Hartenberg

Hartenberg is one of those wineries that does not have to be boastful to be recognized for their amazing achievements. Wines made on this farm have won international acclaim. We were fortunate to experience the wines with food and good friends. We ended the evening in the underground private cellar amongst some of the world's best wines.

Spasie

Spasie is a place that could be called a restaurant. It is a long table where young chefs are invited to present their art for a few evenings. Annelie and I experienced Nic Charambolous present a menu influenced by his Greek heritage that just blew us away. From the marinated octopus starters grilled on an open fire in the street outside to the desert finale.

Miedie and I

I have known Miedie for ages. It is almost as if we grew up together. For some time we went our separate ways, but today we had lunch together and agreed that we should do it more often.

Early morning beach

I love an early morning walk on the MeerenSee beach. A hazy fog filter the early sun and the sound of the surf is interspersed with the gulls screeching their anxious messages. Just a few human foot-prints provide evidence that people do come here. For the rest it feels surreal almost mystical. There must be unicorns here.

Fire behind Afdaksriver

Veld fires at night is both beautiful and scary. We watched a fire behind Afdaksriver glow in the dark, flaring up as it hits thicker vegetation. Deep inside of me, I can feel the primeval fascination with fire.

Gnocchi and Liver

I have never really cooked in my life. I always thought that it is sufficient for a man to be able to only braai. But now that I have discovered the fun of planning of a total meal, the use of fresh herbs and the combination of tastes a whole new world opened up for me. Tonight I experimented with Gnocchi with calf's liver in a tomato stew. Sure it was a bit dry, and the gnocchi's texture collapsed, but it was a lot of fun to prepare.

Skype on Sundays

Sometimes we are spoiled on Sundays to see our children in the US and to listen to them telling us about their world. This time we connected to them at their home in Indianapolis and enjoyed listening to their stories and their dreams.

Maritha birthday

We were privileged to celebrate Maritha's birthday with friends at Warwick during the weekend. JP and Maritha are such special friends. I am always amazed at how easy-going and comfortable our relationship is, yet how this is supported by depth and seriousness.

Stellenbosch burning

The sun is fighting to penetrate through the thick smoke this morning. Ash gathering on tables and cars in the street. There is an eerie glow in the sky over Stellenbosch today as the mountains burn.

Charles Back

As part of the 21st year birthday celebrations of the Kurktrekkers wine-club we are blessed to visit some of the most impressive wine-personalities in South Africa: wine-icons. Last night we were entertained by the great Charles Back (IWC personality of the year for 2014). He took us on a tour of his vision for the future of wine in South Africa, culminating the wine tasting with the beer that is now brewed on the Estate. 

Eighth Argus

Definitely not as tough or as painful as in previous years, but even more spirit and camaraderie. As was the case with some previous memorable tours, I will remember my eighth "Argus", albeit for different reasons.

Mini Argus 2015

I was fortunate to accompany Arden on the mini Cape Town cycle ride this morning. When I told him we should let the fast ones go first before we start, he looked at me and said: "But Oupa, we are the fast ones." (Picture from the GoPro at the start).

Geocaching with grandkids

I enjoyed a geocaching expedition with Arden and Nina this morning. Nina fell and cut her lip on a dead branch and a wasp stung Arden on his leg, but in the end we prevailed and managed to uncovered three caches. I am so blessed that they are prepared to spend time with oupa.