A visit to KNYSNA, South Africa - History, Markets and Lagoon Views! скачать в хорошем качестве

A visit to KNYSNA, South Africa - History, Markets and Lagoon Views!

Hi everyone! In this video, I explore the iconic Garden Route town of Knysna, located roughly 60 kilometres east of George along the N2 highway. As of 2019, Knysna's population was estimated at just over 76,000. According to some interpretations, “Knysna” means "Place of Wood" in the local Khoi language - a fitting name for a town surrounded by rich indigenous forests. The video starts with me orientating myself in the Knysna Waterfront, looking at some maps and information I picked up at the Tourist Information Office. I explore more of the Waterfront, visiting several shops featuring clothing, arts and crafts and other trinkets. I explain more about the name "Knysna" and visit the memorial to the 7 June 2017 Knysna fire - a tragic recent event that had a profound impact on the town. Knysna’s story started with a small group of Dutch settlers who carved out farms deep in the forests. The first Europeans showed up around 1760, setting up the Melkhoutkraal farm - named after the Afrikaans term for “milk wood pen” or "milk wood enclosure" - on the eastern edge of the Knysna Lagoon. Stephanus Terblans was the very first European farmer granted permission to work the land here in 1770. Back then, the push for farmland went hand in hand with the search for timber. By the middle of the 18th century, the Cape and surrounding areas were facing timber shortages. Many of the woods around Cape Town were exhausted, so people needed to look elsewhere, including East. This created demand for new sources of wood, and the Knysna forests were rich in valuable timber. I decide to leave the Waterfront and pass the Knysna Yacht Club, where I meet some of the people involved in general maintenance and sea services, who give me a tour of their workshops. I then start to walk to Thesen Harbour Town on Thesen Island. Along the way, I give a lot more information about the history of Knysna, including the roles of George Rex (often hailed as Knysna's founder), Captain Thomas Henry Duthie and the Thesen family who arrived from Norway. George Rex, often incorrectly referred to as an illegitimate son of George III, arrived from Britain and took control of the Melkhoutkraal farm in 1804. In 1816, he obtained Welbedacht, which he renamed Eastford. He donated a part of Eastford to the government, where the Royal Navy established the small township of Melville. I talk about Rex's dream of establishing a harbour and some of the challenges he faced regarding the wider geography. Ultimately, Knysna became a town in 1825 and a magistrate in the 1850s (Note: some sources claim it became a magistrate in 1851, others in 1858. It is possible the former date, which I mention in the vlog, refers to early discussions and petitions - please let me know in the comments). Then came the Thesen family - Arndt Leonard and his brother Mathias - who were originally heading to New Zealand from Stavanger, Norway in 1869. Their ship was delayed in Cape Town, so they tried a bit of coastal trading, and before they knew it, they fell in love with Knysna. They stuck around and soon launched a booming timber-export business, complete with a steam sawmill and shipyard. Eventually, all of that shifted to what was once called Paarden Island - today’s famous Thesen Island. At Thesen Island, I visit an estate agent, Engel & Völkers, where I learn more about property prices in the area and get a fantastic view of the wider town from their rooftop. Afterwards, I pop into several shops, including that of Aldo Kleyn, who shows me some of his impressive creations - including a belt made from musselcracker fish leather! I continue to learn more about the area from information boards scattered across the area, including Knysna's history regarding oysters and the timber industry. I also talk about Knysna's bragging rights over Johannesburg as it struck gold (albeit on a small scale) before the Witwatersrand did! In 1878, a gold nugget was found in the Karatara River near Ruigtevlei. Next, I experience a highlight of any Knysna visit — a lagoon cruise to the famous Knysna Heads. A huge thanks to Nathan and the team at The Water Club for an unforgettable journey - they kindly hosted me for the ride. While cruising, Nathan shares fascinating insights into the region’s geography, history, and real estate. This is their Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/thewaterclu... Knysna Town Centre is our next stop. I get insights into how the people of Knysna go about their daily lives and notice several malls, stalls and monuments of interest. I engage with an enthusiastic local artist selling his work on the street as well as a fruit and vegetable trader. The vlog ends with me giving a tour of my hotel room. I hope you enjoy this vlog! If you haven't done it yet, please hit the LIKE and SUBSCRIBE buttons, leave a COMMENT and SHARE this video with friends and family! Happy exploring! Willie