The Free State sits right in the middle of South Africa, one of our nine provinces and a region rich in history. Unlike South Africa’s famous coastlines and beaches, the Free State offers something entirely different: vast open plains, rolling farmlands, rugged mountain ranges, and farmers with hearts as big as the horizon. As people often say, it’s the province where few trees grow — but where the spirit grows freely. Even Nelson Mandela once said it was the place where he could let his thoughts roam. I call it the “golden province.” Not only because of the gold mined in its deep shafts, but because of the golden fields above ground — wheat, sunflower, sorghum, and corn stretching endlessly. It’s no wonder the Free State is known as South Africa’s “kosmandjie.” Golden Gate National Park glows like real gold when the sun hits its sandstone cliffs. And those early mornings over the plains? They truly feel like the origin of the saying “Die oggendstond het goud in die mond.” We’ve travelled through the Free State for more than twenty years, and every trip reveals something new. Every town has a story, but Bethulie remains my favourite — a tiny, historic place whose name means “God’s chosen one.” You could miss it if you blink, yet it has always been our halfway stop on the road to our holiday home. Travelling through the Free State leaves you with images you carry long after the journey ends. It reminds you that beauty lives in the quiet moments, not just the destination. Oh yah I have to say it... The Vrystaat is also the home of Grey College.🙃 @Taitem Jewell