Ode Port Wine House

The wine-tour kicked-off with a dinner at Ode Port Wine House in the historic section of Porto. Serving only traditional Portuguese dishes supported by the local wines, it is rated the no. 1 restaurant in Porto by TripAdvisor. The owner, Christoph, was a perfect host explaining the origin of many dishes and local customs.

First night in Porto

The wine-tour will start officially on Saturday, so we decided to close a perfect evening off with some single malts. The group congregated at the bar on the 19th floor of Porto Palacio. We enjoyed a few glasses of the finest from Scotland looking out over the night-sky of the Port capital of the world. While we reminisce about twenty years of wine-tasting as a group, we started preparing ourselves for the next eight days of intense wine-tasting.

Dubai lounge

After a good night sleep in Dubai, we are having a quick breakfast before boarding for Lisbon. Porto will never be the same again after the Kurktrekkers invasion.

Last day at the old offices

Today was the last day for me at the "old" Fundamo offices in Plein Street. We are moving into brand new offices close to Willowbridge during the time that we will be on leave. I had a very busy day, but had time to spend some time in the garden and experience it for the last time.

Barbecue at Nitida

Me and some of the Fundamo staff attended an event at Nitida. It was an opportunity to socialize with a vendor from India that we have worked with for years. It was great to see old friends again and talk about all the things that we have done jointly.

Lourensford tea

We enjoyed a cup of tea at Lourensford after church. The autumn golden hues of the trees reflected underneath the towering mountains created the perfect backdrop for the white buildings. There was a slight morning chill in the air, but the bright sun had a promise for a warm day.

Back in Johannesburg

I arrived at OR Tambo on SA61 from Lagos exactly on time this morning. I was processed efficiently in 5 min through immigration, had a quick shower at SAA's arrival lounge, checked my eMail while having a Cappuccino and a croissant. The train-ride with the modern Gautrain took less than 15 min to the center of Sandton where I picked up my rental car from
Avis. Not too bad for a third world country.

Asaro

Asaro is a spicy pottage predominantly made of Yam (a vegetable similar to sweet potato and a staple food in West Africa). My dinner consisted of asaro and pepper beef stew enjoyed on the verandah looking out over Lagos lagoon. I was forced to drink copious amounts of Star (local beer) to ease the pain in my mouth while eating the hot food.

Early evening Lagos

The last rays of the sun paints Five Cownes creek viewed off the bridge towards Victoria island pink. The low clouds reflect some of the sunlight and the first lights can be seen in the city high rises. This beautiful, tranquil picture is almost in contradiction to the bursting energy that is Lagos.

Swimming pool at Federal Palace

I am staying at the Federal Palace hotel and casino on Victoria Island in Lagos. The hotel boasts well-maintained gardens looking out over the sea-channel to Lagos harbor, but it is the swimming-pools of the hotel that is something special.

Benefit of business lounge

Complimentary Wi-Fi, a cup of tea and a peppermint. Starting the journey to Lagos in SAA lounge at CTIA.

Tintswalo lunch

Having lunch with business associates at Tintswalo on a perfect Cape day. No wind, very calm sea, clear sky. It is indescribably beautiful. So thankful to live in such a special place and having opportunities to experience this.

Durbanvillehille lunch

After attending to some personal matters in Tableview, me and Annelie created some time for lunch. We decided on Durbanvillehills as we have not been there for ages. We enjoyed the magnificent views, the food and the local wine by the glass. I enjoy spending time with my wife.

Steenbokkies amongst the vineyards

I worked from home because I was a bit flu-ish. I noticed some movement amongst the vineyards in the distance while on the phone. Afterwards I could see the Steenbokkie-couple through binoculars in the distance. Kind of beautiful to see the two small antelopes carrying on with their life amongst all the hustle and bustle here in the city.

Fifty-six years old

Annelie invited friends to celebrate my birthday with me at de Wijnlanden. I realized how blessed I am when many friends interrupted their Saturday to share a glass of wine with us.

Dinner at Bryan and Zi

On a perfect night, we had a lovely dinner at the home of Bryan and Zi. We enjoyed some drinks on the deck with a beautiful view over Camps-bay. Good company, home cooking and a number of special wines made the evening something to treasure.

Late afternoon sun

We had some time to just sit on the stoep with a glass of wine and talk about the small things that filled our. We watched the last rays of the sun colour the mountains pink to end off a perfect day.

Sunday with the kids

Me and Annelie enjoyed Sunday lunch with the kids. With the grandchildren not that well, we spent a lazy afternoon talking and sharing. At one stage Nina rested her tired little body against mine, while Arden explained new-found wisdom to me: "Weet oupa...". It may seem small blessings, but I just realized how important these moments are in the bigger scheme of things.