JB Rivers after the movies

Me and Annelie shared the dinner special (chicken livers, sirloin steak and cheese-cake) at JB Rivers after the movies tonight. We ordered the Excelsior Pure-bred "workhorse" wine and just had a great time. The movie (The Reader) was an excellent choice (Annelie's decision). It was a simple evening out, but we just enjoyed each other's company and getting away from the usual routine. It is such a blessing that we still enjoy being together after we have known one another for 32 years.

Morning Sunrise

I was up before sunrise this morning. After I made myself some breakfast, I read a few passages in the Bible (as is my custom) and then had a long discussion with God: I prayed. When I opened my eyes, God started painting the day in the most amazing way. The clouds had this intense pink color above Stellenbosch. I went out on the balcony in the chilly morning, and I felt vibrantly blessed.

Grand Cru Chablis

I opened a 1998 Chablis Grand Cru Bougros for no apparent reason - just because it was in the fridge. It was an amazing wine - smooth, yet still very well-defined with a lot of character. One should surprise one-self like this more often.

Attending the GSMA MMU

I am attending the MMU (Mobile Money for the Unbanked) worksession at the Mount Nelson in Cape Town. This is a special occasion for me, as I have the opportunity to work with professionals that I have met in many different places in the world, and we are doing it here in Cape Town - my hometown. We will sponsor the dinner for tonight and I am really looking forward to this.

Maze at One&Only

I had a business dinner at the Maze Restaurant at the new luxury hotel in the Waterfront. We had a wonderfull time with great business partners and an excellent winelist. Unfortunately, the food was very much below par. It is possible that the restaurant is still finding its feed and it will get better - but the room for improvement is just so huge.

Congestion on the R300

I got stuck on the R300 this morning because of a mini-bus taxi that lost a wheel (it looked like that). It took me almost an hour longer to get to the office. It is times like this that one needs to just stay calm - it does not help to get upset. I always listen to CapeTalk on the radio. One reason being that I get traffic updates and I could then take an alternative route. Problem is that I got this one late - when I was already stuck.

Bloemfontein Family

Me and Annelie were in Bloemfontein for the weekend. We try to visit regularly as Annelie's father is terminally ill and we try to give as much support as we can. While we were there, we also saw Annelie's brother (Izak) and his family. Adri (one of his daughters) is also in this picture.

Boeremark

We are visiting Annelie's parents in Bloemfontein. (Father-in-law is very ill and we try and spend as much time with them as possible). On Saturday one of the attractions in Bloemfontein is the Boeremark. A local open market where local food is a place to go. Me and Annlie browsed through the market this morning.

Hidden Valley cycle

I had a great cycle this morning all the way up into Hidden Valley. When I left home, it was chilly and thick mist covered big parts of the mountains. I had a few brisks climbs and when I stopped at Overture restaurant in the foothills of Helderberg mountain, the mist was clearing and the sun started breaking through. I felt so close to God and just again realised the greatness of His creation.

Uva Mira

Me and Annelie visited a number of vineyards to taste Chardonnay this morning. We experienced excellent examples of this noble cultivar at Avontuur, Eikendal and Longridge. We then drive up all the way to the "vineyards with Altitute" to try and taste the award-winning Chardonnay at Uva Mira, but unfortunately it was not available for tasting. The drive up the foothills of the Helderberg was worthwhile nevertheless.

Early morning cycle ride

I cycled to the Strand this morning and back. The air was fresh. I enjoyed the smell of the sea as I cycled down the coastal road. Many people were already on the beach and I could see that today would turn into a wonderful day in the Cape.

I am so proud of Fundamo

Today as I left the office, I was so proud of the people working at Fundamo. We have had difficult times, but this week was such a good week. We first had the MTN announcement, and then the new appointments started clicking. People that left the company some time ago started coming back. I felt a sense of achievement with everyone at the office. As I drove out of the parking lot, I had to take a picture so that I can write a blog to thank the Lord for He has truely blessed us.

Western Union comes to Cape Town

Western Union is hosting their agents conference in Cape Town this year. I attended a few sessions in the huge auditorium at the Cape Convention Centre. I saw people from all over the world attending. I was told that more than 100 nations was represented at the conference. Two things struck me: The world-class infrastructure available at the Convention Centre. I have been to many venues in the past - few have the facilities and "touch and feel" that is available here in Cape Town. Secondly, I was once again impressed with what an amazing company Western Union is. The size, impact and heart of the company is truely mind-boggling.

Karachi Boat Club

I had a great lunch at the Karachi Boat Club with Imran, Owais and a guest. The food and services was great. The setting in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city was also very tranquil and beautiful.

Karachi Street

I am in Karachi for a few days. I made a presentation at Pakistan mCommerce conference and also visited a few clients and prospective clients. I always enjoy coming to Pakistan. I think it is the people that I like.

