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.