Wet and cold morning

A light rain is driven by a westerly wind. The sun is up, but not visible behind an overcast sky. It is early morning and I am on my way to gym. It is as if the Cape is welcoming me back with a lot of personality.

Ghange revolving restaurant

At the end of the Change Alley in Singapore, next to the Fullerton hotel, is a strange structure. It looks like a giant mushroom, but is a revolving restaurant where I had dinner with my Visa colleagues on Monday. The seven course dinner was an impressive exhibition of Chinese cuisine delivered in a modern fusion interpretation. We had an Australian GMS and I must rate this eating experience as the best ever in Singapore. As Gerald put it: "a revolving restaurant without revolting food".

Dinner in Singapore

I had dinner with a few of my new colleagues in Singapore tonight: good Australian lamb chops with an Argentinian Merlot in the company of two Americans, a Brit and a Pakistani living in Dubai. I felt quite ordinary: a South African, living in South Africa with a preference for Karoo lamb and local Stellenbosch wines.

Arden three year birthday party

Arden elected to have a bike race theme birthday party for his third birthday. It was brilliant to see screaming kids go round-and-round a race-track improvised for the day. The English language does not have a suitable translation for "ou-gat" which I think is the best description for Arden and his friends on the day.

Lunch with my best friend

I had lunch with Annelie at Overture for her birthday. We enjoyed the five course set menu with wine pairing and realised why this restaurant consistently wins accolades. What made the time really special was that I was scheduled to be away on business, but missed my plane. The embarrassment of missing important meetings was countered by the fact that me and Annelie had a special (unplanned) time together.

Arriving in Cape Town

The aircraft starts long final for runway 19 as the late afternoon sun reflects off the Plattekloof houses. A minute before touch-down... we are back home.

Delayed in Dubai

We boarded EK772 to Cape Town on time. The doors even closed and taxi started five minutes early. But then the pilot saw a malfunctioning sensor on the undercarriage and after an investigation Emirates decided to withdraw the plane. We have now disembarked, finished our breakfast on terra firma and are busy contemplating if we will be in time to see the Springboks live in Cape Town.

On the way to SF airport

We were picked up at the Palace by Emirates chauffeur-driven Town-car and driven on the now familiar route to the airport. This is in a way bitter-sweet; leaving friends and interesting business topics behind, but looking forward to be home.

Sunset dinner at Pier 39

Me and Annelie had dinner at Swiss Louis on Pier 39. We enjoyed an average chowder, a so-so pasta and seafood washed down with wine that I would not like to name. While the setting will remain special, it once again proved that one should generally steer away from tourist eateries.

Twin Stormer support

We had an awesome dinner at Bill's home in Hillsborough on Sunday. We had a slow-roasted beef-rib and pasta with amazing old California reds. For me, however, the highlight of the visit was when we were greeted by Bill and Jo's two-year old twins both proudly dressed in Stormers jerseys.

Izak graduation from MIT

We listened with a lot of gratefulness as Izak's full names was read out at this morning's graduation. He attained a masters in engineering from the school of logistics at MIT in Boston. His time spent studying at this great academic institution definitely made a mark on my son. I was impressed with how comfortable he was in the presence of his piers and professors. I sensed a new-found confidence and sense of purpose that will help him in his career in the future.

Clean shaved

During the past ten days I grew a beard (much more grey than I would have liked). This morning I shaved it off for Izak's graduation. I think clean-shaven works better for me.

Akademika B&B

We stayed at a B&B close to the University of Illinois campus in Urbana. We were the only clients during our stay and enjoyed the silence of the suburbs, but it was the owner, Gloria's, cooking for breakfast that we will remember.

The death of the last Centuar

Samuel Allerton was a self-made millionaire from Chicago - one of the wealthiest people of the 1800's. His only heir, Robert, was a sensitive boy with a keen appreciation for art. He utilised the family wealth wisely to create an enduring legacy through art (including numerous gifts to the Chicago art museum). We visited the Allerton farm close to Urbana and was blown away by the art exhibited in garden settings as well as inside the unspoiled forest. We closed off the day with a visit to "the death of the last Centaur". A bronze statue outside in the forest. It was an experience in poignant beauty, exclaiming the futile search for human worth.

Old and new

While enjoying brunch at a running friend of Julia, I saw this great example of old working in harmony with new; a new iPod connected to a solid state amplifier (c early 1970's). For me it was symbolic of a new, modern world that can still accommodate the old, stylish past.

Fellowship in Urbana

We attended Sunday morning worship with friends of Julia's at a local church. It was great to have communion with strangers, but brothers and sisters in Christ.

Orange-infused Wolftrap

We had dinner at friends of Julia (Izak's girlfriend) on Friday in Urbana (Illinois). We met wonderful people; with great families and visible friendships. It was also gratifying to see some openly witness their relationship with God. Many of them were quite knowledgeable about South Africa. This was demonstrated in some way when we were served an attractive blend of Boekenhoutskloof Wolftrap, infused with orange peel and topped up with Vodka. We enjoyed this with delicious chocolate cake.

