White beach

This is just one of the joys of Meerenbosch. Unpolluted, wide, white beach, without even one footprint in the middle of peak season. And within one hour from our home.

Cycle trip up Afdak mountain

Not the best weather to cycle up a mountain - driving South Easter with a light rain. Nevertheless, the payback was worthwhile with a wonderful view over Sandown bay, a rainbow in the sky and peace around me.

Great wine and cheese

I opened an old Burgundy (Chambolle Musigny 1996) with old Amsterdam Cheddar. Loved it!

Izak leaving for the US

We dropped Izak off at Cape Town International for a thirty six hour flight to the north west US. He is on his way to spend time with Julia and meet her family and friends. I suppose it was fitting that he wore a Springbok jersey and I in a Bafana Bafana shirt.

Xmas with Arden the toddler

We had a great Christmas with both the boys and Catherine at de Wijnlanden for lunch. Having Arden here too, with his walk and talk was very special.

Sunday lunch at MeerenBosc

To really enjoy life, general wisdom dictates that one tries the best restaurants, goes to the most exotic locations and participates in out-of-this-world thrills. Then why is it that I enjoy so much having my family with me, savoring a good (not great) wine, making a fire on the ground, cooking simple food and just enjoying each others company?

Perfect day at Onrus Beach

The thing about Cape Town's weather is that when you get a perfect day, it cannot be better. We spend such a day with the kids and Arden on Onrus's beach. The sun was shining, people everywhere and a surfing competition in one corner. At one stage I just stood back and thanked the Lord for this perfect day.

Day in Wine Country

We don't do this enough. We live right here in Wine Country and don't make the time to visit our own winefarms. Me and Annelie decided to go and taste our own Stellenbosch wines and we had a great experience. Visits to Warwick, Ridgemore and Laibach was concluded with a light lunch at Morgenhof. Ernst and Catherine picked up the key for Meerenbosch and we had the privilege to see our grandson too. We had such a lovely time.

Early morning swim

I did a few lengths swimming before leaving for the airport this morning. The pool at the Intercontinental is on the 32nd floor and provides arguably the best view of the Sydney harbour. Looking at the Operahouse in the early morning sun was a fitting goodbye to a great stay.

Sydney bridge

Now I know why people rave about Sydney. The setting and layout is beautiful, there is a happiness in the air and lots to enjoy. I had very positive business meetings and made good friends. Only one thing that was a shock to my system: the price of the excellent Aussie wines.

Celebrating thirty years

Just returned from Cathedral Peak after a few memorable days with my lady. We spent our honeymoon here thirty years ago and have been coming back every decade. The old world style remains in this classic hotel and the good memories are everywhere.

Beautiful things in the morning

As I drove out of the estate this morning early, I decided to observe the beautiful things that I see on my way into the city. After an hour of driving, I realised how privileged I am to be alive: from the green vineyards, to an aircraft climbing after take-off. Scurrying people in all kinds of transport on the N2, Devils Peak covered in early morning mist. Just such a lot of things to saviour.

Hosting the Mobey Forum

The Mobey Forum is the leading global industry body for mobile banking. Fundamo is hosting the last meeting of the year here in Cape Town. We are blessed with visitors from three continents and an excellent line-up of speakers. Sharing the magic of the Mother City with our visitors was very special.