Productive stay in Islamabad

Another productive visit to Pakistan has come to an end. I am packed and ready to take the long trip back home. I am always inspired by the opportunity and optimism in Pakistan and leave motivated to make a difference. Why is it that the media can influence us so much, to view certain countries so differently to others when, actually, the reality is much more similar?

Meat and more meat

This weekend was official braai weekend. (I tend to remember that it started off as a braai-day). We had meat and then more meat. On Saturday-evening I attempted a 800g T-bone supported by a great Beaumont Shiraz 2006, but the steak won in the end.

At the top of Du Toitskloof Pass

What a cycle we had with the bike club today! The route took us from Waterstone Village through Paarl and all the way to the top of the Du Toitskloof Pass and back. Almost 135 km with a very long climb in the middle. This time everyone completed the trip and we savoured a great sense of achievement.

At the top of Franchhoek pass

I cycled all the way up Franschhoek pass today. It was a stiff climb, but the feeling of accomplishment when one stands on the summit is worth all the pain. Next week, the plan is to attempt duToitskloof pass.

My brother staying with me

My only brother, Ado, attended a conference at Stellenbosch this week. Because we live so close to the venue, he elected to stay with us. I really enjoyed having him at our place. The special bond that exist between brothers is something that one cannot change.

Arden visits Fundamo

Annelie brought Arden to my office today to see where I work and to meet my colleagues. It was great to share my grandson with the people that I work with. I also enjoyed experiencing aspects of my grandson that I did not know. For instance how he reacts to environments that is unfamiliar to him or when he feels a little shy.
Posted from my iPhone

Wild flower show in front of the house

Something is just amazing about this year's spring. It is as if mother earth is just bursting with exuberance. One can see the joy everywhere. The patches and patches wild flowers (even in front of the house) is an orchestration of celebration. Great time to live in Africa.
Posted from my iPhone

My cycle friends training for the DC

The Double Century (DC) is a tough race (200km)... well at least for old people like us. Our team of twelve are planning to participate and at least complete the race at the end of November. For this we have to spend a lot of time in the saddle. Today we did 120km all the way to Agter Paarl and back. It was hard, but a lot of fun.
Posted from my iPhone

Gordon's bay beach early in the morning

What beautiful days we have in the Cape at the moment. Wonderfully clear days with no wind! Yet, no pollution! It is as if all the forces in nature is working together to show how beautiful creation can be. I had to stop and get off the bike to take this photo. The beauty was just overwhelming.
Posted from my iPhone

Walked on the beach on a perfect day

Today was just one of those perfect days. I left work a bit earlier to take out some time to go for a walk on the beach with my lovely wife, Annelie. The sea was calm and one could smell the freshness of False Bay in the air. We do live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Posted from my iPhone

Weekend breakaway at The Baths

It was early on Sunday morning. The morning was still cold in the valley and only the birds were celebrating the break of dawn. I got out of bed and walked briskly up the hill close to the resort to get the first rays of sunshine and see into the distance. We are spending the weekend with Ernst, Catherine and Arden at The Baths (close to Citrusdal). Even though I have a lot of work to do, the time away was special.
Posted from my iPhone