Visit to Lucas Oil Stadium

The Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis hosted the XLVI Super Bowl this year. It is a brand-new and well-designed stadium and serves as the home of the Colts in the NFL. We joined a tour of the facilities and committed that we would attempt to see a live game here in the not too distant future.

Attending the Indy500

The Indy500 is a very special sporting event. This is a motor race that has been run on the same track since 1909. It is said that this is the biggest spectator event in the world; with an attendance of more than 350 000, this is probably true. Me, Annelie and Izak joined the crowds to watch the warmest race ever (with temperatures in the thirties); to see the lead change thirty-four times and see Dario Franchetti win his third Indy500. It was a special occasion with many memories created.

Annelie hugging her son

We arrived after 37 hours of travel at Indianapolis airport. Izak was easily spotted wearing a DHL Stormers jersey and it was with a lot of thanks in our heart that we hugged our son.

Boarding for Indianapolis

Boarding EK773 in Cape Town International. Me and Annelie just started a 30 hour journey to see our son, Izak, in Indianapolis. We look forward to see him on Saturday.

Meeting in the sun

We have such nice working environment here at Fundamo. I realised it again when I walked past the rest area on the second floor to see Robert and Alan relaxing in the sun with a cup of coffee. A good work environment is definitely conducive to delivering great solutions.

Marine-style haircut

I had my regular haircut this morning. As I sat down in the chair, I thought: "why not?" and asked for short-back-and-sides. I now look like a serious marine in civilian clothes.

Not afraid of the thunder

"Oupa, ek is so groot nou dat ek nie eers bang is vir donnerwheer nie!" was Arden's greeting when the car stopped in the driveway today. It is so special to hear him express himself. I am told that he recently said "give that man a Bells!". I almost felt like pouring him a drink.

Brand new Atlanta terminal

The new international terminal opened two days ago (terminal F). I am leaving on DL200 for Johannesburg at gate F02 and I am worried that they would loose my luggage. (That usually happens at new terminals; doesn't it?). The lounge is bright and still smell like paint and new fabrics and a glass of red wine sells for under $10.

Steve and Elise

I met my cousin Elise (whom I have not seen for 35 years) and her husband, Steve, in Orlando; while attending the Visa Payments Forum. It was great to hear how passionately she talks about her missionary work into Africa and India. I realised how important it is to stay in touch with family, especially in the globally connected world that we now live in.

Rainy Orlando

Wake up this morning and heard the rain. The day was dark and the funrides in the distance was wrapped in shadows. Then the sun broke through and reflected off the pools in the parking area.

Looking the crane driver in the eye

I stayed on the 9th floor at the Radisson Blue Gautrain Sandton to attend a workshop. When I opened the curtains in the morning an occupied crane on the building site next door was on the same level as me.

Back home for a day

The sun was particularly bright today and the mountains bright. I could smell the sea and the next morning the dawn was specially beautiful on the scattered clouds. Maybe I appreciate the Cape more given that I am here less frequent.

Positive experience about Africa

I attended the African World Economic Forum in Addis Ababa and met some amazing African leaders. The discussions were extremely stimulating and while I recognise that we have lots of problems on the continent, I came away with such a positive spirit. Given a world that is stumbling on so many aspects, Africa is full of promise.

Country Sixty

I arrived in Addis Ababa in overcast weather with intermittent rain for the Africa session of the WEF. This is the sixtieth country that I have now visited. I have not yet had time to explore, but initial impressions of Addis is a city built on a rich heritage.

Spot of sunshine

There is a special beauty when the sunlight breaks through an overcast sky. We experienced this as we drove to the Strand in the late afternoon, and just one patch was bathed in glorious sunlight on the Helderberg foot.

Raining on the way to work

Driving to work in the rain this morning was quite enjoyable. The key was to take it easy and not rush to work. I enjoyed the sound of the wipers, the reflection of light on the wet tarmac and the sweeping clouds. The journey to work was seven minutes longer, but filled my life with more memories.

I think I'm Romano-Spanish

I made paela for Sunday lunch today and we opened an old Barbera d'Alba made by our friends at Erbaluna. I enjoyed it so much that for a moment I suffered an identity-crises. It was only when I looked up and saw the Simons mountains that I realised I am actually, truly African.

Ocean Symphony

It is early on a Sunday and me and Annelie are the only people on the beach on a windy morning. The waves roar as a backdrop to the high pitched gulls. As the sea reaches out up the beach, I can even hear the hiss as the bubbles burst at my feet. The wind is rough in my hair and I hear it pushing against my eardrums. Maybe it is the contrast with my recent visits to big cities, but I know that I belong here close to nature.

