Stayed at the impressive Marina Sands

While in Singapore for the MMU conference, I stayed at the Marina Sands. This is an architectural miracle built on reclaimed land. A 240 meter balcony is pearched on top of three skyscrapers reaching 57 stories into the air. With all this opulance, "having your feet on the ground" got a new meaning for me.

First Class Loire

I got upgraded to first class from Cape Town to Dubai. I must say the whole experience is a bit pretentious for me. Fancy having a Suite rather than a Seat and your own mini-bar! What made it worthwhile and a privilege though, was the Loire wine that I could savour: Clos de la Coulee de Serrant 2008; in a (first) class of its own.

My Grandson is two

I attended Arden's second birthday party. Lots of small boys running around, cupcakes, sweets and popcorn - complete with a green crocodile birthday cake. The little man even spent time with his oupa exploring the road-layout carpet that mom and dad got him for his birthday. No wonder that this event is so high on my importance list.

My friend Hendrik

I have known my friend, Hendrik, for more than thirty years. We and our families have had wonderful times together. Last night he celebrated 53 summers with a group of friends at his home. We enjoyed home-made chicken-pie (with Hermit on the Hill's Shiraz and later some rare sweet wine from Boekenhoutskloof), we talked about the past, our kids, our careers and what we wish for the future. It was a very special time. Previous blogs about Hendrik is here, here and here.

Annelie's birthday

We celebrated my wifes birthday with the boys and Catherine with a special dinner at one of Cape Town's classic restaurants: Magica Roma. The company and the food was in a class of its own. We enjoyed a special Amarone from Valpolicella and talked about things close to our heart. At the end of the evening, as I reflected on everything, I just realised how much God has blessed me.

Father's day with both boys

I am so blessed today to have both Ernst and Izak with me. We are at Club Mykanos in Langebaan for the weekend and enjoyed the weather and the company. I am so lucky that I have a good relationship with the boys. We talked a lot, played Wii, watched rugby and enjoyed multiple meals (and quite a few great wines) during the weekend.

Wet parking lot

I left work later than usual, after dark. It had stopped raining, but everything was still wet. Dark rain clouds drifted across the sky. The streetlights reflected on the paving in multi-coloured patterns. I felt a strange sense of satisfaction to be back in Cape Town.

A more mature Dubai

Arrived this morning in Dubai. After a quick breakfast and a shower, I was off to my first meeting. I was never really fond of this city that rose out of the desert - as I feel it lacks a personality and style. This morning, though, it felt as if the city is starting to settle in a comfortable stride. Maybe hardship breeds maturity?

Arden stayed with us for the night

My grandson slept here last night. We had an uneventful night and Arden had a good night sleep. In the morning, we could hear him awaking and then we were greeted with his sunny smile. He is such a special little boy.

I am now a Visa employee

We announced today that Fundamo was acquired by Visa. I am super-excited about the possibilities that this transaction open up. During the process, I was extremely impressed with my now new employer. Visa is a very special company with a solid vision and a culture that I am happy to be associated with.

Enjoyable Wacky Wine Weekend

Had a most enjoyable weekend with George, Francois and Johan and our spouses. I specifically enjoyed discovering some of the smaller producers, like Kleinhoekkloof and Kingsriver. We had Chicken pita and prawns with Chinen, savored Esteanna at Rietrivier. We enjoyed a boisterous four course dinner with fire dancing and saxophones. During the night I committed to cycle the 26 day Founders challenge. At 2 am on Sunday we lit a fire for boerewors rolls with red muskadel. A weekend to truly remember.

Ernst and Catherine is back

Ernst and his family returned today from Hong Kong via Dubai. We picked them up at Cape Town International and afterwards hosted them for a custom-grilled sirloin and a Kanonkop Cab. They shared their experiences with us and we enjoyed the contributions from a much older Arden. We are so blessed.

Unique competitive advantage

I do not shop at grocery outlets frequently. Yesterday I was standing in the queue at a local Woolworths when I noticed this poster on the wall claiming that the store is equipted with a generator and will keep on trading even during power outages. I thought that this was interesting.