Chante JVR

If you enjoyed this post, please consider donating to mine and my husband’s “honeymoon”/immigration fund and help us get to the UK! Even a small amount would mean the world to us.

🌄 A Journey of Love in the Heart of the Drakensberg Mountains 🏞️

Hello, fellow wanderers! It’s official! Jeremy and I are married! I know I’ve been a bit quite this month but I’m thrilled to share with you the incredible adventure that we embarked on immediately after tying the knot. Deciding to forego a honeymoon in lieu of saving for our immigration, we had no real plans for a honeymoon. That was until Jeremy’s mom asked us to spend a week with the family at their holiday home in Underberg. We enthusiastically agreed and spent an unconventional yet enchanting quote unquote honeymoon in the picturesque town of Underberg, nestled in the Drakensberg Mountains of South Africa.

🎉 Just Married: From “I Do” to “I Do Something Different!”

Underberg, with its rolling hills, meandering rivers, and the iconic Drakensberg peaks in the background, offered the perfect backdrop for our post-wedding bliss, despite the initial 3-hour drive. The air was crisp some days and sweltering others, the scenery was awe-inspiring, and the feeling of seclusion added an extra layer of intimacy to our newlywed adventures.

🍵 Pit Stop at Rox Coffee Co ☕

Nestled along the scenic route up to Underberg, a quaint coffee shop tucked in a petrol station beckoned with the promise of warm hospitality and gourmet treats. Jeremy and I couldn’t resist the temptation to indulge in their offerings, and what a treat it turned out to be!

Both being chocolate as well as ice coffee fanatics, Jeremy and I couldn’t resist the allure of their iced chocolate. The velvety sweetness provided the perfect pick-me-up for our journey into the mountains.

However, the true revelation came with our choice of roadtrip snacks. Jeremy, a self-proclaimed pie enthusiast and manager of a pastry shop, declared he had stumbled upon the holy grail of pies. His eyes lit up with delight as he savoured what he deemed “the best pie he’s ever tasted,” a title not easily awarded. Meanwhile, my taste buds were treated to a symphony of flavours in the form of a mouthwatering cheese and pastrami sandwich. The layers of savoury pastrami and rich cheese were perfectly complemented by the bread, creating a culinary masterpiece that left me longing for more.

The unplanned stop at Rox Coffee Co became a prelude to the culinary delights that awaited us in Underberg, setting the tone for a honeymoon filled with unexpected pleasures and delightful discoveries. It’s the spontaneous moments like these that make a journey truly unforgettable, and Rox Coffee Co has etched itself into the story of our Underberg adventure.

🏡 Our Cozy Cabin Retreat

Due to being just married, we were gifted a charming cabin tucked away in the hills all to ourselves. Laird’s Lodge offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Waking up to the sight of the sun rising over the mountains and spending evenings by the fireplace created an atmosphere of romance that surpassed any beachfront sunset.

Both houses have braai facilities but for our first night, we opted to braai at Hawley House where the rest of the family were staying. Despite a few power issues, we had an awesome night eating, drinking, chatting, and laughing.

🛍️🍽️ A Day of Shopping and Culinary Delights 🌿

The following day unfolded with a delightful mix of leisure and exploration. Eager to soak in the local charm, we set out to explore the town’s boutiques and craft shops, discovering unique treasures that would forever remind us of this special place.

We eventually stumbled onto The Lemon Tree Bistro, a charming coffee shop that proudly proclaimed to have ‘the best coffee in Underberg’, made from their own exclusive coffee brand, Guadi. It was a cold day, but the menu offered a tantalizing array of options, from breakfasts to pastas to soups – basically there was something for everyone!

🛁🍰 Indulgence and Tranquility: A Blissful Self-care Morning and An Afternoon at The Duck 🦆🍷

The next day unfolded as a perfect blend of self-care and exploration. After a hearty breakfast, I decided to treat myself to a well-deserved post-wedding, stress-relieving bath. With a bath bomb gifted to me at my bachelorette party, the tub became a sanctuary of tranquillity, and the fragrant bubbles provided a serene backdrop to reflect on the beautiful whirlwind of the past days.

Refreshed and rejuvenated, we embarked on a trip to The Olde Duck, a charming spot amongst open fields and dotted with adorable farm animals. As Jeremy indulged in a glass of wine, I opted for a comforting chocolate milkshake, a sweet indulgence that perfectly complemented the cozy ambiance. The highlight of our visit was the carrot cake, a heavenly treat that danced on my taste buds with every bite.

