As a young child, I vividly remember passing Ronnies Sex Shop, en route to Outdshoorn while making our bi - annual visit to my grandparents. In those days the building was a mere dilapidated shell, creating a strong contrast to the arid, hilly vistas of the Klein Karoo plains.

Today, however, this legendary bar, affectionately known as "Ronnies", is something quite different. It is a destination pit - stop to travellers of all walks of life. When stopping there, the first thing you would notice, is the vibrant atmosphere enveloping this little bar, as you would most probably stumble apon a heard of thirst - driven nomads, hastily quenching the intense dryness that has nested in their parched throats.

You rush up the stone steps and plant yourself under one of the red Klipdrift umbrellas, seeking shelter from the fierce Karoo sun. When entering Ronnies, your gaze would immediately be drawn to the panty - clad ceiling, drawing a strong likeness to the Paternoster Hotel Bar, near Tietiesbaai. (The oldest of the panties are pretty old, by the way). You nestle up at the bar counter and place your first round order, while you can't help but notice the selection of pornographic playing cards stuck up against the wall in a crude assortment.

The bar prices however, might also give your heart and pocket, a bit of a jilt, but in all fairness, it is the most famous bar in the middle of nowhere, and once the dryness hits, the wallets open up. Just be sure to order a double round, as your first drink will vanish as soon as the bottle touches your lips. The interior, and certain parts of the exterior, provide an interesting collage of anecdotes and farewell wishes left by impressed travellers and excited passers by from all over the world. You could literally spend hours perusing Ronnies Sex Shop, soaking up the last remains of many, many memories and good times that have come to pass on its' dusty porch.

You are now free to enter Ronnies Shop, and experience Ronnie himself as he charismatically talks about his shirts, aprons and other interesting knick - knacks. As Ronnies Sex Shop has no credit card facilities, the proprietor himself is also known to allow vistors to run up bar tabs, and to then leave adequate payment at selected venues in either Barrydale or Ladismith.

The only disappointing part of my visit, was the Road Kill Cafe (the little restaurant which forms a part of the Ronnies Sex Shop offering), where I felt that the food served really left much to be desired. The prices charged were exorbitant, especially when match with the final product served. The carrot cake wasn't too bad, though, but the chicken burgers lacked chicken, as well as the finesse commonly associated wih a standard McDonalds chicken burger. Hmm.

In short, go and visit Ronnie at Ronnies Sex Shop, wipe the sweat from your brow, have a cold beer, enjoy the sights, read the graffiti against the walls and buy one of Ronnie signature black "roadmap" shirts. He also allows you to smoke in his shop.

What a legend.