Argus Agony

I finished a grueling Argus race today in a time of 4:51:32 (15 min slower than last year), but I increased my overall position with almost 7 500. (down from 18 312th to 10 771st). Everyone that know rated this as the toughest race ever. The race was held in a raging South Easter wind with wind gusts of more than 100km/h. I was particularly proud of my son who also finished the race in a qualifying time with almost no training.

Woes get together

Annelie is an active contributor to the Woes website. I joined her tonight for a dinner with other contributor's in the Western Cape. The owner of the website, Willem Gouws (in picture with Annelie) was also there. We had a jolly time, talking and listening to poets and other artists.

On top of Ou Kaapse Weg

I had a very busy week, where I recovered from a hectic Barcelona, I had a difficult board meeting and had to deal with complex staff issues at work. I managed to still do some cycling in preparation for the Argus next week. This culminated with an amazing Saturday morning cycle with Ernst (my son). We did Boyes Drive, through Fish Hoek and then returned via Ou Kaapse Weg. At the top, while I waited for Ernst, I just again realised how beautiful the Cape can be.

We have a great company

This year was very successful for us at Barcelona and it was because of the hard work of Fundamo people. Debra did a great job with all the arrangements. Aletha and the business development people was brilliant and Richard and Adriaan looked after everything else and you couldn't get a better team. On the last evening Adriaan insisted that we go to this meat restaurant where we finished 3kg of Toro. This is Adriaan doing more than his part to make the evening memorable.

The Panels

I participated on two panel discussions at the congress. This picture was taken just before the panel discussion on mobile banking usage. Michael Knott is the session leader and is standing at the podium. This is to show the size of the auditoriums at the event. Similar sessions are being held in a few venues this size at the same time.

Dinner with Falk

I had many dinners and attended quite a few events. The dinner sponsored by Cartagena (Falk - on the right in the picture) was in a way very special. I attended the first MWC about seven years ago with Falk. (It was still held then in Cannes). The first time the Congress was held in Barcelona, this restaurant was the first restaurant that I dined in (Falk was there to). Small world...

Barcelona Appartment

Just arrived in Barcelona for the MWC. We have seven Fundamo people in the city this year. Four guys and three ladys. We rented two appartments for the week and made the guys stay in an appartment in the middle of the old town. I have not seen so much noise and action. I had to sleep with plugs in my ears! Nevertheless, it was great to see some of the action and excitement of the city. This is a picture of some kind of festival during Sunday afternoon.

La Caronne picnic

We had this amazing wine tasting/picnic/food pairing experience at La Caronne today. We tasted the best wines of the estate, while (at the same time) also enjoyingthe most exquisite mini-meals. It was also an opportunity to see old friends and to just relax. Afterwards, I had to rush to be in time for my flight to Barcelona (via Munich).

Work function at Moyo's

We had a year kick-off dinner at Moyo Restaurant. This was an opportunity for us to meet the spouses and to also thank them for the sacrifices that they made during 2008. (Because Fundamo operates in so many emerging countries, staff have to travel to remote parts of the world, and this is not always easy on family). Food was excellent, entertainment great and I think we all had a great time.

Fire in the mountains

The mountains have been burning for a few days now. We have an amazing view of the mountains from our house and we could see the fires in the mountains in the evenings. The smoke was also covering everything and you could smell burn in the air. This morning I drove into Stellenbosch for a meeting and saw this fire crew re-grouping. I realised that there are people that have to work all the time to keep the fires in check and to protect property.

The importance of relationships

I am reading a Purpuse driven life with Annelie every morning. I have read the book before, but am doing it with my wife this time, and I am receiving a lot of blessings in reading this. Todays chapter (chapter 16) was specifically special for me this morning. To once again understand how important it is "to live a life of love".

Sevruga restaurant

We do live in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. I had dinner with good friends from Pakistan at the new Sevruga restaurant. tonight. As I looked out over the W&A harbour and experienced the last rays of a perfect day, I thanked the Lord for the blessings in my life, to be able to live in such a nice area of the world.

Lunch with my parents

Me and Annelie took my parents for a light lunch at Jan Smuts' house close to Pretoria. It was a nice outing - to get the old people outside and to spend some time with them. We had a few beers and burgers and just talked. My parents are really aging and this is sad in a way, but it is moments like these that I am thankful to still experience.

SmileCommunications

I spent today in Johannesburg attending to a number of meetings. My last meeting was with Irene (CEO of Smile communications). I have such respect for her and what she achieved in her career. Her latest venture (Smile) is such a ground-breaking company, but I just love the brand and the whole style of the company.

SFO

I am now ready to board and go back home. I am sitting at Gate A4 in Terminal A at San Francisco International. The Business Lounge where I could have gone is closed and now I am waiting for my flight to board. The rain is falling slowly outside and everything feels cold and depressing. Strangely, the airport is not very active and I must say not at all as good or beautiful as Cape Town International. This is suppose to be the center of technology, yet I cannot think that it is the case if I look at the terminal building.