Arden and Oupa

Rushing from the airport, I was in time to share some time with Arden before bedtime. He snugged close to me with one of his books. Flipping the pages we discussed the tribulations of Max the mouse and his four friends: Mollie, Kasper, Freddie and Loeloe. He impressed me with his vocabulary and keen observation and then he showed me something that I could not do: placing his big toe in his mouth.

Dense fog at Dubai

All the passengers are on the plane, doors closed and ready for push-back. The delays caused by the dense fog here this morning have a ripple effect and we expect to only get clearance in another hour. This means that I am likely to only be home more than three hours late. I should learn to be more patient and accept the things I cannot change.

Singapore Dawn

Last time I was in Singapore (about six weeks ago), I blogged about the sun rising over the sea. I was on the 43rd floor of the Marina Bay then. My room is now on the 40th floor of the Swissotel. I once again experienced a beautiful dawn this morning, but different; with spectacular buildings in the distance reflecting on the water.

Emirates Business Lounge Dubai

Strange how the best experiences (if one is exposed to it frequently) ultimately become mundane. It is probably close to twenty times that I have passed through the business lounge in Dubai this year. Something that I experienced as awesome is now irritating me; why do I have to stand in a queue for the showers and why can't the free Wifi not be faster? How do I ensure that I remain humble and thankful - like I want to be?

Dogs hunting imaginary mouse

Our two dogs are set on finding the mouse in the bushes. It is fun to watch them stick their heads into the Noem-Noem's, tails wagging, small, quick yelps. They have caught a mouse in these bushes before, but I think it is the memory that now spurs them on.

Attending IBM launch at Capitale

Capitale is a prime event venue in lower Manhattan. Originally built to house the Bowery Savings Bank early in the previous century, it is a prime example of Italian Renaissance architecture and truly a grand old building. It was therefor somewhat ironic that IBM choose to announce their new computer architecture; Flex, in this old spectacular building from yesteryear.

Central Park sunshine

Central Park, New York is such a special venue - right in the middle of Manhattan. A large tract of undeveloped land, surrounded by skyscrapers and some of the most expensive real estate in the world. Me and Annelie enjoyed a cup of tea in the park on a chilly sunshine, spring day. The trees and the lawns were framed by the skyscrapers in the background.

Italian fare in Boston

The food was simple yet exquisite. The setting was plain yet authentic. The service was homely yet professional. The three of us had a great dinner at Nico in the Italian district. Izak had a stuffed veal, Annelie the signature gnocchi and I a duck breast. The wine was a Montelcino from Castello Banfi. Nothing to complain about.

Easter sunday with Izak in Boston

Me and Annelie were blessed to see our son for a day. We joined him rejoicing that our Lord has risen with other believers in a small chapel on the MIT campus. We also met Max (a colleague-student) and his girlfriend. We braved the cold and explored the city with thanks in our hearts: our son is doing well in this foreign land.

A380 to New York

Me and Annelie flew on the new A380 from Dubai to New York. We had seats on the business class upper deck and did have a drink in the little pub at the back of the plane. The plane is a marvel of aero-engineering and it is backed up by the dependable Emirates service. Three things that I did not like: it felt like the plane had a sickening oscillation at cruising speed, the seats actually felt narrower than the 777 seats and the large business class with the galley at the back complicated serving meals.

Birthdaywishes

In a previous era, I would have received all of my birthday wishes in person. Some of the family might have phoned. This time, for my fifty-fifth birthday, the majority of my birthday-wishes were delivered digitally. Many suppliers sent generated eMails and texts. But it is the many friends that utilised Skype, Facebook, eMails, eCards and others, that I really would like to thank.

Moonset

I undertook a painful run just before sunrise on Friday. The moon was low on the horizon and slightly obscured by a solitary cloud. The streetlights competed with the brightness of the moon and lost. There was a slight chill in the air.

Dinner with Ernst and Catherine

Seeing that we were planning to travel on my birthday, Annelie prepared a leg of lamb for Thursday evening. Ernst and Catherine joined us for a memorable meal. I decanted a 1997 Frans Malan and we talked till late. I am truly blessed.

I bought a suit from Martin Delport

Martin Delport Mens Outfitters has been around in Cape Town as long as I can remember. They will open a brand new store in Bellville, next week and was selling suits at half price to get rid of stock. I obtained a pair of suits as part of this deal and was served by the original Martin himself. It was such pleasure to see someone in action that still feels passionate by what he does.

I killed a Pigeon

We have this problem with the marks that Rock Pigeons leave on the balcony at home. I like these birds a lot and would not mind them sharing the balcony with us, but this has become impossible as they are in the process of filling the area with their droppings. Therefor, I recently acquired a capable slingshot with which I killed a pigeon on Saturday. It was weird to experience the adrenaline when I realised that the pigeon was hit and actually falling from the air.