Starlight Classics

The Starlight Classic is an annual concert of International artist supported by the Cape Town philharmonic orchestra, held in the gardens of the Vergelegen wine-estate. Old classics like Verdi's slave choir and more recent hits (like Laurika and Vusi's rendition of Weeping) were part of the program. But I realized how powerful Afro-Classical music can be when I listened in awe as Hlengiwe Mkhwanazi performed Vilja from the Merry Widow. How music can touch our inner souls.

Cape Cobra

The dogs started barking in one corner of the property and when Annelie went to investigate, she found a mid-sized Cape Cobra. We had to get a snake-catcher to remove this highly venomous snake to somewhere else.

Clean Koi Dam

One of the projects that I have tackled at home - now that I have more time - was to clean the Koi Dam. The pool was basically a pit full of stinking goo, with a bit of dirty water on the top. It was hard physical work to just clean the pool out. I then built a home-grown filter and now I enjoy greeting the fish every morning in a crystal clear pond.

Brass Bell

We booked into a B&B in Noordhoek for Friday evening so that I could trace a part of the Argus route with my bicycle early on Saturday. Dinner was at the Brass Bell (an old favorite). The waves crashed into the boulders right below us as we enjoyed a great Chardonnay with seafood.

Trevi's upholstery

I bought some foam (for the Koi-dam filter that I am building) at an upholstery firm in Faure (a little village close to our place). I met Trevor, the owner, and he showed me around the little factory that he has. They manufacture furniture and employ fifteen people. I loved to see the enthusiasm and pride in his business. We need more entrepreneurs like this.

Lunch with John Thompson

I enjoyed a special lunch with John Thompson (whom I have known for fifteen years). John was in Cape Town for a few weeks from New Hampshire where he lives. We spoke about our families and the blessings that we have experienced. Afterwards I drove through Masiphumelele with John. He showed me the school, library and some creches that he was instrumental in getting off the ground. He spoke about the positive impact on the community and the hope that it brings. So inspirational!

Farewell dinner

I had an amazing dinner at Terroir with the Fundamo management team. Great food and even better wine were accompanied by stories of the past decade (stories of flooded Karachi, many trips to Barcelona, Lagos and Kampala, intense negotiations and many special people - to name a few). I was given a GoPro ("to record what I am going to do now - so that I can share it").

Son and his daughter

We had lunch at Wild Clover on a scorching Sunday with my son, Ernst, and his family. We enjoyed the locally brewed bears and the heart food. But my best memories was to see the easy-going and comfortable expression of compassion and love amongst the members of this young family.

Flat tyre

The "flat tyre" warning light came on as I left home for my breakfast appointment. I had to stop on the side of a busy road and change the tyre myself - long time since I last did it. Turns out that the there was damage to the wall of the tyre which could not be repaired. In stead of buying two new tyres, and having time available nowadays, I found the correct second hand tyre in Kraaifontein for a fraction of the price.

Early Rooi-els run

I enjoyed the early-morning dash to Rooi-els and back this morning so much. In addition to the stunning views and the vigorous exercise, I think it is the crisp morning aromas that makes this so special: The smokey fynbos smell or the salty ocean spray, mixed with exposed kelp, breakfast cooked on an open fire next to the Kogelbay camping grounds, and many others.

Dinner at Giovanni's

I had a wonderful dinner with my wife at the local Italian. The food was great (as always), we had a few glasses of wine and just enjoyed our special style of conversation.

Fourth Midmar

It is becoming a tradition now: I swam my fourth Midmar open water mile successfully. I am getting the hang of the thing now and managed to swallow less water, bump into fewer people and navigate a much straighter line. I am thankful that I have the ability to do this.

Umhlanga Sunset

Stayed in a great boutique hotel in Umhlanga for our first night in KZN. (Teremok -little hideout in Russian, I am told). We had a short walk on the beach during sunset before we enjoyed dinner at one of the local restaurants. Live is different without constant responsibilitie

Oyster Terrace

We enjoyed a light lunch at the Oyster Terrace in Umhlanga. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, right behind an old lighthouse, the hotel has a grand setting.

Helshoogte Climb

There is few things as satisfying in cycle world than to stand at the top of Helshoogte after a strenuous climb early in the morning. The sun touches only the tops of the highest peaks, there is still a chill in the air and you know that in a few minutes you will speed into Stellenbosch at more than seventy kilometers per hour.

Helpmekaar

We helped volunteers pre-pack birthday parcels for a local organization looking after mentally handicapped people. The idea is that each person would receive something small on their birthday to show that the community care about them too.

Property developers

We investigated a beautiful area of land with an intention to possibly do a residential development there. After a late breakfast with Hendrik and Hetta in a village close by we stopped at the top to appreciate the vistas to the northeast.

My Fundamo Chair

As I packed the last of my stuff, sent out those 'good-bye' eMails and greeted my colleagues, I noticed the chair that I sat in for thirteen years. It traveled with me from the Sanlam days, through all the different offices to the Willowbridge offices that we now occupy. This is the chair that I sat in during all the tribulations and celebrations. Two weeks ago one of the wheels fell out. It was almost as if the chair knew. Now nobody will ever sit in my chair.