different from the other view points and stops along the Panorama the Bourke’s Luck Potholes offer a small jungle gym for the children, a small Tuck Shop and Restaurant as well as permanent shops for the locals to sell their arts and crafts. If you plan on eating and enjoying the water for a bit you can easily spend an hour or more here.
Once again look out for the local hand made magnets like these:
If you did not find them you can get all the different magnets from The Shoe.
The Three Rondavels
The Three Rondavels is just 20km’s from The Shoe. It is the highlight of the Panorama route.
From The Shoe which is located on the R36 Mainroad you take a short 1.5km drive North and then turn right on the R532 towards Graskop.
The R532 is the home of the Panorama route.
The Three Rondavels is located in the Blyde river Canyon on the Panorama Route.
From the view point you can see the Three Rondavels which is the three mountains shaped in the form of huts. You can also see the Blyde River and the Blyde Dam. Some say you can even see Mozambique from here on a clear day. This mountain range is the last part of the Drankensburg mountains. If you were to go towards Hoedspruit you will descend into the Lowveld.
Each view point has entry fees as well as opening hours. 8 am to 5pm
At the time of this post it was R30 per person.
You need at least a half hour to walk the view point and spend a minute or two at each of the designated lookout points. You will also find locals selling their arts and crafts. There are bathrooms but no food or drink stands. It’s a good idea to carry some water and put on sunscreen before you leave.
Lookout especially for the handmade magnets like these below:
If you were unable to find these magnets at the different view points you can get them from The Shoe. We stock all the magnets of the nearby sites.
Previous Artworks by Ron van Zyl
Delilah 
Ron’s Art 
Samon and the Lion 
POPULAR ART
The Face That Follows You
The Wonder Face
This face was created by Ron van Zyl just about 40 years ago. It is still just as popular now as it was back then. We have heard countless stories of how this face has been the influence of major changes in people’s lives. Feel free to send us your story in the comments below!
Watch a Short Video of the face moving.
How does the face work?
Ron was making a negative (mold) of a face from clay one day (40 years ago), and accidentally it fell on the ground. When he picked it up he noticed that it followed him. That’s how it came into being. A divine accident maybe? The face works with light reflection or you can call it 3D. You will notice it is friendlier when standing in good light and seems sad when the light is low. Keep moving it around until you find the best spot for it.
Prices
The Wonder Face (as we call it) is available in various sizes.
| Name | Size | Price |
| Small Face | 20 cm high x 17 cm wide | R200.00 |
| Medium Face | 30 cm high x 24 cm wide | R320.00 |
| Box Face | 34 cm high x 26 cm wide | R420.00 |
| Large Face | 64 cm high x 45 cm wide | R1200.00 |
| Extra Large Face | 100 cm high x 70 cm wide | R2000.00 |
| Night Lamps | 23 cm high x 18 cm wide | R350.00 |
Large Face
These Faces can all stand on their own. They have a foot piece.
Boxed Face
This face has a frame around it and a hook at the back. It hangs on the wall and can not stand on its own.
The Extra Large Face
This face is specifically for outside purposes. You buy the shell only and then build it into a wall. The Shell is only the area around the face where the hairline flats out.
We do not like to send these articles via Post because they tend to break. You can however phone us to order them and we will try and send your purchase with a friend. Alternatively, you can request us to use door to door courier service at your own risk.
Cold Bronze Artworks
These Items were made by Ron van Zyl in clay and then molded. They are made from a Cement and Ash product designed by Ron himself. The product is Weather resistant and can be used outdoors.
Abraham and Sarah
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 23cm high x 35cm Wide
Price: R800.00
Display: Free Standing
Ron made a few items depicting the first items on the list of the Fruit of the Spirit. Abraham and Sarah represents Love.
The Passion Head
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 60cm high x 45cm Wide
Price: R2000.00
Display: Wall Mountable
This sculpture is made to hang on a wall a little higher than eye height. When this sculpture hangs on the wall it looks as if it is looking down towards you.
Authority
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 60cm high x 45cm Wide
Price: R2000.00
Display: Wall mountable
Medium Crucifix
Material: Cold Bronze moun
ted on Wild Olive Wood Cross
Dimensions: 72cm high x 60cm Wide
Price: R2500.00
Display: Wall mountable
Praying Hands
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 54cm high x 38cm Wide
Price: R1000.00
Display: Wall Mountable
Small Crucifix
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions:45cm high x 28cm Wide
Price: R500.00 and R600
Display: Wall Mountable
Large Cross
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 150cm high x 112cm Wide
Price: R10000.00
Display: Wall Mountable
Prayer
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 23cm high x 35cm Wide
Price: R800.00
Display: Free Standing
Eagle
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 95cm high x 130cm Wide
Price: R2000.00
Display: Wall Mountable
Sower and Reaper
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 140cm high x 95cm Wide
Price: R6000.00
Display: Wall Mountable
Grace
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
on Marble base
Dimensions: 57cm high x 27cm Wide
Price: R1500.00
Display: Free Standing
You take Grace from God as a Child- with two hands,
under the Shadow in the Secret Place.
