Singapore Sushi

We thought that we knew sushi, but after visiting a local Singapore Sushi restaurant, for us, sushi will never be the same again. The tastes, the displays and the variety of ingredients were like nothing that we have experienced before.

Lost luggage

Our uniquely "shockingly green" luggage did not appear on the carousel at Changi airport in Singapore, so we had to fill in the forms at lost luggage. We got paid S$150 for expenses and received an overnight bag. I feared that the bags got lost in Johannesburg, but SQ found it in a few hours and delivered it to the hotel.

Grandchildren with us

We were privileged to look after our grandchildren on Saturday. The two of them have grown up to be a handful. They investigate their world, talk all the time and exhibit their own ideas on when to eat, bath or go to sleep. Yet, when I watch them learn something new or when they snuggle close to me so that I can read them a story, I feel a serenity that none of my business ventures can give me.

At the top of Chappies

I joined the club for a really nice cycle on a big part of the Argus route. We climbed Smitswinkel and Chappies on a perfect day. One could see Argus fever taking grip with many cyclists on the road and most motorists accommodating the infrequent, unavoidable, cyclist straying into the road.

Angelhub

When I walked into the private dining-room at the Ching-ching bar, I knew that it was a gathering of the Angelhub. Everything was white: the floor and ceiling, the table-cloth and crockery. It was only the wine-glasses not being white, that glistered in the low light. Angelhub, a gathering of special, start-up people, invited me to talk about the Fundamo journey. It turned out to be a memorable evening.

Arabella congress

Participated at a congress hosted at the amazing Arabella hotel and spa. As I stood on the balcony and looked out over the lake, with the sea in the distance and rain clouds rolling in off the Kogelberg, I realized again how beautiful the Cape can be.

Mushroom race

Two years ago, during the Medallion race, I was involved in a serious crash. I wrecked my bike, dislocated my leg and suffered a concussion. Today, I finished the same race in a good time of 3:30, without a major incident. It was kind of closing a chapter on a bad memory.

Visit to the genocide museum

I visited the Kigali memorial to the Rwandan Genocide. It is a sacred and moving place about a terrible chapter in the history of Africa. So many thoughts raced through my brain as I looked at artifacts and photos of that time: why do people do things like this? what must we do to ensure that this never happen again? ...it is important that we never forget.

Kigali heaven

Had dinner at a quaint restaurant in Kigali, called Heaven. With a great location and attentive service, we were treated on interesting dishes including a dessert called "a study in banana". Proving that dining options are improving by leaps and bounds in Africa.

Baia feast

We entertained guests from California at Baia in the Waterfront. The views from the deck were spectacular. Most of us enjoyed the different versions of prawns and lobster meals that the restaurant is famous for. In the end our guests were surprised at how small the bill was.

Hartford house

A hundred years ago, if you wanted to enjoy the best meal in the country, you had to own the house, employ the best chef and stock your own cellar with the best wines. Today, you just make a reservation at one of the great restaurants that we have in South Africa - like Hartford House (close to Mooi River) rated no 10 in the top restaurants in Eat-out's latest ratings list. Me and Annelie enjoyed the perfect setting, inventive menus and good service this Sunday and then paid with Visa.

Fourth Midmar mile

In perfect conditions, I managed to complete my fourth Midmar open-water mile. The first 1000 meters was very comfortable, but I then had to dig deep to finish. I felt the lack of preparation and the rib-injury, but nevertheless finished in a good time (for me).

Spectacular sunrise

We were greeted by the most spectacular sunrise this morning. The sun painted the low clouds over the mountains with glistering gold and red. Later the sun totally disappeared as the rain came down.

New offices

Adriaan showed me our new offices that we are planning to occupy in April. The location and feel of the new premises are very upmarket and I really look forward to moving into our new home. We came a long way from our dingy offices in High Street.

Our salad garden

I have started growing some greens and tomatoes in a space next to the house. Initially it was a major disaster. Nothing was growing, insects got to the best parts first and the irrigation broke, but now things are cooking and we have fresh salad straight from the garden.

Mentor Dinner

I attended a mentor dinner for the new VC fund 88mph. The intention was to bring potential investors/mentors and entrepreneurs together. We met in the penthouse apartment of the fund's founder: Kresten Buch. I have always believed that Cape Town can become a crucible of start-ups to drive Africa's economy and the evening confirmed my suspicion.

2013 Harvest

Our small harvest of Pinotage were harvested on Saturday. Me and Annelie de-stemmed the bunches by hand till late. Notwithstanding the birds taking a big share, lack of care, the heat and lots of wind that we had this year the vines still produced in abundance.

Training on Saturday

Attending training in Johannesburg with my team with a great facilitator: Vince McFarlane. I enjoy his energy, the content of the course and the response of the team to the learnings. It may be Saturday, but it is time well spent.