Like Blood

In the cellar, a box on top of a pile of newly purchased wine fell and a bottle of Quinary broke. The result looked just like blood - a major accident... which is what it was.

Work cycle

These mornings are perfect for cycling on the Cape's scenic roads. I realized it even more so when I saw Mark cycling up a hill in front of me with Table Mountain as a backdrop in the distance.

At Ernst

After the wine-weekend, we were blessed to spend Sunday evening with Ernst. We watched cricket, enjoyed an early supper, talked and played with the grand-children. When Nina came to say: "nighty night" dressed in her special night gown, we knew how fortunate we are to experience them growing up.

Weekend of friendship

Both wine-clubs had their year-end functions this weekend. First the Kurktrekkers with a stunning wine and food pairing at Nederburg's Red Table - honest dishes but elegant and then the Sippers on Saturday. We spend the whole day together in the Stanford area, tasting wines and savoring the cheeses of Kleinrivier. Dinner was at the new harbor in Hermanus with two whales spotted in the waves below the restaurant. Truly a weekend of friendship.

Sunny office

Two of my colleagues found one of the best sunny spots in the office on the 4th floor. I saw them this morning early, having a cup of coffee, discussing important things, while soaking in the early warmth - and I envied them.

Birds in the early morning

I was awake early this morning (jet lag induced) and listened to the exuberant celebration of the birds welcoming the new day. I realized that it does sound different to when I am in other continents. It is as if the chatter of the birds is with much, much more abandonment here in Africa as anywhere else - as if there is more to be thankful for.

Welcome home

We were pleasantly surprised to be met by Catherine and the two grand-children when we landed at Cape Town International. The two little ones were overjoyed to see us (actually more so to see Annelie). We are so thankful for two special grand-children and a daughter that cared enough to be there when we landed.

Rugby on TV in Dubai

We landed in time in Dubai to rush to the hotel to see the second half of the rugby live. Then had a late dinner and a short rest before boarding for the final leg back to Cape Town.

Goodbye San Francisco

Another amazing day in San Francisco; the sun is shining, no smog or wind. We enjoyed the breakfast in the Intercontinental Hotel, a quick walk through the Saturday morning traffic, buy a last bottle of Napa Cab, then pack and off to the airport. We will be back.

Half Moon Bay cycle

While attending an executive discussion, we are booked into the stunning Ritz Carlton Hotel in Half Moon Bay. Today, I cycled into the hills behind the hotel, towards Higgins Canyon and then Purisima Creek. It was a fun ride in a beautiful country.

French wines in Napa

I savored five of the best Burgundy wines one of the other at the home of friends in Napa. Me and Annelie enjoyed warm hospitality, excellent food and the most beautiful views across the valley from the main living room. But to stand in a big, well-designed cellar predominantly stocked with thousands of the best French wines in the middle of the mecca of American wines; was a memorable experience.

Occidental

I booked us into a basic hotel in the small town Occidental. We enjoyed the drive through the winding roads and the dense forests. We followed the Russian river to the sea, saw the sun set over the rugged north California coast and enjoyed a seafood dinner in Bodega Bay.

Atelier Crenn

We were entertained with a culinary exhibition last night in the company of Vijay and Lawrence. Dominique Crenn is the first female in the US running a two star Michelin-rated restaurant and it shows. Not only was every dish on the (short) five course menu exquisite, but the courageous wine-pairings worked beautifully too. What we really enjoyed was the way that other art-forms (like poetry and sculptures) were integrated to create a unique experience. Definitely one of my top ten dining experiences.

A halloween experience

We actually had a great halloween experience in the suburb where Izak lives. We opened the door to many of the neighborhood kids (most dressed-up friendly. i.e. Alice in Wonderland, etc.) accompanied by their parents. We offered them candy and spoke a few words to them and their parents - an opportunity to get to know the people around here. Annelie scared many of the kids when they heard her speak English... because of her Bloemfontein accent.

First merchant bank

The problem with being an exception is that systems do not cater for you. When I tried opening a US bank account with no plan to settle here, many banks could not help me. Until I stepped into the Brownsburg branch of the First Merchant Bank. Friendly staff, with an attitude of solving problems, managed to open an account for me. The whole experience was a lesson in how important people are in client service; even in banks. The biggest coincidence was that, after I made enquiries, I found that this bank's mobile banking service is supplied by S1, which originally was based on Fundamo software.