In tatters

Platteland is more than a magazine. It’s almost like a letter from a friend. The Winter 2023 edition in particular was a winner in my book; it gave me great pleasure as I read it from cover to cover a few times until it was falling apart. You’ve taught me that the slow life is the good life, and to live life to the fullest.

• Maria van Zyl’s story (“Ballad of the butter farmer”) is amazing. What a passionate and dynamic woman – dressed in her camel-coloured dungarees and rubber boots she even has the looks of a dairy farmer.

• We visited Groot-Marico. It’s such a friendly, untamed area! The people welcome you with a spirit of gratitude, joy and warmth.

• Graaff-Reinet is a beautiful town and surely has the most magnificent NG church in the country. I love this clean, tidy town with its exceptional natural beauty.

• Winter recipes… Wow, the most delicious, most flavourful food. I made the Provençe-style beef stew for my husband’s birthday, and he said it was the best present he had ever received. I am definitely going to say hello to Monché Muller at the Pink Valley Wines restaurant.

I think Platteland is the best outdoor and indoor magazine. I can’t do without it. I will use my lunch money and starve rather than miss this magazine full of news, new things and inspiration. It puts some pep in my step for the following three months.

Goodness! May you become as seasoned and timeless as most of Elvis’s songs! Never stop rock ’n’ rolling, and continue to challenge us with your topical articles and provocative and timeless grace!

Platteland makes me feel like Alice in Wonderland: you take me to hiding places where I get the healthiest vitamins for my body and best plasters for my soul. I am just crazy about this beautiful magazine.