Sunset over the Pacific

There is beauty next to the ocean, does not matter where. Me and Richard arrived in San Francisco Sunday midday, freshened up and then drove to Halfmoon Bay. I had a New England chowder with a lobster sandwich, washed down with a Anchor Steam draft, while watching the sun set.

Praise for a year of blessings

A small group of circle leaders gathered at the church tonight to praise the Lord for a year of blessings. We gave thanks for all that we received in abundance in the smaller groups. It is important, sometimes for a moment, to stop worrying about our tribulations and to count our blessings.

Weather-influenced weekend

The weekend started off with immaculate weather: not too hot; very little wind... a perfect day. During Saturday night one could hear spells of wind and Sunday morning, it started raining intermittently. The wind swept up swells on the lake and the clouds tumbling over the mountains had a special beauty to them.

Hanging around the Airport

Waiting for MN452 to Lanseria. The flight is delayed and this messes with everything. I will be late in Johannesburg; missing an important teleconference. Interesting how everyone queues in expectation for the gate to open. If the airline got the scheduled time wrong, how can we believe the new estimated time?

A new day dawns in Dubai

I went to bed last night with a terrible flu - headache, sore joints, tight cough. Luckily, through interventions from brother-in-law Izak and Reg, I was on strong medicines. I battled to sleep most of the night, but felt much better in the morning. As I opened the windows and saw the sun rise over the high rises on the Palm Marina, I felt a new energy.

The links at Spanish Bay

During an executive breakaway in Pebble Beach, I had an opportunity to play this links course. I managed a few good swings, lost about 12 balls, made good friends and had the most amazing time. The surroundings of the golf course is spectacular and the course is maintained in pristine condition.

IBM Bay Area Labs

I had a meeting at the IBM offices in Foster City. Websphere is enhanced and maintained out of these offices. I was given a tour through the facilities and I had to remind me that the code cut here is running mission critical systems in big corporations all over the world.

Central Peninsula Church

I attended church in California. The church that I picked was close to my hotel, mid sized, middle to upper class. I was struck by the wonderful facilities and the talent of the people that God collected in this congregation. Beautiful music, pure scripture and holy sacraments flowed forth, but I felt that an energising purpose was lacking.

Canada Road Cycling

During my last visit to California, I wanted to get onto the road, but could not. So this time I rented a bike and it was worth it. The cycling spots are spectacular (great climbs, big bike lanes, thick forests and scenic routes), but it is the way that motorists accommodate cyclists that is the most refreshing.

In a Dubai lift

As I hurtle downwards from the 26 floor of the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai, it occured to me how frequently I stand in lifts during my travels. While all lifts do the same job, they do come in many different formats; some announce arrivals in an artificial voice, others require your room-card before they move. It is also interesting to experience different people that you share the lift with... as you never meet them.