Moses
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 68cm high x 66cm Wide
Price: R10000.00
Display: Free Standing
Moses has a mantle over his head because he was the
most humble man on the face of the earth. (Numbers 22)
Mother and Child
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 74cm high x 60cm Wide
Price: R3000.00
Display: Wall Mountable
Elijah in the Cave
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 24cm high x 20cm Wide
Price: R800.00 Each
Display: Free standing
Elijah ran away and hid in a cave where he waited for God.
First there was a strong wind as seen by the sculpture on the left
(wind in his hair). Eventually when God did show up in the still small
voice, Elijah pulled his cloak over his head the second sculpture.
Medical Doctor Logo with hands giving honor
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 49cm high x 23cm Wide
Price: R1000.00
Display: Free standing
A special gift for a Medical Doctor. Hands raised upwards
giving thanks to God for the skill of Doctors.
Single worship hand
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 46cm high x 27cm Wide
Price: R800.00
Display: Free standing
This hand is a timeless sculpture and perfect for any setting. You can even put it into your water feature. Available with or without a hole in the palm. On request the hole will be drilled all the way through so that it can be used for a water feature with water slowly coming out of the palm.
He Touched Me
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 100cm high x 38cm Wide
Price: R10000.00
Display: Free standing
The Original artwork was made from Wild Olive wood. This
beautiful artwork is an all round favorite, even for tombstones.
Peace – Lilly of the Valley
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 29cm high x 23cm Wide
Price: R800.00
Display: Free standing
One of the Fruits of the Spirit. Peace is resembled by
a hand on the Bible. Knowledge of the word gives us peace and
introduces us to Jesus the Lilly of the Valley.
North Wind
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 52cm high x 33cm Wide
Price: R1200.00
Display: Wall mountable
This original was made from Lead Wood. Unique and wonderful. Cold bronze replicas are now available, colored exactly as the original but at a third of the price. It will fool even the best of us.
Worship Him
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 30cm high x 27cm Wide
Price: R500.00
Display: Wall mountable
Crucifix Hand
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 38cm high x 16cm Wide
Price: R1200.00
Display: Wall mountable or free standing
This original was made from Lead Wood. This cold bronze replica has a hole drilled into the palm of the hand. In this picture it is used as a water feature with water coming out of the hole in the hand. Alternatively you can get it with a nail in the hole. Can be mounted on a wall or built into your water feature.
My cup runneth over – Water feature
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 100cm high x 63cm Wide
Price: R8000.00
Display: Wall mountable or to be built in
This water feature has a hand holding a pitcher over another hand holding a cup. The water comes out of the pitcher and runs into the cup, it overflows and runs into the pond below.
Pulpit for a church
(Made on Order only)
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 120cm high x 93cm Wide
Price: R15000.00
Display: Free standing
A Beautiful pulpit for your Church. It has enough space on top for a laptop and notepad with a flat area for water. It also has shelves on the inside. Can be made according to your height with custom holes for electric wires.
Freedom from Self (Made on Order only)
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 200cm high (From top of hand to foot measurement)
Price: R40 000.00 per unit
Display: Free standing
This life size female figure is breaking away from her old nature which is portrayed by the demon like figure holding her legs. Some have previously been made with eagles or doves on their forearms, others with snakes and shekels or swords. Each tell a different story of breaking free. These figures are made on order and samples can be seen at The Shoe in the Tea Garden.
Prophet
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 40 cm high
Price: R1200.00 per unit
Display: Free standing
This is a copy of an original work. These Prophet style faces is the signature work of Ron van Zyl.
Ron also makes artworks on order.
Man With Pipe
Material: Cold Bronze (Weather Resistant Product)
Dimensions: 35 cm high and 45cm wide
Price: R1200.00 per unit
Display: Free standing
The Armor of God
This sculpture was made in clay by Ron van Zyl and was then moulded. These sculptures are made from Cold Bronze and is weather resistant.
It portrays Jesus holding the Armour of God mentioned in Ephesians 6 on his chest.
We are to clothe ourselves with Christ.
Dimensions: 82cm high and 77 cm wide
It is wall mountable.
To order any of these items please send us the name of the item by clicking here.