Discover the Hidden Gems of Bethulie: Books and Music Galore!

I couldn’t wait to let you in on a little secret – the amazing town of Bethulie is home to an incredible collection of books and music that you simply must check out! The best part? These hidden treasures are waiting just for you!

When I stumbled upon Bethulie’s awe-inspiring collection of books and music, I was blown away. Imagine being surrounded by shelves upon shelves of captivating stories and melodies that could transport you to far-off places in an instant. It’s like stepping into a world where anything is possible!

Whether you’re an ardent bookworm or a passionate music enthusiast, Bethulie has got you covered. This hidden gem is bursting with a diverse range of literary masterpieces and musical marvels that will leave you spellbound.

As you wander through Bethulie’s enchanting bookstores, you’ll find yourself immersed in a sea of imagination. Each book has its own unique tale to tell, just waiting to be discovered. Every turn of a page invites you to explore a different realm, whether it’s diving into a thrilling adventure or unraveling the mysteries of the universe. The possibilities are endless!

And let’s not forget about the incredible music scene in Bethulie. You’ll be mesmerized by the soulful melodies that fill the air. From classical symphonies to foot-tapping jazz tunes, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a budding musician or simply appreciate the power of music, Bethulie is the place to be.

But it’s not just about the books and music in Bethulie – it’s the experience. The moment you step foot in this charming town, you’ll feel a sense of wonder and serenity wash over you. The friendly locals, the picturesque surroundings, and the vibrant atmosphere all contribute to the magic of Bethulie.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, open your mind, and embark on a journey to Bethulie’s treasure trove of books and music. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.

Hey there! So, here’s the thing: small towns? They’ve got something magical going on that those big, flashy cities just can’t compete with. Trust me, I’ve done my fair share of road trips, and I’ve seen it firsthand.

Take Bethulie, for example. Sure, it’s not exactly the kind of place that’ll have shopaholics flocking or foodies drooling over five-star restaurants. But let me tell you, if you’re a book lover like me, you might just find yourself in heaven there. Why, you ask? Well, because the famous Royal Hotel is home to a whopping 30,000 books. Yeah, you heard that right.

When I step into the hotel, I’m immediately captivated by the sight of walls adorned with books. The owner, Anthony Hocking, a true book enthusiast, graciously grants us an exclusive look into this literary wonderland.

“My love for books was nurtured by my parents, who were avid readers themselves. In fact, my father went on to write several books of his own,” shares Hocking with a nostalgic smile. “Since I was eight years old, I’ve been building my own library, thanks to the book presents I received every Christmas and birthday.”

It becomes evident that Hocking’s passion for literature knows no bounds. “I find solace in reading. It has become a daily ritual in my life,” he reflects. “At any given time, I find myself engrossed in five different books simultaneously, which might sound a bit bewildering.”

As I delve deeper into this unique bookstore, I discover that the largest section is dedicated to travel and adventure literature. This room is a portal that transports you to every corner of the globe, guiding you through one country to the next.

So, it’s no shocker that someone who loves reading as much as I do would also find success as a writer. I’ve got quite the collection of books under my belt, covering everything from a whole series on Canada to thrilling adventure guides like Yachting in Southern Africa.

Welcome to a place that book lovers can truly call a haven.

My personal reading preferences lean towards historical novels, particularly those written by the brilliant James A. Michener. I find myself thoroughly engrossed in the immersive worlds he creates. But when I’m in need of a good laugh, there’s nothing quite like the delightful comedic genius of PG Wodehouse. His writing never fails to have me bursting with laughter.

When it comes to South African authors, two names rise above the rest in my esteemed opinion. At the very top of the list is Stuart Cloete, whose storytelling prowess and vivid descriptions transport me to the captivating landscapes of Africa. Close behind is TV Bulpin, a writer who has a special talent for bringing the history and culture of South Africa to life on the page.

Now, get ready for a mind-boggling fact. Despite my deep love for books, you might be surprised to learn that the hotel I currently reside in only houses around a quarter of my vast collection. If you can believe it, I am the proud owner of a mind-boggling 120,000 books. Astonishing, isn’t it?

The main library, located in a charming old house just across the street from the hotel, is where the heart of my beloved collection resides. Inside, you’ll find beautiful yellowwood floors and ceilings, adding to the cozy and warm atmosphere. But that’s not all. Beyond the main library, we’ve expanded into additional buildings to accommodate the ever-growing collection. As my passion for books continued to fuel my soul, we built more shelves, stretching from floor to ceiling. The result is a breathtaking sight that truly marvels the bibliophile within me.

