We had our quarterly lunch this week, me and Willem. I love our lunches. It usually turns into "how-to-change-the-world-for-the-better-tomorrow" discussions. I usually leave inspired and full of new ideas. "Where shall we meet this time?", Willem asked, "Seeing that I come from the Southern Suburbs and your from the Northern". Then I had a brilliant idea, "Langa", I said. We had our lunch at Esiko Restaurant. We should do this more.
I was so disgusted with the performance of the Springboks against Australia, that I searched for GeoCaches rather than watching rugby. As the sun was setting, the moon was already above the horizon and the clouds made funny patterns against the mountains. I did not find a lot of Caches, but I once again were reminded how beautiful the Cape can be.
We initially thought that we should go and see a movie on Friday night, but could not find something interesting. In the end we attended a life performance of Die Kaalkop Waarheid (DKW), an Afrikaans Rock Band in a local theatre. It was fun.
Wim and Kobie stayed over on Thursday night and we had a most enjoyable dinner at La Pineta. I thought that it was fitting that we should dine at a restaurant as close to a airstrip as possible. After dinner (when we left), Wim found this hat at reception...
Me and Annelie drove down to the beach after lunch on Sunday and had a cup of coffee and a slice of chocolate cake at a sea-side cafe. We then had a brief stroll on the beach. It was low tide and the sea was very calm. Birds were feeding below the low-water mark and the fresh smell of the cold water filled the air. We experienced, we shared and we were thankful. Words cannot describe it.
I just love the people I work with. I received this box from our Singapore office - properly packaged with all the required stickers on and professionally signed with my full name and title. Inside was a Fundamo stamp with a nice letter attached. Background to the story is that it is customary to also stamp a contract when it is signed in the East. This is not really a Euro-centric thing. We discussed it a few times (me and Aaron), recognising the differences in culture and practice and how important it is to have respect for differences. Just to show that he remembered, Aaron made sure that we now have our own stamp. Love it!
With the exception of the soccer, everything about this World Cup was amazing. Africa has opened her heart to all the visitors from afar and showed the generosity of a special continent. As old as the human race and with rhythms that you can feel run through the packed Calabashe (Soccer City - as magnificent arena as I have seen), Africa has shown her warmth. The opening ceremony was well planned. Even the lack of coordinated movements felt right and the amazing computer animation on the pitch showed a continent that can use technology as good if not better than any-one. This is why it is such a pity that FIFA could not rise to the occasion. It is clear that the superstars of the game are tired or just arrogant, the officials are scared because of the lack of technology and the game-plans played un-inspiring.
Me and Annelie have just booked in for our flight to Johannesburg with BA to attend the final. I have poured a glass of Printer's Ink (a stunning Pinotage produced by Meinert in Devon Valley). As I sat at the window of one of the better lounges (not as good as BA lounge in terminal 5 or Emirates in Terminal 3 though), looking at the Airbus A340-600 being loaded, I realised how much I enjoy this life. To experience all this travel and events, to meet interesting people and be exposed to interesting ideas. It is as if I live on the edge, but the view is beautiful.
Arden stayed over with us on Saturday evening. Sunday we took him to the Duckpond for morning tea. We showed him the small ducklings. He helped the tannie write the menu on the big white board and just generally spend time with his oupa. It is such a blessing to experience this time of my life.
I had such a great mountainbike ride on Saturday. All the way to the Jonkers bench high up in the Jonkershoek mountains. It was quite a strenuous trip as I had to climb a number of very steep hills (often with loose rocks). But the view from the top and the satisfaction to have done it was just amazing. I will definitely be back.
Friday is Soccer Friday in South Africa and some of the guys at work do the name justice. I noticed that both Richard and Martin donned shirts of two of teams playing tonight. I don't know about Brazil, but I definitely hope that Ghana progress to the Semi's
I saw this poster when I got off the plane at OR Tambo: "...some-one to look up to, no matter how tall you've grown". This just touched my heart; for being a dad, for beiong a son, for knowing dad's and just feeling the responsibility, but also the safety. 'made my day.
We had a perfect Sunday lunch at home. I prepared a roast with potatoes in the Webber and Annelie made a simple green salad. We opened a good South African Pinot and had the meal upstairs with a view of the Stellenbosch mountains on a wonderful, sunny day. Difficult to think of a better lunch anywhere in the world.
