I had the good fortune of visiting Groot Marico (or Bosman Country) in the North West recently, and man, what an experience! I had heard about the great South African writer Herman Charles Bosman but never knew the extent of his infamy nor how many enthusiasts he has. Oom Schalk Lourens made it famous, and I found more than just mampoer and tall tales in Groot Marico.
Here, I give you the wisdom of the Marico with a collection of inspiring (or funny) quotes I heard throughout the weekend, which happened to fall on Bosman Weekend. Check out the guide to Groot Marico on page 88 of Getaway’s January 2015 issue.
The magic of The Marico. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
“Marico is a country where long tradition lives.”
“This place is very healing and takes you on a journey into yourself. You’ve got to listen with your heart.”
“Love is what drives creation, there is nothing else. Creation is another word for generosity. Love is not interested in power.”
– Egbert van Bart
Egbert van Bart sits in the information center. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
“This Marico is God’s own.”
“If you worry, you die. If you don’t worry, you also die. So why worry.”
On Wag n’ Biekie sports pub and family restaurant: “Where M4 roadkill is cooked to perfection.”
“There’s nothing like an old ballie coming late to the jol (on old men with a penchant for much younger women)”.
– Elf Alfred
“If youngsters get interested in nature, things fall into place.”
“I want to share this place with the people. You can’t just close your gate and lock it.”
– Oom Koos Olivier
Oom Palm at the Marico Oog. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
“Nature is cleverer than Einstein.”
“You know, you learn a lot from cows. You have to earn their trust and they remember your voice.”
– Oom Palm
“You can sing any song on the boat train… It’s always on rhythm.”
– Johan Jordaan
“There’s nothing profound about hearts breaking.”
– Lesego Rampolokeng (writer, playwright and performance poet)
Young farmers Chris Lewis and John Boshoff. Photo by Teagan Cunniffe.
“I like Groot Marico for the hardcore bush.”
– Chris Lewis
“I like it for the kak lekker water. You don’t get water better than this.”
– John Boshoff
Groot Marico is a must-see. Make some time to visit over Bosman Weekend (mid-October) for an experience of the old heart and history that is still living. I love you Groot Marico.
Read my guide to Groot Marico in our January 2015 issue, on shelves now! (Click the cover below to have a look at the other features in this issue.)
Follow my travels on Instagram and Twitter: @vuyiroamsfree
