DESTINATION
Rosendal (± 4 000 inhabitants), the eastern Free State, one of South Africa’s provinces.
We’d last visited the self-proclaimed “arts colony” in 2017. It was then poised to become more popular with creative types and those looking for a simpler life without urban conveniences such as ATMs, tar roads and shopping centres.
Windmills of my mind: A pitstop on our way there.
Road works on the last stretch into the town.
Subtext: big city people, leave your impatient ways behind you.
WHERE WE STAYED
The Rosendal Country Retreat. www.therosendal.co.za
It offers a variety of comfy self-catering rooms (more like cottages), a communal lounge, a chapel and conference room.
We arrived feeling frazzled (who knew organising our father’s 90th birthday celebrations could be so stressful?!). And felt increasingly relaxed over the next few days without even having to make use of the yoga mats in our rooms.
While Rosendal is, thankfully, not shopping central, you can still buy art, crafts and artisanal items at its shops and eateries.
THEN AND NOW
Covid-19, the moribund South African economy and road works have all taken their toll on the farming town. A reality check for anyone who romanticises country life.
Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. An attractive combo of switched-off living, a striking setting with the Witteberg Mountains in the distance, and glimpses into rural life.
Next time, we’ll bring our passports so we can visit Lesotho while we’re in Rosendal.
FRAGRANCE COMPANIONS
Apart from a dear friend, my companions were Essential Parfums Mon Vetiver EDP and Essential Parfums The Musc EDP.
Both turned out to be inspired choices if I can say so myself.
Created by Calice Becker, The Musc (2018) sees the Givaudan captive molecule musk Nirvanolide faceted with the fresh spiciness of ginger, floral tones of lavandin and sophisticated sweetness of beeswax. Australian sandalwood brings woody creaminess to the seemingly simple composition. The result: powdery distinctiveness with contrasts of freshness and warmth.
The Bruno Jovanovic creation Mon Vetiver is just that. My (kind of) vetiver. The soft smokiness of Haitian vetiver meets the sharp freshness of juniper berry, lime and gentian. There’s woody muskiness from the synthetic Cashmeran, while patchouli enhances the earthiness of the title note. It all adds up to produce a vetiver scent that’s easy on the nose and the pocket.
Essential Parfums fragrances are available in South Africa from Skins Cosmetics.