Ghange revolving restaurant

At the end of the Change Alley in Singapore, next to the Fullerton hotel, is a strange structure. It looks like a giant mushroom, but is a revolving restaurant where I had dinner with my Visa colleagues on Monday. The seven course dinner was an impressive exhibition of Chinese cuisine delivered in a modern fusion interpretation. We had an Australian GMS and I must rate this eating experience as the best ever in Singapore. As Gerald put it: "a revolving restaurant without revolting food".

Dinner in Singapore

I had dinner with a few of my new colleagues in Singapore tonight: good Australian lamb chops with an Argentinian Merlot in the company of two Americans, a Brit and a Pakistani living in Dubai. I felt quite ordinary: a South African, living in South Africa with a preference for Karoo lamb and local Stellenbosch wines.

Arden three year birthday party

Arden elected to have a bike race theme birthday party for his third birthday. It was brilliant to see screaming kids go round-and-round a race-track improvised for the day. The English language does not have a suitable translation for "ou-gat" which I think is the best description for Arden and his friends on the day.

Lunch with my best friend

I had lunch with Annelie at Overture for her birthday. We enjoyed the five course set menu with wine pairing and realised why this restaurant consistently wins accolades. What made the time really special was that I was scheduled to be away on business, but missed my plane. The embarrassment of missing important meetings was countered by the fact that me and Annelie had a special (unplanned) time together.

Arriving in Cape Town

The aircraft starts long final for runway 19 as the late afternoon sun reflects off the Plattekloof houses. A minute before touch-down... we are back home.

Delayed in Dubai

We boarded EK772 to Cape Town on time. The doors even closed and taxi started five minutes early. But then the pilot saw a malfunctioning sensor on the undercarriage and after an investigation Emirates decided to withdraw the plane. We have now disembarked, finished our breakfast on terra firma and are busy contemplating if we will be in time to see the Springboks live in Cape Town.

On the way to SF airport

We were picked up at the Palace by Emirates chauffeur-driven Town-car and driven on the now familiar route to the airport. This is in a way bitter-sweet; leaving friends and interesting business topics behind, but looking forward to be home.

Sunset dinner at Pier 39

Me and Annelie had dinner at Swiss Louis on Pier 39. We enjoyed an average chowder, a so-so pasta and seafood washed down with wine that I would not like to name. While the setting will remain special, it once again proved that one should generally steer away from tourist eateries.

Twin Stormer support

We had an awesome dinner at Bill's home in Hillsborough on Sunday. We had a slow-roasted beef-rib and pasta with amazing old California reds. For me, however, the highlight of the visit was when we were greeted by Bill and Jo's two-year old twins both proudly dressed in Stormers jerseys.

Izak graduation from MIT

We listened with a lot of gratefulness as Izak's full names was read out at this morning's graduation. He attained a masters in engineering from the school of logistics at MIT in Boston. His time spent studying at this great academic institution definitely made a mark on my son. I was impressed with how comfortable he was in the presence of his piers and professors. I sensed a new-found confidence and sense of purpose that will help him in his career in the future.

Clean shaved

During the past ten days I grew a beard (much more grey than I would have liked). This morning I shaved it off for Izak's graduation. I think clean-shaven works better for me.

Akademika B&B

We stayed at a B&B close to the University of Illinois campus in Urbana. We were the only clients during our stay and enjoyed the silence of the suburbs, but it was the owner, Gloria's, cooking for breakfast that we will remember.

The death of the last Centuar

Samuel Allerton was a self-made millionaire from Chicago - one of the wealthiest people of the 1800's. His only heir, Robert, was a sensitive boy with a keen appreciation for art. He utilised the family wealth wisely to create an enduring legacy through art (including numerous gifts to the Chicago art museum). We visited the Allerton farm close to Urbana and was blown away by the art exhibited in garden settings as well as inside the unspoiled forest. We closed off the day with a visit to "the death of the last Centaur". A bronze statue outside in the forest. It was an experience in poignant beauty, exclaiming the futile search for human worth.

Old and new

While enjoying brunch at a running friend of Julia, I saw this great example of old working in harmony with new; a new iPod connected to a solid state amplifier (c early 1970's). For me it was symbolic of a new, modern world that can still accommodate the old, stylish past.

Fellowship in Urbana

We attended Sunday morning worship with friends of Julia's at a local church. It was great to have communion with strangers, but brothers and sisters in Christ.

Orange-infused Wolftrap

We had dinner at friends of Julia (Izak's girlfriend) on Friday in Urbana (Illinois). We met wonderful people; with great families and visible friendships. It was also gratifying to see some openly witness their relationship with God. Many of them were quite knowledgeable about South Africa. This was demonstrated in some way when we were served an attractive blend of Boekenhoutskloof Wolftrap, infused with orange peel and topped up with Vodka. We enjoyed this with delicious chocolate cake.