Visit to Lucas Oil Stadium

The Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis hosted the XLVI Super Bowl this year. It is a brand-new and well-designed stadium and serves as the home of the Colts in the NFL. We joined a tour of the facilities and committed that we would attempt to see a live game here in the not too distant future.

Attending the Indy500

The Indy500 is a very special sporting event. This is a motor race that has been run on the same track since 1909. It is said that this is the biggest spectator event in the world; with an attendance of more than 350 000, this is probably true. Me, Annelie and Izak joined the crowds to watch the warmest race ever (with temperatures in the thirties); to see the lead change thirty-four times and see Dario Franchetti win his third Indy500. It was a special occasion with many memories created.

Annelie hugging her son

We arrived after 37 hours of travel at Indianapolis airport. Izak was easily spotted wearing a DHL Stormers jersey and it was with a lot of thanks in our heart that we hugged our son.

Boarding for Indianapolis

Boarding EK773 in Cape Town International. Me and Annelie just started a 30 hour journey to see our son, Izak, in Indianapolis. We look forward to see him on Saturday.

Meeting in the sun

We have such nice working environment here at Fundamo. I realised it again when I walked past the rest area on the second floor to see Robert and Alan relaxing in the sun with a cup of coffee. A good work environment is definitely conducive to delivering great solutions.

Marine-style haircut

I had my regular haircut this morning. As I sat down in the chair, I thought: "why not?" and asked for short-back-and-sides. I now look like a serious marine in civilian clothes.

Not afraid of the thunder

"Oupa, ek is so groot nou dat ek nie eers bang is vir donnerwheer nie!" was Arden's greeting when the car stopped in the driveway today. It is so special to hear him express himself. I am told that he recently said "give that man a Bells!". I almost felt like pouring him a drink.

Brand new Atlanta terminal

The new international terminal opened two days ago (terminal F). I am leaving on DL200 for Johannesburg at gate F02 and I am worried that they would loose my luggage. (That usually happens at new terminals; doesn't it?). The lounge is bright and still smell like paint and new fabrics and a glass of red wine sells for under $10.

Steve and Elise

I met my cousin Elise (whom I have not seen for 35 years) and her husband, Steve, in Orlando; while attending the Visa Payments Forum. It was great to hear how passionately she talks about her missionary work into Africa and India. I realised how important it is to stay in touch with family, especially in the globally connected world that we now live in.

Rainy Orlando

Wake up this morning and heard the rain. The day was dark and the funrides in the distance was wrapped in shadows. Then the sun broke through and reflected off the pools in the parking area.

Looking the crane driver in the eye

I stayed on the 9th floor at the Radisson Blue Gautrain Sandton to attend a workshop. When I opened the curtains in the morning an occupied crane on the building site next door was on the same level as me.

Back home for a day

The sun was particularly bright today and the mountains bright. I could smell the sea and the next morning the dawn was specially beautiful on the scattered clouds. Maybe I appreciate the Cape more given that I am here less frequent.

Positive experience about Africa

I attended the African World Economic Forum in Addis Ababa and met some amazing African leaders. The discussions were extremely stimulating and while I recognise that we have lots of problems on the continent, I came away with such a positive spirit. Given a world that is stumbling on so many aspects, Africa is full of promise.

Country Sixty

I arrived in Addis Ababa in overcast weather with intermittent rain for the Africa session of the WEF. This is the sixtieth country that I have now visited. I have not yet had time to explore, but initial impressions of Addis is a city built on a rich heritage.

Spot of sunshine

There is a special beauty when the sunlight breaks through an overcast sky. We experienced this as we drove to the Strand in the late afternoon, and just one patch was bathed in glorious sunlight on the Helderberg foot.

Raining on the way to work

Driving to work in the rain this morning was quite enjoyable. The key was to take it easy and not rush to work. I enjoyed the sound of the wipers, the reflection of light on the wet tarmac and the sweeping clouds. The journey to work was seven minutes longer, but filled my life with more memories.