Hey there! Let me tell you about this amazing hotel I stumbled upon. It’s like stepping into a music wonderland! They have an incredible collection of vinyl records, and get this, they have tens of thousands of them! Can you believe it? They’re spread out across multiple buildings, all part of this massive collection.

Now, here’s something really interesting. The owner of the hotel bought most of these records about 15 years ago. You know what was happening back then? People were tossing vinyl records left and right because everyone was crazy about CDs and digital music. But this person had the foresight to snatch them up because prices were super low. And guess what? Vinyl records became popular again! Prices skyrocketed and this owner was sitting on a goldmine without even knowing it!

Some people say that this particular collection is the biggest one in all of Africa. I mean, imagine having the largest collection of vinyl records on the entire continent. That’s seriously impressive!

So, if you’re a music lover like me, you definitely need to check out this hotel. It’s like a dream come true. Grab a room, explore the collection, and immerse yourself in the beautiful world of vinyl records. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

Wow, have you seen the old school vinyls lining the dining area at this incredible hotel? It’s something to behold, let me tell you. People from near and far have flocked to Hocking, a humble town, just to experience the sights and wonders of this remarkable establishment. And let me tell you, the list of visitors is quite diverse – veteran car groups, bush pilots, motorbike clubs, geologists, film crews, off-road cyclists, families celebrating reunions and anniversaries, wine connoisseurs, and even newlyweds looking for the perfect wedding venue.

But it wasn’t just the amazing attractions that drew people in. Visitors came for a variety of reasons – some came for the books, some for the vinyls, and some came for the different tours offered. And boy, oh boy, were there tours to choose from! History trips, cycle tours, apartheid memories, ghost walks – you name it, they had it. But there were also plenty of individuals who simply came to chill and relax.

Now here’s where it gets interesting. The owner of the hotel, much to their own surprise, discovered a treasure trove of local history right in Bethulie. It turns out this little town is a microcosm of South Africa as a whole, with a rich and diverse past just waiting to be explored. And the hotel, well, it’s been the perfect vessel to showcase this fascinating history. The owner and the hotel have truly taken full advantage of this unique opportunity.

When you come to this hotel, you’ll discover a delightful surprise: scrumptious meals that are specially prepared to satisfy hungry bookworms like you and me. We like to have a little fun with our food, so we say it’s “strictly Free State,” but really it’s just good old-fashioned boerekos, which is traditional Afrikaans cuisine, or simply tasty home cooking.

Books, books, and more books! Can you even imagine a world without them? Books are like little doorways that lead us into secret worlds, where anything is possible. They transport us to different times and places, and let our imaginations run wild. Whether you’re curled up in bed with a thrilling mystery or exploring far-off lands in a fantasy epic, books have a special kind of magic that’s hard to find anywhere else. They’re like windows into different lives and perspectives, giving us a glimpse into what it’s like to be someone else.

Speaking of different perspectives, did you know that books can also be a lifeline in times of uncertainty? Take the current lockdown situation, for example. As a hotel owner, I’ve seen firsthand how COVID-19 has turned our world upside down. The hospitality industry has been hit hard, and hotels everywhere have had to make tough decisions to stay afloat.

Here at our hotel, we’ve been through it all. We know the reality of this pandemic, and we’ve felt its impact on our business. But amidst all the chaos, books have been a source of comfort and hope. We’ve seen our guests change their plans, cancel their trips, and put their dreams on hold. But many of them have also found solace in the world of books. Instead of completely giving up on their vacation, they’ve chosen to postpone and immerse themselves in stories that take them places they can’t physically go right now. It’s been incredible to witness the power of books in helping people cope with these challenging times.

During the lockdown, my colleagues and I took advantage of the quiet to tackle a major reorganization of our book and record collections. This was something we couldn’t have done with guests around, and even though it’s not finished, I can already tell it will greatly enhance the guest experience.

When I think about what makes Bethulie so special to me, one thing stands out: the Afrikaner community. Back when I lived in the cities, I found Afrikaners to be guarded and hesitant to open up. But in the Free State countryside, it was a different story. The Afrikaners there were open and willing to share, allowing me to truly understand the essence of South Africa from within.

‘I have everything in Bethulie, including great friendships with farmers and others I’ve known for a long time. We have grown old together. And you know what? People think I’m an amazing storyteller just because I go on trips with them. Can you believe it?’

‘What’s so special about Bethulie to me? I think it’s the potential it holds. While other small towns have lost their charm, Bethulie is still thriving. And there’s so much more that can be done here – not just in our area but in turning Bethulie into the center of tourism for a big part of Central South Africa.’