Reliving the glory in the CTI business lounge

I am waiting for my flight in the Cape Town International business lounge that will start a journey to Lagos in Nigeria. They were showing a replay of yesterday's Springbok game against the Lions. I enjoyed reliving the glory of the historic win.

Arden Hannes' first day

I had to post a picture of my first grandchild on this blog. I borrowed this photo from Ernst's blog, as I will only see the little chap on Friday (God willing). It has been such a special experience to have heard the news of the birth. I cried with joy when I was told that he will carry my name and what the combination of Arden Hannes means ("ablaze with passion, because the Lord is gracious"). Modern technology enabled me to be able to talk to Ernst and Annelie and to see pictures of Arden on the web and through MMS messages sent to me while I was working in Barcelona. I just again realise how blessed I am. All the honour and the glory to God.

Leaving Barcelona for Cape Town

We had an amazing conference in Barcelona and ready to board for Heathrow. I thought that it was quite funny that the gate that our flight would be leaving from should be branded Chivas. It was a somewhat ironic way for Barcelona to say goodbye.

Matt spraypainting Fundamo logo

Matt is a senior executive in WU and a good friend. This is a picture of him spraypainting Fundamo's logo on a stand at the conference in Barcelona, as an activity at a cocktail event.

The second MMU Summit has just started

The second Summit just started. The Chairlady is Siki Mgabadeli, well-known media personality from South Africa. We are looking forward to great speakers and panel discussions. I will have an opportunity to meet industry leaders in informal situations and we will debate this fledgling industry for three days. It feels like yesterday when the first Summit kicked off in Cairo.

Just arrived in Barcelona for MobileMoneysummit

This is where the Mobile World Congress is held every year. Today it is so quiet compared to February when tens of thousands of delegates visit thousands of suppliers and attend hundreds of presentations. Today, only five-hundred specialists from all over the world get together here for two days to discuss topics related to bringing banking to the unbanked.

My unborn grandchild's birthday cake

We had lunch at Ernst and Catherine while Izak was visiting. Catherine had a wonderful choc-cake with candles to celebrate Annelie's birthday. Then we saw this cake with the hole in the middle and realised that if Arden is to be born today, we can also celebrate his birthday with a cake symbolising zero years.

Early morning mountain bike ride

I had a brilliant bicycle ride this morning. Through the vineyards and up one of the hills close to the estate. As the sun started breaking through the clouds, I was high on a hill overlooking False Bay and the city waking up. It was icy cold, but the air was fresh and filled with the special smells of a day awakening.

Heathrow Terminal 5 - in transit

Walking to Gate A11 for the flight to Paris. I had a great shower at the British Airways business lounge and even had oats porrige with fruit. There is no doubt: the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow is just one step ahead of Terminal 3 at Dubai. You just cannot manufacture class, does not matter how much money you throw at it.

Rust en Vrede magic

I had the most amazing dinner with Fundamo's executive management and their spouses at the new restaurant at Rust en Vrede. The six course dinner ably paired with great wines was in a class of its own. I specifically loved the lobster and quail paired with a wooded Chenin Blanc from a place north of Lambertsbay that I never heard of. The duck paired with the Merlot was also exquisite. A most enjoyable evening, also because I was able to share it with people that I enjoy spending time with.

First World trying to help Emerging Economies

I attended some of the World Economic Forum workshops today. It was a fascinating experience for me. I interacted with so many people with great CV's (CEO's and Regional executives of big corporates, Ministers and senior government officials) and had heated debates. I came away feeling that most actually don't understand the problem (and they are the most verbose) and those that understand have given up talking about it... or are just not invited back. I am not sure if they will invite me again.

Still the best burgers in the world

I know it is not Wednesday, but I needed lunch and was on my way to the City. I saw the store, and I stopped.

The ladies in our lives

We had lunch with Ernst and Catherine at the Greek today. We joked that this would probably be the last time that the four of us would have lunch for a long time as we expect little Arden to arrive soon (and then Ernst and Catherine will be three). I looked at my wife and my daughter and I felt so blessed.

Waterdrops in the sunrise

I noticed the sun breaking through the clouds over Stellenbosch as I was making coffee this morning. Then I saw the droplets on the vineyard trellis-wires, sparkling like diamonds. It was such a welcome-home message for me. Ooh, I love the Cape and to be home.

Dinner in Bahrain

Had a great dinner at one of the Bahrain hotels with Fouad. I had the cooked lamb with aspargus and mashed patotoes complimented with a great red blend (Cab, Merlot and Petit Verdot)

Dubai business lounge after over-night from Cape Town

I just arrived on the direct flight from Cape Town and waiting for my connecting flight. This "overnight" flight is a "killer". It arrives just after 05h00 in Dubai, but that is actually 03h00 Cape Town time. And also the crew only finishes the dinner service by around midnight - so it is difficult to sleep. Luckily the lounges are so good: I managed a quick shower and a good breakfast before boarding the next flight.

Its raining in the Cape, but the V&A is still special

I had dinner with guests at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront this evening. It was raining softly (like it can in the Cape). The faint smell of wood-fires and the distinctive sea-salt smell filled the air. It was just something sooo special to experience.