I hate gearshift cars

I collected my Avis rental car when in Johannesburg for a business meeting - some type of Renault. It was equipped with a manual gearshift. In a modern world when many technical problems have been solved, why is it still necessary to push a clutch when shifting a gear. I cannot understand why we still make manual gearshift cars. It was with a lot of relief that I slipped behind the Merc's steering wheel when I returned to the Cape.

Attending Hein's fiftieth

It was great to celebrate Hein's fiftieth birthday with friends at Simonsig's Cuvee restaurant - one of the best in Stellenbosch. I enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. The food was good (as usual) accompanied by Simonsig wines. (The Gewurtz being one of my favourites).

Splash of orange

Next to the main highway south I noticed one specific, solitary, seasonal flower. In a few days, this plant and the single flower will be gone, forever. While thousands of vehicles passes here everyday, it struck me that the flower will probably meet its purpose: to create lots of seeds for next season.

Bloem's city center metamorphosis

While waiting for the replacement of my cracked windscreen at a very friendly PG Glass in Bloemfontein's city center, I strolled around a bit. I could not find a bookshop in the old FVB center - not sure what is called now. Only budget clothing stores and many micro-lending establishments. It was somewhat nostalgic to think back to the academic bookstores and the student-catering eateries that occupied this shopping center twenty-five years ago.

The big five...twice

It was a great six days in the Kruger Park. We were really very lucky to spot samples of the big five, sometimes in dramatic fashion. But it was also sightings of other species (other, less well-known cats, two species of jackal, a honey badger and various bird species) that made the week even more special.

The mighty Olifants

The Olifantsriver roll through the bushveld towards the Mozambican Indian ocean broken into many different rivulets, rapids and small waterfalls. Given the high density of Hippopotamus, it should probably have been called Hipporiver. We are enjoying the days in the Kruger Park, with lots of rest - experiencing the peace and serenity of nature. The routine of early out of bed to be at the gates when they open, lots of sleep, good food, time together and experiencing different animals and birds is proving to be very wholesome.

It's tough to be old

My parents are both eighty-six and live in a retirement village in Centurion. I was privileged to visit for a few days and just again realised how time is marching on relentlessly. My dad, especially, is showing the scars of his ripe age.... and while it is good to sit next to him while he reminisce of a distant past, it does make me sad to see how little remain of the man I remember.

Overnight in a cold Karoo

On the way north me and Annelie booked into the Transkaroo Country Lodge situated in the sleepy Britstown... and did we enjoy it? Inside the old building we noticed a stylish touch and the meals that we enjoyed was served with a unique approach. We were particularly impressed with a winelist that boasted a wide variety and some cleverly selected wines too.

Ice cold cycle ride

I got on my road bike at the office this morning for a quick run. Richard Price arranged for us to have a group bicycle ride every Tuesday, but it was only me and him mad enough to brave the cold. and cold it was. Afterwards I had difficulty walking because of the lack of feeling in my toes, but it was nevertheless very satisfying in a strange way.

Wet MeerenBos

We spent the night at MeerenBos and heard the cold front pass over the house as the wind intensified. In the morning, it was heartwarming to see the wet trees and undergrowth glistening in the filtered light. At the edge of the lake, a solitary coot was swimming purposefully against the light rain and the swirling wind towards an unknown destination.

The great Bosman

We attended a great winetasting of the products of Bosman family vineyards, ably presented by Heinie Nel, the viticulturist. The wines were excellent, both in terms of quality and wine-making philosophy, but it was the information about vineyards, cultivars and winemaking that was really special.

Egyptian Geese feeding

It is such a beautiful day in the Cape. The sun is shining and just a light breeze from the west. Even the Egyptian Geese seems to enjoy the weather. I counted ninety right in front of the house feeding on the green sprouts.

Proudly flying the flag

I am standing on the 30th floor of an office building in San Francisco and look out over the city. The "stars and stripes" are waving on flagpoles on many of the buildings. Where I am standing, I can count at least seven flags. One can say many things about the US, but I respect the pride that they have for their country.

Attended Grace Church in St Helena

I am meeting a business associate here in St Helena, California today, so I booked into a lodge close by. This morning on the spur of the moment, I attended mass at a nearby church: Grace Church. It was gratifying to experience the blessings of the Lord with other believers.

Boerbeskuit

As I walked into the kitchen, I immediately knew it. The aroma was still hanging in the air: Annelie produced another batch of "boerebeskuit" - I suppose the best translation would be homemade rusks. I can see myself munching through this batch during the next month with a lot of enjoyment.

Healthy green stuff

At a breakfast meeting at Melrose Arch, I joined the rest of the party to order freshly squeezed pear juice. When it arrived, it looked quite suspicious: green fluid with foam on the top and chunks floating in it. Luckily, it was delicious.

Izak on his way to Boston

My youngest son has been admitted to a post-grad at MIT. He left for the US last weekend and is currently making arrangements to be able to start his studies in August. I am proud and thankful at the same time.

Home routine

I was up early this morning. With a steaming mug of coffee and a bowl of oats. I sat down to read a chapter from scripture and then for time in prayer. Outside the day was dawning on a green Cape (after the recent rains) and inside the dogs started moving in their warm cot. After a long trip, I feel so much at home.

Stayed at the impressive Marina Sands

While in Singapore for the MMU conference, I stayed at the Marina Sands. This is an architectural miracle built on reclaimed land. A 240 meter balcony is pearched on top of three skyscrapers reaching 57 stories into the air. With all this opulance, "having your feet on the ground" got a new meaning for me.

First Class Loire

I got upgraded to first class from Cape Town to Dubai. I must say the whole experience is a bit pretentious for me. Fancy having a Suite rather than a Seat and your own mini-bar! What made it worthwhile and a privilege though, was the Loire wine that I could savour: Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2008; in a (first) class of its own.