Arden stayed with us for the night

My grandson slept here last night. We had an uneventful night and Arden had a good night sleep. In the morning, we could hear him awaking and then we were greeted with his sunny smile. He is such a special little boy.

I am now a Visa employee

We announced today that Fundamo was acquired by Visa. I am super-excited about the possibilities that this transaction open up. During the process, I was extremely impressed with my now new employer. Visa is a very special company with a solid vision and a culture that I am happy to be associated with.

Enjoyable Wacky Wine Weekend

Had a most enjoyable weekend with George, Francois and Johan and our spouses. I specifically enjoyed discovering some of the smaller producers, like Kleinhoekkloof and Kingsriver. We had Chicken pita and prawns with Chinen, savored Esteanna at Rietrivier. We enjoyed a boisterous four course dinner with fire dancing and saxophones. During the night I committed to cycle the 26 day Founders challenge. At 2 am on Sunday we lit a fire for boerewors rolls with red muskadel. A weekend to truly remember.

Ernst and Catherine is back

Ernst and his family returned today from Hong Kong via Dubai. We picked them up at Cape Town International and afterwards hosted them for a custom-grilled sirloin and a Kanonkop Cab. They shared their experiences with us and we enjoyed the contributions from a much older Arden. We are so blessed.

Unique competitive advantage

I do not shop at grocery outlets frequently. Yesterday I was standing in the queue at a local Woolworths when I noticed this poster on the wall claiming that the store is equipted with a generator and will keep on trading even during power outages. I thought that this was interesting.

Going home late at night

Work late last night... Into the early morning. As I got onto the R300, going home, the streetlights reflected on the wet tarmac. It made a pretty picture.

Cycle into Bottelary Hills

In between a hectic work schedule, I managed to get some time to cycle to the top of one of the Bottelary hills. As the rain clouds started rolling in, I could see as far as Hangklip. Must find time to do more of this.

I voted

The black mark on my left thumb is an indication that I voted today. In a way I am fortunate because it so happens that I am registered at a polling station in a poor area. This means that I stood in line with voters from different strata of the population, all equal and keen to impact the outcome. For me this was a humbling experience.

My bag on the carousel

If it has not been done yet, some-one must define the emotion that one feels when your well-traveled bag appears at the end of the last leg of a journey. It almost feel as if this is the final hurdle to close the trip.

Snow in Denver

Arrived in good weather last night in Colorado. Something changed during the night because strange white flakes were falling out of the air when I pulled open the curtains this morning.... and it was cold.

Meeting with Richard and Noriko

I spent most of Sunday with Richard and his wife. I was privileged to attend church with them at the San Lorenzo Japanese Christian Church. Afterwards, Richard showed me their home and the beauty of the surroundings.

OR Tambo, Terminal A

On my way to California via Heathrow, and I did not realise how busy the airport could be. The terminal was upgraded only a year ago and it seems as if everything is operating at capacity. South Africa must be getting more popular as a destination.

Meeting in Stellenbosch

As I drove into Stellenbosch for a late afternoon meeting, I was struck by how blue the sky was. The mountains were crisp and clear and a few clouds were scattered above. Not too shabby a location for a business meeting.

Sandown bay's wild horses

Right in front of the cottage. The horses casually walked past us this afternoon, eating from the grass next to the lake. One of them snorted in the air while the Ibisses waded in the shallow water behind them.

Easter friday service

We attended the early morning Easter service at our local church. It was a very special occasion for me to remember the most holy event for Christians. We sang, read scripture, prayed and participated in the Holy Communion.

Attended one of the team meetings

I sat in on one of Fundamo's business unit team meetings today. Grant reviewed the past period and then gave a view of the future to his team. I realised how much we have achieved, but also, how much still must get done.

Bergkelder winetasting

It is possible that Fleur du Cap is the only wine producer in the Cape that utilise a working Cave. Last night we had a great winetasting supported by canapes in the bowels of the Papagaaiberg (mountain). The time with friends and good wines were enjoyable.

The clear mountain shrouded in smoke

A massive fire raged during most of Saturday and through the evening on the Helderberg (the "clear mountain"). This morning, on our way to church, we were greeted with the whole mountain in a blanket of smoke. In the early morning sunshine, this was almost eerily beautiful.

