Firstly, Parys: I went through the town around 08:30 on a chilly Saturday morning, I was quite impressed, unlike most small towns, Parys looked great.
Restaurants & shops were opening & setting up, the streets were clean. It reminded me of a bigger more organised Clarens.
Berakah: I haven't been to Berakah in many years, it was always a nice long trail, but it was clear back then that the owners had long been resting on their laurels.
The Chalets were crappy, attitudes sucked & the trail wasn't being looked after.
I recall booking in, in 2011, & asking why they had not switched the fridges in the chalets on, the lady replied "It are very difficult to know what chalets fridge we must put on, sous we don't".
There were 6 chalets? But rather than explain to this imbecile that you just switch on the one's you've let out, I said "Then just switch all 6 on, then on Sunday switch off the ones that aren't occupied.
Anyhoo, fast forward to today: The chalets are nicer than back then, the shop/reception building is now a chalet, the old rusty shed is now a dining area with fireplace & a bar.
The trail has changed a little, but has been completely re-signposted, the first thickly wooded section has been cut back so even an Amarok can do it - it's not as tight as before.
The rest of the trail is nice. But Mine-shaft & the escape out of mine-shaft is still as rough as ever!
I had a chat to the son (he says the old man passed on 16 years ago?) & it seems that, with getting married & the economic downturn they decided to lift their game.
Whatever the reason - Berakah is better than ever & well worth a visit.
