Westcliff in Johannesburg

Attending some corporate training at the Westcliff in Johannesburg. (I am also booked into the hotel for a few nights). This hotel - part of the Oriental group of luxury hotels - must have the most beautiful setting for a hotel in Johannesburg.

Forest wedding

Me and Annelie were privileged to attend Helena and Josh's wedding held in a forest at the foot of the Helderberg mountain. It was such a wonderful occasion on many dimensions, but central to all was the couple's acknowledgement that the Lord is first in their lives.

OR Tambo Domestic Lounge

As always it was nice to arrive at the ORT domestic lounge after the overnight from Zurich. After a quick shower, a glass of sparkling water and South African warmth from the staff at the lounge, I was ready for the last leg to Cape Town.

Davos 2013

I attended WEF 2013 in Davos. I listened to famous speakers, attended stimulating discussions and met interesting people. I met the president of Nigeria, ministers from various African countries and Malaysia. I had meetings with CEO's and executives from major corporations. One of my last meetings was with Bill Gates. I left Davos with a lot of satisfaction and thankfulness for the opportunity.

Early morning Switzerland

The sun is on the rims of the mountains: early morning. The snow is crisp and the trees edged against the white. Outside temperature is minus ten. I am being driven to Davos having landed early morning in Zurich. I am looking forward to the discourse at the WEF.

Meerlust friends

I had dinner with some business friends at Savruga in the Waterfront. After enjoying a good MCC and a great Chenin, our waiter informed us that they are selling their last six Meerlust Rubicon 1991 at a reduced price. After four brilliant bottles we concluded the following: a) Rubicon can age well, b) six bottles were just a mile too far and c) friendships can be strengthened through Meerlust.

Cloud on the Mountain

I have seen the cloud over Table Mountain many times. The picture last night, on my way into town for a business dinner, was like nothing that I have seen before. It looked like a massive wave breaking into the city-bowl in the setting sun's last rays.

Rooiels and back

I joined a group at this morning's cycling that did a fast ride to Rooiels and back. We finished the 75km in just over two hours. I surprised myself that I could (largely) stay with the pace. I felt a big sense of satisfaction.

Old Port to cap a perfect dinner

We enjoyed a great dinner with nine friends at de Wijnlanden. The food and friendship was special and the mountains crisp and clear in the early evening sun. Afterwards, we opened a 46 year old Real Companhia Velha LBV Port to cap a perfect evening.

Kiddy lunch with Arden

We enjoyed lunch with Arden at the Ocean Basket in Hermanus. Ouma helped him to draw teeth for the Crab on the kiddies menu and he then enjoyed his Fish-bites. Never thought it would be possible again, but I can see us at a Spur with sparklers and waiters singing: happy birthday.

Sunset at MeerenBosch

I was treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets at the edge of the Botriver lagoon tonight. Makes it doubly hard to think about getting back into a work routine next week.

Burry Stander ride

I joined thousands of cyclists for the Burry Stander memorial ride this morning. (Burry a MTB olympiad and one of the most promising cyclists in South Africa, was killed this week in a road accident). The ride started at the Braak in Stellenbosch towards Jonkershoek where wreaths were laid in his memory.

Breakfast with Arden

It was only me and Arden that was up at 06:30 this morning... so we had breakfast together; just me and my grandson. Me having my regular oats with fruit and him finishing a bowl of Pronutro. Strange how such a small thing can mean such a lot to me.

Brandy tasting

We promised ourselves many times and it was one of the first things that we did in the new year: proper brandy tasting at Van Rijn's - and it was worth it. The venue, the service, the ambiance, and of course the brandies were of the highest calibre.

Time with my brother

It was great to spend some quality time with my brother in the old year with his family at MeerenBosch. I "braai"ed a lamb "ribbetjie" and we opened a number of good wines. We talked till late about life and the universe.