1.1 Lamps, stoves and heaters
To light a paraffin lantern, remove the glass chimney light the wick and ensure that it does not protrude above the cowl. Keep the flame low until the glass chimney heats up. Setting the wick at maximum before heating the glass will break it. Please turn the paraffin lamps down to prevent smoking and blackening the lamp chimney & ceiling, especially should you go out at night. Do not leave candles burning in your absence. Where applicable, please check that the air vent of your kitchen or lounge stove is closed before leaving the cottage.
Please do not leave any gas or paraffin heaters operating unattended. Always switch gas heaters off at the bottle. It is advisable to turn gas or paraffin heaters on for some time before going to bed and turn them off at bedtime . In the interests of your safety, please do not leave them burning all night. If you are unsure about operating any of the devices please ask us.
1.2 Geyser and Fridge
Please check that the pilot light in your bathroom geyser is operating as well as the burner for the fridge, if required. In the event that they are not on, please turn the gas off at the bottle and contact us. The same applies if you should smell gas at any time. Gas geysers have a limited range for heating water. During cold weather, shower or bath in the late afternoon or early evening when the ambient temperature of the water is at its maximum for the day.
1.3 Domestic Service
Your domestic will come in the mornings to tidy the house and set the fireplace ready to be lit in the afternoon. If you would like her to do personal washing or child-minding, please make arrangements directly with her for your own account.
2. GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 Cell phone reception :
Cell phone reception is generally good in Rhodes . Vodacom has a tower at Rhodes and at Donkerhoek, the peak adjacent to the Bokspruit turnoff. MTN has a tower at Tiffindell. Reception varies according to proximity and visibility of these points in outlying areas.
2.2 Drinking water :
Rhodes residents drink the tap water which is passed through the municipal purification plant but if you think you may not react well to it, bottled water is for sale at Walkerbouts Inn or at the shop.
2.3 Eating out
Recommended is Walkerbouts Inn for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For dinner, please book in advance. Phone 045 974 9290 or call in at Walkerbouts to discuss your meal.
2.4 Medical
There are no medical facilities in Rhodes . The nearest doctors are in Barkly East. Contact number; Drs Olivier & de Villiers - 045 971 0285
2.5 Climate
Healthy and invigorating with more than 300 days a year of brilliant sunshine. The nature of the terrain in the Highlands is such that all four seasons can be experienced in one day. It is a summer rainfall region with snow in winter but which can fall at any time. On the 1 st January 2001, residents and holiday-makers alike awoke to 50mm of snow on the ground. Warm clothing should always be included in your luggage and in any outings into the surrounding mountains.
2.6 Security
Crime is not a major issue in Rhodes however, it is best to be safe rather than sorry so please ensure that your vehicle is locked and that valuables are not left lying around.
