Post 37 Build it Journey
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Blog Post 37
What a great time I am having. After a super week end in Cradock where I did a fair bit of cycling around town and outlying areas I made my way to what must be one of the most beautiful towns in South Africa, Graaff Reinet. The architecture, buildings, layout, the friendly people, wonderful vibe, it’s just a wonderful place.
My week got off to a fantastic start as Stephan the owner of Graaff Reinet Build It could not have been a more friendly and nicer man. We had an excellent meeting and the time we spent together reinforced further how important this trip is on many levels. I felt so privileged to meet someone the calibre of Stephan and be in such a beautiful South African town.
There was awesome Karoo driving to follow – I love the scenery and empty spaces and big open skies, it really has to be one of the special places not just in South Africa but the whole world - as I made my way to mighty Somerset East only to find on my arrival there that the Build It store is no longer and has been replaced by another store.
Not to be disheartened I carried on my journey and had a lovely tea in the small village town of Bedford in a charming little coffee shop. I thought I would treat myself after the disappointment of Somerset East 
I then did another long drive to Grahamstown which still has some lovely buildings but is definitely looking a little shabby in places. Not the new Build It store there though which is immaculate in every way and not that I know the criteria for winning prizes in the Build It system but I will be surprised if this store does not win some awards soon
I met my second wonderful and friendly owner of the day Philip Swanepoel. What an absolute gentleman and so friendly. I am just blown away every single day by how amazing the people are that work in the Build It group. I have never (!!) met so many down to earth, salt of the earth good people in one company ever – not in 48 years on this earth. It’s so great for me
We found that Grahamstown being so new is not listed on our website www.homeimprovement4u.co.za and so I phoned my unbelievably supportive and ever friendly partner Fee on the spot and we will get them listed straight away. Always great to list another Build It and we have about another 50 or so on the way to be listed for the Build It’s in Swaziland, Lesotho, Mozambique and Namibia. They will be on by the end of the month. Yay!
After a great meeting with Philip I made my way to Kenton which will be my base for the next three days. It has been a long day of driving having covered 544 kms but it’s been an excellent day. Life is too good.