Paarl Museum Visit: History, Culture, and a Letdown

Good afternoon, everyone.

After a few weeks of recovery from illness and injuries, we finally had the chance to head out again. This time, our destination was the Paarl Museum in the heart of Paarl. Our Paarl Museum visit turned out to be a fascinating glimpse into local and colonial history—although the day did end on a less tasty note.

Warm Welcome and Rich History

We arrived at the museum around 10:15 AM and were warmly welcomed by Zenobia Otong, the host on duty. Entrance was only R10 per person, a real bargain. Since I don’t usually carry cash, I asked about donating via EFT. Zenobia made it easy and seamless, and we were quickly inside, ready to explore.

The Paarl Museum visit kicked off with an impressive collection of antique furniture. One standout was a bookshelf built from seven different types of wood, designed by an NG Church dominee in the 1800s. Nearby, we admired a foot-pump organ and a nearly 200-year-old piano that could be folded into a table. These details added to the charm and authenticity of the experience.

For more info about the museum’s history and significance, you can also visit Museum Explorer’s Paarl Museum page.

Walking Through Time

Each room had something new to offer. In one space, we saw a massive wooden cupboard and a seaman’s chest placed next to a section of an old gravestone. In another, we found a fully recreated 1700s kitchen. The atmosphere was so accurate, it genuinely felt like we had traveled back in time.

Next came a room styled to show how life looked in the 1920s, complete with authentic items. There was also a corner dedicated to Queen Victoria’s era, with objects reflecting British influence during her reign. Throughout our Paarl Museum visit, the attention to detail stood out.

👉 For more stories like this one, you can check out our previous adventures here:
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Zenobia’s Passion for History

Before leaving, we spent some time chatting with Zenobia. Her passion for history was evident in the way she shared stories and insights. She’s a genuinely friendly and inspiring person, and we appreciated every moment of the conversation.

A Disappointing Lunch Experience

By 11:30 AM, hunger had set in. As usual, I skipped breakfast, so we decided to stop at Lounah Café in Paarl. We were greeted kindly and shown to a table. I ordered Rooibos tea and a toasted chicken mayonnaise sandwich, while Angelique went for a Coke and traditional South African Melkkos.

When our food arrived, things took a turn. Angelique quickly lost her appetite; the Melkkos had a watery texture and bland flavor. I tasted it and agreed—it didn’t taste like Melkkos at all.

Then I bit into my sandwich. It was cold. The chicken, bacon, and mayo had no warmth, and the bread was tough. Halfway through, I had to stop. It became inedible, and I genuinely felt ill from it. Unfortunately, this meal stood in stark contrast to the amazing Paarl Museum visit earlier in the day.

More Adventures Coming Soon

Despite the lunch hiccup, the museum made the day worthwhile. We’re already looking forward to our next stop, which I’ll tell you about on Wednesday. Plus, Angelique and I will be taking a road trip to Pretoria on Thursday, and we’ll share more updates along the way.

Until then, have a great day, everyone!