Mobile Live interview

I was interviewed this afternoon for Mobile Live: an on-line TV station with a focus on the mobile industry. I enjoyed the questions and the professional crew and look forward to seeing the final product.

A special beer in a special pub

According to Malcolm, the Jerusalem Tavern is one of the oldest pubs in London and they brew their own beer too. I tried the "fruit beer", brewed with real grapefruit added... interesting. All and all I enjoyed the chat and the beers.

A gem of a night with Neil

Last night was special in so many ways. The restaurant that we ended up before the show and the table that we got provided the most spectacular view over the bay. Me and Annelie watched the sun set and the grand clouds change colours. The food was excellent. But it was the old man from LA that turned the evening into something unforgettable. His authenticity, the interaction with the audience and yesteryear's hits all contributed to a perfect evening.

Flamingos at the water's edge

The flamingos are starting to return. A relatively small flock was at the edge of the lagoon this morning, wading through the shallow water and making their familiar grating noises. They seemed so at peace with what they were doing.

Annelie gave me a watch for my birthday

My watch was very old and reliable, but the setting-button fell out recently and could not be replaced because it was so old. So Annelie gave me a very nice, new watch. I think it is really cool to have something that she gave me with me all the time, that will help me stay punctual and carry the face that I will be looking at most.

Izak celebrating his birthday

It is a good thing that many of Izak's friends still live and work in the Cape. This is one of the reasons why he made effort to celebrate his birthday at de Wijnlanden. I enjoyed having him here, to see how he interact with his friends and listen to the things that they talk about.

Early cycle on a perfect day

I was up at six, to join the club for a brisk cycle ride to Clarence drive and back. The morning mist was still hanging in the valleys and the distinct Cape sea air filled my lungs. Early joggers and people walking their dogs shared the perfect morning with us.

The Walking Stick my father made

I am now able to walk without the walking stick. Two months since the bicycle accident I have finally returned the stick to storage. My hip and the palm of my left hand still hurts, but I can now walk unassisted. It is now clear to me that an old body just take so much longer to recover.

100 Trillion dollars

Frans's wife just returned from Zimbabwe and brought a crisp new note with: one and fourteen zeros Zim Dollars. Quite a collectors item I think, but worthless as a means of tender. I is really sad how the economy of this once prosperous country has been destroyed.

St George's Cathedral

I attended a work session today at a hotel in Wale street across from the cathedral. I could not help thinking of the impact of events in this country that occurred behind the walls of this grand old building.

Fire in the Kogel mountains

We stayed at Meerenbosch on Saturday evening. The large fire was still smoldering in the mountains and the smell of smoke hung in the air. At night we could see large patches of red under the spectacular full moon that dominated the sky. We were woken early on Sunday by the choppers dousing the last remaining fires.

Attending Mobile Commerce Pakistan

This is now the third Mobile Commerce conference in Karachi that I attend. I know most of the people on the panel this afternoon (including the chairman) and I enjoy the high level of discussion. Mobile banking has made major strides forward in Pakistan.

Mangroves in Karachi

One of the companies that I visited today had this fascinating view across the river. One could see the city in a distance and the harbour on the right, but right here in front of us was the river, with small mangrove filled islands.

My fourth Argus

I completed my 4th Argus with my brother in law. It was his 10th! I had a fast first 60 km, but then were forced to nurse my battered body home. My new Scott was a pleasure and I can feel that we will still do many a kilometer. The Cape played along this time with a perfect day.

Church service in the new Chapel

I attended the meditative service in the new chapel this Sunday. It was a special occasion for me, but I also experienced the blessings bestowed on our congregation.

Wonderful time in Hong Kong

We had a great week in Hong Kong. Wonderful memories with Ernst, Catherine and Arden were created as we spent special times with them. We visited numerous markets, haggled to buy bargains and eat local food in local eateries. Contrary to what one would think, the surroundings also offered overgrown peaks and pristine little beaches. We enjoyed learning about the rich culture and the fascinating history. We will savour the seven days for a long time.

Jumbo restaurant

The Jumbo restaurant is Hong Kong's most famous floating restaurant. We had a great sunday lunch with the kids here today. While Arden walked around the dining hall making a lot of friends, we enjoyed the excellent cuisine. We enjoyed it so much that we were the last to leave and were specifically treated when the staff chased and ultimately caught a bat that got into the restaurant.

