Afternoon view

Big windows on the atrium floor of our new offices in Willowbridge gives a view on the Proteavallei residential area. As I left this afternoon, the sun on the houses, the winter greenery and the clouds in the blue sky, painted a beautiful picture.

Flowers at Emirates lounge

The flowers in the foyer of the Emirates first class lounge in Dubai always amazes me. Massively huge sculpture of the most beautiful flowers in a solitary display as one enters. The smell of fresh flowers hang in the air bringing some calm in the anxiety of the terminal building.

Lay-over in Dubai

My lay-over in Dubai (traveling to Cape Town from San Francisco) is eight hours. One of the benefits of Emirates is that they provide a hotel-room and dinner for their premier passengers. This time the booking was in the five star Al Bustan hotel; but I was disappointed when told that the swimming-pool was closed for renovations.

Dinner with Bill Barhydt

I had a great dinner with Bill Barhydt at Tamarine in Palo Alto. The restaurant specializes in Vietnam-inspired Fusion dishes and I enjoyed the simplistic food artistry. We spoke about mobile payments and the Visa card that Boom (Bill's company) issues.

African entrepreneurs

Running late for dinner with African entrepreneurs living in the valley. Looking forward to seeing Pieter, Vinny, Nmachi, Kersten and Sylvia. Mental note: add thirty minutes to travel time when the Giants have a home game.

Cottonwood Canyon Winery

I enjoyed my wine tasting at Cottonwood Canyon so much. Producing predominantly Burgundy wines, I found the wine making philosophy very interesting. Wines are made only with natural fermentation, and then kept at the winery for at least ten years before they are released! I was extremely impressed with the few single vineyard Pinot Noir's. This is how wines should be made.

Brett and Lyn Johnson

I had enough time for a short stop at the home of Brett and Lyn Johnson high up in the hills of Saratoga. Brett is the founder of The Institute for Innovation, Integration & Impact, an organization that had a profound impact on my life. Over a cup of Rooibos, we spoke about the power of the Lord and how nothing is impossible for Him.

Perfect dinner

With the exception of the Pinot Gris pairing to the corn soup, the dinner at Viognier in San Mateo was perfect. I enjoyed Jim's company as we talked about what we have done, and especially what is possible. We ended the evening with some excellent cheese, with a special LBV Dow's Port.

View over the bay

The morning sun on the hills across the bay behind Hayward from the 12th floor of Visa's headquarters painted a pretty picture. There are so many things happening behind the walls of corporate America, but outside, the sun still shines.

Santa Rosa to Dillon Beach

I joined the Santa Rosa cycling club for a stiff 95 km ride to Dillon Beach and back. I completed the ride with the last slow riders in a lot of discomfort because of lack of training. Nevertheless, it was a most enjoyable morning in beautiful surroundings. I will be back, God willing.

Hot Box Grill

Tripadvisor recommended the Hot Box Grill in Sonoma close to my hotel for dinner. I was lucky to find a spot as the place was clearly popular. The steak was "not-too-bad", served with fries and veggies. The glass of Merlot was good. A man must eat, but I wished so much that I could share this with Annelie.

Vault 164

I had a most enjoyable light supper with Vijay in Vault 164. The restaurant was a bank branch in the past - hence the name. We enjoyed a superb Pinot Noir and talked about mobile banking; amongst others. I thought that it was quite ironic that we should do so in a dis-used brick-and-morter bank branch.

California cycling

On a beautiful early evening, I did a quick 30km (or should I say 17 miles) cycle on the new Trek after work. I got an entry-level Trek for the times that I am in California (so that I would not need to rent bicycles here). The Canada road from Route92 through Woodside, is an ideal cycling spot, with great scenery, undulating road and wide shoulders.

Landed safely at SFO

I landed safely at San Francisco International on Sunday. With the exception that one could see the Asiana wreckage in the distance while we were landing and a more congested terminal, my journey was not impacted at all.

Winter ride

After shaking the flu that I had for a ling time, I dusted the mountain bike off and joined the club for a ride this morning. Soon, the rest of the group left me behind and I finished a windy ride on my own.

Dinner with friends

Vegetable soup, marinated lamb cutlets and roly poly dessert was served to very special friends for a belated celebration of Annelie's birthday at home. We opened Annelie's favorite Chardonnay and Kanonkop's Cab 2003. We are immensely thankful for all these special experiences.

End of the Visit

Izak and Julia left for the US this morning after two weeks in the Republic. While we feel sad to say goodbye, we carry such fond memories of the time together. Whether driving through the game reserve, meeting with family and friends, talking till late or eating and drinking, it was such special times.