My mother-in-law, who joined me in a slice of cake, also sipped on a cappuccino adorned with a cute little lion foam art, adding a touch of whimsy to our delightful afternoon.

🚶‍♀️⛪ A Morning Walk, a Quaint Pub, and Toasts to New Beginnings 🌼🍻

The next day unfolded as a leisurely exploration of the neighbourhood’s hidden gems. We set out on a delightful morning walk, meandering through the charming streets adorned with blooming flowers and historic charm. We found the community garden that offered townsfolk to “take what you need, leave what you like.” This sweet addition offered us a glimpse into the tight-knit spirit of this small town. We also stumbled upon a breathtaking church that stood as a timeless testament to Underberg’s history and architectural grace.

Venturing into town later on, we popped into the Underberg Inn and Pub, proudly claiming the title of the highest and most affordable pub in Underberg. The allure of its daily changing meal specials was super enticing, though we opted for a more casual visit this time. Jeremy enjoyed a crisp beer, while I sipped on a refreshing vodka coke served in a cool glass bottle, adding a touch of nostalgia to our afternoon.

The lady behind the bar, with her infectious friendliness, congratulated us warmly on our recent marriage, making us feel like old friends. Her jokes and genuine warmth made the visit memorable, leaving us eager to return and savour the tantalizing meals promised by this charming pub.

🍽️🏰 Culinary Delights and Historical Wonders: A Day of Flavour and Discovery in Himeville 🍰🏡

The following day beckoned with the promise of new flavours and historical marvels as we ventured to Stone House Kitchen in Himeville, about 6kms outside of Underberg. Welcomed by the warm smiles of two friendly ladies, we felt an immediate sense of hospitality. Their recommendation of the “to-die-for” baked cheesecake intrigued us, though our appetites first led us to other tantalizing dishes. Jeremy had a pulled pork burger, bursting with savoury goodness, while I indulged in a delectable chicken and mushroom pie bathed in a flavourful sauce. The promise of the cheesecake lingered but we were too stuffed to consider it. Not to worry, another reason for a return visit, along with the anticipation of their homemade atcha that, unfortunately, wasn’t available at the time.

Across the road from the culinary haven stood the Himeville Fort & Museum run by a delightful woman named Louise. She provided a quick yet insightful summary of the fort’s history before inviting us to explore its relics. The best part? Entrance was free, but donations welcomed! Louise’s passion for the museum’s history added an extra layer of appreciation to the experience.

We ended the day off with a delicious braai. The sizzle of the grill echoing the memories of a day filled with love and exploration.

🛌🎥 Relaxation and Reflection: A Serene Farewell to the Berg 🏞️🍻

On our last day in the enchanting Berg, we chose to embrace the art of slowing down. The morning was a luxurious affair, as we lingered in bed, relishing the quiet moments of togetherness as husband and wife. A cozy movie session followed, wrapping us in the warmth of the cabin as we got sucked into the action.

With a desire to savour the breathtaking views of the area one last time, we ventured to the lookout point. However, the bustling crowd dampened the tranquility we were seeking, prompting us to leave it for a future visit. Flexibility became the theme of the day, leading us to the Underberg Pub and Inn again, where we enjoyed another round of drinks in the laid-back ambiance.

Returning home, we closed our Berg adventure with a delicious potjie courtesy of Jeremy’s aunt and uncle, a culinary masterpiece that perfectly capped off our week of exploration and flavour. While the potjie stewed, we all played card games and reveled in the oncoming storm.

The next day was spent, as all holidays are, packing up and hitting the road. The weather, a reflection of our reluctance to leave, offered a farewell in the form of rain-soaked roads.

Making a final pit stop at Rox Coffee Co to warm ourselves up (well, maybe not Jeremy who was apparently getting hot), we indulged in hot chocolate and another iced chocolate, savouring the familiar flavors that had accompanied us on the journey up. The cozy atmosphere of the car, audiobook playing through the speakers, and the comforting beverages became a fitting conclusion to our Berg escapade, leaving us with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude for the memories woven into the fabric of the mountains.

As we navigated the wet roads, our hearts were filled with the echoes of laughter, the taste of adventure, and the promise of returning to the Berg’s warm embrace.

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