With Arden in Hong Kong

We arrived safely in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific and immediately took a taxi to Ernst and Catherine's apartment. We spend most of the day walking on the promenade, enjoying Arden. Who would ever have thought that we would be visiting our kids and grandchild in such a faraway place?

End of day

I got into my car at dusk after a satisfactory day at work. The carpark was almost empty but I am not the last to go home. I feel a lot of gratitude for the Fundamo journey and all the amazing people that I have met and had the privilege to work with.

Two dogs

Annelie got a brand new sleeping basket for Basie and Nonnatjie. They seem to enjoy it. It is amazing how the two dogs have become part of our way of life since we got them eighteen months ago.

Hard fall

I had a hard fall this morning. I came off the bike at more than 40 km/u during the Medallion race. Luckily nothing is broken but I am heavily bruised and I think the bike may be a write-off. What is also disappointing is that I would have done a good time when the crash happened about 15km from the end. I cannot remember anything, but the fall must have been hard, considering how my helmet broke (see picture).

Great team dinner in Barcelona

This is now turning into some sort of a tradition: dinner at Sigardi's during the Mobile World Congress. Last year it was only Fundamo staff and one or two clients. This year we were graced by some of the leading thinkers in the industry. Something tells me that this will happen again next year.

Barcelona again

It is that time of the year again: Mobile World Congress. This is the time that everyone involved with the industry converge on Catalan's capital. This year about 60 000 people registered. It is a week of excitement, new announcements, massive exhibitions, workgroups and awards. As usual I worked very hard with most days starting at 8:00 and ending with business dinners stretching into early mornings... Very exhaustive, but also full of excitement and energy.

Completed the Midmar mile

I completed my second Midmar (open water) mile with my youngest son. It was tougher for me to do this year. This is the lesson that I have learned: I will have to work harder preparing next year.

Bierfassi

Such a lot of beer and not enough time. We stopped at Bierfassi just outside Nottingham Road for a few beers and lunch. It was just before the Midmar rush. The beers were very delicately brewed and the Austrian cuisine complimented them well. I enjoyed the company of my wife and my youngest son.

Wine in the Midlands

Yes, they grow wine in KZN too, and it is pretty serious wines. We stopped at the Stables and tasted a few glasses. The wooded Chenin came with a lot of complexity, a lot of mouth-fill and a lingering aftertaste.

I love the Jozie vibe

Arrived last night in the heart-beat city of African commerce. I was up early for a breakfast meeting at a hotel close by. Walking the five hundred yards, I saw a city getting ready for a new day; street hawkers preparing their ware, mini-bus taxis off-loading passengers, people walking to their place of work. Jozie is so different to any other city on this globe.

Early morning traffic jam

One of the by-products of the worldcup is wonderful highways. We now blitz from onramp to offramp. But then, eish, we get stuck on the feeder routes.

Janap's Take-away

I did some maintenance on my geocaches in the vicinity. Checked that they are still operational and well hidden. One of my favourite locations is Janap's Take-away on the Macassar beach. I always enjoy walking through the ruins of the old hey-days pleasure resort and look at the beach streching for miles. In the late afternoon sun, the shadows casted eerie shapes on the sanddunes reclaiming the site.

Slight mishap cycling this morning

I started very early this morning with the intention of cycling to Rooi-Els and back. Just after eight I phoned home for back-up after my umpteenth flat tyre. While I was waiting to be picked up, looking out over False Bay, listening to the sea gulls and the gentle waves washing onto the rocks below, I felt a calmness coming over me, replacing the frustration of the broken bike.

Sunset on Falsebay

It has now become somewhat of an institution with me and Annelie: when the weather allows it we go for a brisk walk on the beach late afternoons. On a beautiful day like today everyone is out on the beach; walking, kicking balls, walking dogs, surfing, swimming, fishing, kite surfing, paragliding... it is amazing all the things happening at the same time. And then, when the sun sets on a calm sea, it is almost as if you can touch the greatness of God.

Our first wine harvest

The vineyard is only three years old, but I managed to harvest enough grapes to fill half a bucket. This is my first attempt at making my own wine. Not sure if anything good will come of this.