shopping in van reenen

Last week I went to sniff around in the ghosthamlet of Van Reenen, teetering at the top of the pass that takes you over the mountains.

There was once a busy dorpie here with a red brick station building and sturdy railway houses that would be wonderful to renovate.

Bit of a vrot place to live today, among derelict buildings and goats.

Still, you can get excellent tea in a sweet cafe in the decommissioned church next door to the abandoned petrol station.

There are a few little ghosthamlet shops, like this trading store managed by a lady in a large green headdress who is visiting her neighbour when I arrive and must be yelled for to open up.

In the window they have :

Some red hats
Some silver pots
A pair of shoes
A dumb valet

In the window on the other side of the door:

A milk can
Carved wooden snakes
Aprons
Wall hangings
Farm equipment

I like this shop.