Sunday lunch at Babel

On our way back from the Klein-Karoo, we stopped at Babel - the much-talked about restaurant on Babilonstoren farm, and it is really worth a visit. The restaurant prove that simple and fresh can be molded into sophistication. This is why I just love the Cape, something new and innovative always appear from nowhere.

Brilliant Food and Wine Weekend

We spent the weekend with the Kurktrekkers wine-club in the Klein Karoo. We tasted Boplaas's Port magic and learned about the premium wines made by Karusa near Oudtshoorn. The use of Portuguese cultivars like Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira is definitely growing in importance in this warm wine region. We were also treated by an exhibition of culinary skills at Jemima's restaurant, aptly supported by the unique wines from Sijnn.

Early flight to Johannesburg

I like the view from the business lounges in Cape Town International domestic terminal in the morning. Especially if the sun just crested the mountains in the distance. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and people getting ready to fly somewhere is in contrast with the lights reflecting on the wet tarmac and aircraft being readied outside.

Our first grand-daughter born

We were immensely blessed when Nina Cherie was born to Ernst and Catherine during the early morning of the 25th October. Everything went well and mother and child is in good health. Me and Annelie made use of the grandparents' visiting hours and were able to see the new little girl hours after the birth.

Complex IT architecture

I walked past one of the meeting rooms where a number of engineers were working on the architecture of a specific solution. A complex diagram was projected on the screen and two guys were debating a specific element of the design. I stopped and enjoyed the moment. I am so busy with my day to day management responsibilities, but I once again realise, that deep inside, I am still an engineer.

The dogs at home

Later at night, when life starts slowing down, Basie and Nonnatjie like to snug up to us and find a cuddle spot to fall asleep. They climb onto us or crawl into a cranny created by a cushion and then promptly fall asleep. It looks as if they really feel safe with us around. I thought we got them as guard dogs.

My friend Gerhard passed away

It received the sad news that my friend Gerhard Coetzee passed away during the past weekend. I remember him as a dedicated administrator, but someone that who were always inspired by a dream. I have spent good times with him in Gaberone, Swellendam, Kampala and Auckland. I will remember the stuff that we planned together and I salute you. My thoughts are also with Rana and the girls.

Sunday picnic

We packed a lunch consisting of cold chicken, salads, a nice bread and something special for an afterthought. The Bon Courage White Blend was a good compliment to the food. I always wanted to show Annelie the Helderberg Farm forest and the brilliant weather afforded us an opportunity to experience this picnic venue in the middle of wine country.

Cold front in the morning sky

I had a brisk cycle ride this morning to the water-works and back. At the top of the hill, I looked back towards False Bay. The sun was turning the sky into crimson and a ridge of clouds clearly marked the edge of a cold front moving eastwards. It was magnificent to experience.

Ado and his girls in the Cape

My brother, Ado, and two of his daughters: Angelique and Cheree, stayed over at de Wijnlanden for the weekend. The girls competed in a fencing competition and it created an opportunity for me to see my brother. We shared a few meals, talked, watched rugby together and checked out the environment. Me and Annelie also drove out to the venue and experienced some of the fencing action.

Huge tree in Oburi Gardens

While on a business trip to Ghana, me and Gavin took a few hours, hired a car and driver to visit the Oburi Botanical Gardens. The gardens is about 30km outside the city on the hills inland, and it took us about an hour to get there. Central in the garden is a massive Silk Cotton Tree - the last remaining tree of the original forest.

A dead sparrow at a funeral

I got out of the car at tannie Dot's funeral and noticed the dead sparrow on the pavement. I could not help thinking of Matthew 10:29. "...Yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will." Amazing how He speaks to us in so many ways.

Work planning session

One thing about the Cape that always surprises me, is the new spots to be discovered. We had a planning session at the Crystal Towers hotel Century City. Afterwards we had dinner at Knife - the local restaurant. I looked around a bit and was pleasantly surprised by the infrastructure and facilities in and around this venue.

Tri-nations wine tasting

George prepared an amazing wine tasting with wines from rugby-playing nations pitted against the best that South Africa could offer. Wines from Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and France were tasted blind. In the end all of us agreed that the Australian wines was the best of the night. We realised again how fortunate we are to have opportunities like this to share experiences with friends.