Some of us are not afraid of the cold

In comparing the difference in dress code between Frans and Owen at work, it was clear to me that some are not afraid of the cold outside.

In serious discussion with my first grandson

Picture of me with my first grandson, Arden Hannes in serious discussion. It is such an amazing experience to see the little baby and to realise that his whole world is still ahead. He will have so much to see and learn. If I think how the world that I was born into changed, then he will see so much in his life.

Watching the game in a bush pub

We watched the Springboks beat the Kiwi's in a genuine bush pub close to Tulbugh. The pub, built in a number of trees, was packed with hard-core Springbok supporters. This was part of a wine-tasting tour to the region with friends where we tasted great Shiraz's and Pinotage's (amongst others).

Early morning in Morgansvlei

We woke this morning to a beautiful day on Margansvlei Estate close to Tulbagh. Me and Annelie joined Quintes and Riele for dinner at the Tulbagh Hotel and then talked till late afterwards. After breakfast, the rest of the winegroup will be joining us and then we will start the wine-tour. Really looking forward to it.

Augmented Reality Advert

This is a screenshot of me experiencing the new augmented reality adverts delivered by GE. (See for your self here). It just amaze me what is possible with technology nowadays... and what is conceptually possible when you experience things like this.

Lunch meeting at Cafe Neo

I had lunch with Willem at Caffe Neo today after my application for my UK visa. Because of the efficient process, I was a bit early and had a brisk stroll down the Greenpoint seafront. I looked at the mountain and the lighthouse and just fell in love with Cape Town again.

Egyptian Geese with little chicks

I saw these two wild Geese in the parking lot at Fundamo this morning. They were looking after their new family of little chicks. As the staff started arriving, all were very careful in parking as we did not want to scare the birds off. It was amazing to see wild animals living in harmony with us.

Beaumont Chenin's

We stopped on the way to Meerenbosch to taste the wonderful Chenin's that is made on the farm, and we were not disappointed. The wooded Chenin displayed so much depth and complexity that it must rate as one of the best South African examples of Chenin Blanc. Afterwards we walked down to the old Water Mill and bought some freshly milled flour.

MTB ride through the vineyards

I had such fun this morning cycling up the reservoir hill and then down through the vineyards. I left home before sunrise and experienced extreme cold, but as the day started waking it was such joy to hear the birds in the trees and to smell the morning in the fresh herbs and mushrooms.

Having dinner with good friends

I had dinner tonight with good friends from Israel. We visited Avron's Place, one of the Kosher restaurants in the city and even had a few bottles of King Solomon reserve Cabernet wine. It was a most enjoyable evening.

My kids and the little baby

Me and Annelie had supper at the two new parents tonight (We took the food with so they did not have to cook). It was such an amazing experience to see my kids interacting with their three-week old son. The care and love that they have for this new human being was such a joy for us to experience. I just praise the Lord for how richly He has blessed Ernst and Catherine.

Fundamo offices with garden

As I left the central block and saw some of the engineers walking down the corridor to have a workshop, I once again realised how fortunate we are with the Fundamo premises. The beautiful gardens and the proximity of the Durbanville wine region and excellent restaurants all contribute to making this a special place.

What a perfect morning in the Cape

The sunrise this morning was again something to behold. As is my custom, after rising, I made breakfast and then spent time with the Bible and praying. When I opened my eyes, this is what I saw. I just had to go and wake Annelie so that she can share this with me.

Back in Cape Town

I just landed at Cape Town International. The day is one of those special Cape Town mornings, crisp and clean, without any wind. The sun is shining and where I am standing, waiting for the driver, I can see the back of Table Mountain basted in the morning sun. I am in love with the Cape.

A lot of hard work in Lagos

I am in Lagos for the week, busy with some important Fundamo business. This is a picture of me in the back of the car as we travel from one appointment to another. It is possible to see all the hustle and bustle of Lagos outside the car. Motorcycles, street-vendors, and much more. I had a hectic schedule for the week, but still managed to achieve my business objectives.

Reliving the glory in the CTI business lounge

I am waiting for my flight in the Cape Town International business lounge that will start a journey to Lagos in Nigeria. They were showing a replay of yesterday's Springbok game against the Lions. I enjoyed reliving the glory of the historic win.

Arden Hannes' first day

I had to post a picture of my first grandchild on this blog. I borrowed this photo from Ernst's blog, as I will only see the little chap on Friday (God willing). It has been such a special experience to have heard the news of the birth. I cried with joy when I was told that he will carry my name and what the combination of Arden Hannes means ("ablaze with passion, because the Lord is gracious"). Modern technology enabled me to be able to talk to Ernst and Annelie and to see pictures of Arden on the web and through MMS messages sent to me while I was working in Barcelona. I just again realise how blessed I am. All the honour and the glory to God.

Leaving Barcelona for Cape Town

We had an amazing conference in Barcelona and ready to board for Heathrow. I thought that it was quite funny that the gate that our flight would be leaving from should be branded Chivas. It was a somewhat ironic way for Barcelona to say goodbye.

Matt spraypainting Fundamo logo

Matt is a senior executive in WU and a good friend. This is a picture of him spraypainting Fundamo's logo on a stand at the conference in Barcelona, as an activity at a cocktail event.

The second MMU Summit has just started

The second Summit just started. The Chairlady is Siki Mgabadeli, well-known media personality from South Africa. We are looking forward to great speakers and panel discussions. I will have an opportunity to meet industry leaders in informal situations and we will debate this fledgling industry for three days. It feels like yesterday when the first Summit kicked off in Cairo.