Garden office

The gardens of the Fundamo office are really special: trees, big lawns, lush plants, a gazebo and even a koi pond. On a beautiful day like today, some people (like Richard) do their eMails and telephone calls from benches in the garden.

Flamingos in the morning

Me and Annelie spent the night at MeerenBosch. In the early morning light we saw the flamingos feeding in the shallow water close to the shore. A very light rain added to the tranquility of the picture.

Coenie de Villiers live

Coenie de Villiers is probably one of the greatest Afrikaans song writers and performers. Me and Annelie were fortunately to listen to him in a small, intimate theatre tonight. His special lyrics and absolute control of the piano touched my heart.

Admin

Some of the times, one just has to take a break and do your admin. With tax return deadlines looming, bills to be paid and filing to be done, I could not postpone anymore. Notwithstanding the brilliant weather, I did the mundane stuff. But at least my life is a bit more organised now.

Wannabe cycling club

I joined the club this morning for a fast fifty km cycle through Stellenbosch. Afterwards we had a quick coffee at Dolce's as is customary.

Car wash entrepreneur

A few years ago, Alphonse walked into the office asking if he could wash some of our cars in the parking lot. He did such a good job that, when he arrived again, more staff joined the queue to get their cars washed. Today he employs three guys to wash all the cars to be washed in a day and the quality has not reduced.

Rainbow road

Returning from the airport to home, I was greeted by a spectacular rainbow. It started right in front of the taxi in the road on the horizon, encircled the Helderberg and ended in the distant Somerset West.

My proud dad

I could see that it took my dad a lot of exertion to take the few steps from his seat to the table for lunch. Bent-over and wheezing, he refused any help. You can take a lot away from this man (his strength, health and balance), but he will hang on to pride till the end.

I slept on the equator

It seems that the Mount Kenya Safari Club was built on the equator and it so happened that my bed was placed on 0.00 degrees. I did not experience anything different with one part of me in the northern hemisphere and the other in the southern.

Agent cash-out points

On our way to the Mount Kenya park, we stopped at a small village. I counted at least five mobile money agents, representing mPesa, Equity and others. I witnessed a transaction (Cash-in) in real life and once again realized how this industry has transformed society fundamentally.

Passing by Bafana playing

On my way from the airport in Nairobi, stuck in traffic as is the case often here, we passed the stadium where Bafana Bafana was playing Kenya. It was brightly lit and created a lot of congestion. One day, I will travel to these exotic places to follow SA sport teams.

Ecclesiastes

As always, I started my day with scripture this morning and (as always) I was just amazed at how relevant the Words are even for today: "And whatever my eyes desired I kept not from them; I withheld not my heart from pleasure, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor, and this was my portion and reward for all my toil. Then I looked on all that my hands had done ... all was vanity and striving after wind... "

As if it was written for the realities of today.

Perfect Cape morning

The Cape's ocean this morning was very special, again. I joined the club for a brisk cycle to Kogelbay and back and once again realized how amazing the sea can be. The vista towards Rooiels with low clouds on the horizon in the early morning air was something to behold.

Protea at work

I noticed this huge protea fully in bloom at work today. We have such a special garden that often goes unnoticed, yet is full of jewels. It requires a few minutes to just stop and experience all the hidden treasures... a little like life, I suppose.

Early morning routine

With a bit more time in country and with summer on us with longer days, I started an early morning routine that I enjoy. I get on the bike for a 25km cycle and then in the pool for half a Km swim, before breakfast. I hope I can keep it up.

Laibach Claypot

Sometimes one should just open a great wine for no apparent reason. Tonight I did just that. I spotted a lonely bottle of Laibach Claypot Merlot in the cellar and decided there and then that it is cork-extraction time. The fruit-driven, meaty wine complimented the lamb that Annelie prepared perfectly!

Sunday lunch at Long Table

We had our sunday lunch at the Long Table on Haskells. The place was abuzz with people which is always a good sign for a restaurant. My lamb phyllo an Annelie's venison with berry sauce emphasized the skill of the chef. We enjoyed the food with the local Bertus blend and agreed that it was a special place when we left for home.

Grandchildren babysitting

What a privilege to look after our amazing grand-children for a while this morning. We were literally met at the door by two smiling little beings. We played together on the floor, talked, had some tea and I even managed to put Nina to bed successfully myself. Strange how seemingly insignificant things can have so much meaning.

Slow congestion

It is a pity that more and more people have realized that the best lounge at domestic ORT is the Slow Lounge. This means that tonight the food was not enough and one had to stand in a queue for a glass of wine.

Gautrain disappointment

Always loved taking the Gautrain from ORT to Sandton, but experienced a lot of frustration today when my card had R25 too little on it when I tried to exit. The slickness of process when things go wrong is often an indication of the quality of service. Gautrain should work on this.