Mobey Forum at Sybase

I spent the last two days attending a specialist mobile banking association meetings here in Dublin (a suburb or San Francisco.) I made a presentation and also was a member of a panel. It was great to see the old friends but also to meet new ones. Some of the practitioners of mobile banking have now been in the industry for almost ten years. We have learned such a lot and have also achieved a lot.

Wente winery

We had dinner at a local winery (Wente winery) sponsored by IBM. It provided an opportunity to network with many of the attendees of the Mobey Forum meeting. I looked forward to tasting some of the wines, but we were only exposed to the Chardonnay and Cab. I could see that the winery has a proud tradition and would have liked to learn more, but this was not the case.

Lunch at Dieu Donne

Me and Annelie had lunch today at Dieu Donne. The beautiful setting - the mountains and vineyars in the brilliant sun was just breathtaking - so was the food and wine too. Annelie had a T-bone with the local Merlot and I had the Oxtail stew with the Cross (local Bourdeux blend). On our way back from Franchhoek, we stopped at Allee Blue to buy some of their Starlight Rouge (A wine that we both like).

Bailey at the Big and Easy

After our strategy planning workshop today we had a wonderful dinner at the new Ernie Els restaurant in Stellenbosch - called the Big and Easy. Adriaan managed to get us our own room and we talked about Fundamo, what we have achieved and what we still dream about. We ordered some great wines (particularly the Saronsberg Shiraz) and talked till late. This is Richard who sat at the head of the table enjoying the ambiance.

Cape Town lights

I had dinner with some prospective clients in Campsbay tonight. It was quite and enjoyable time. The food was great, the company was great and of course the wine. As I returned and crossed over the neck at the cablecar, I saw an almost full moon shining on the Cape Town citybowl lights. I am truely blessed to live in such a beautiful place.

Back at Work

After a good rest, I have returned to my desk and a hectic year. I look at all the Xmas cards that I have displayed of friends and business associates and the foreign currency of places that I have been last year and I realise that it was an eventful year. I wonder what 2009 holds, but I know that I can put my trust in the Lord and then things will work out fine.

Meerenbosch Saturday

Me, Annelie, Charl and Ann drove down to Meerenbosch today for a "last-day-of-holiday". We had a great braai under the Milkwood trees and a walk to the sea and back. Afterwards we had a quick afternoon nap before we returned via the pictureque False Bay drive.

On the front page of the Burger

I could not believe my eyes. While we were having an early supper at Col'Cacchio (see previous post), one of the UK princesses were also at the restaurant. This was reported in the media with a photo on the front page of one of the local newspapers. I am the guy in the background with my back to the camera. What a co-incidence!

Col'Cacchio Stellenbosch

Me and Annelie spent a few days at Oupa Izak and Ouma Andre in Bloemfontein. Oupa is very ill and frail at the moment, but his mind is strong and it was gratifying to see the love between the two old people. When we returned to Cape Town, we decided to go to the movies and grabbed a quick bite at one of our favourite restaurants in Stellenbosch (Col'Cacchio). We shared a pizza with the Wolftrap (made by Marc Kent from Boekenhoutskloof).

Watching Cricket History

Me and Ernst woke at 02h00 this morning to watch South Africa make cricket history by winning a series against Australia in Australia. We joined a few other cricket fanatics who saw the event live at the community hall at MeerenBosch. This is a moment I will cherish for a long time.

The beauty of Sandown Bay

Me and Annelie went for a walk on the beach close to MeerenBosch today. It was a brilliantly beautiful day. The lagoon was crystal clear and the air was fresh. We are so fortunate to live close to such a paradise.

Adri's narrow escape

We had dinner at the holiday home of Lwellyn tonight. During the process, the electricity supply was cut and we had to complete the dinner under candle light. In an attempt to create more light, Adri was burnt by an accident with liquid gas - fortunately not too seriously. This is him at the dinner table nursing some of the burns with an icepack. We were so thankful that he turned out to be fine.

MBA in the swimmingpool

One thing that cannot be said about Ernst, is that he lacks dedication to make a success of everything he tackles. He was even studying in the swimmingpool on Xmas day. Judging from the yawn, it was hard work though.

Christmas lunch

We had a wonderful Xmas lunch at Ernst and Catherine's house today. We enjoyed a feast of salads, chicken and desert. What was especially nice was the thoughts about 2008 and our hopes for 2009 that we shared.

My sons at MeerenBosch

Now that I am back in South Africa, we spent some time at MeerenBosch - my holiday cabin close to Hermanus. My sons and daughter-in-law ere also there and we roasted a Snoek (a special South African fish) on an open fire, while hearing the sea-waves break in the background and seeing the dusk arrive as the sun sets. We had the Snoek with a salad and homemade bread. I opened a stunning Elgin Viognier and I knew that God's blessings are more than I can fathom.

Boarding for Cape Town

I am on my way back from India, boarding Emirates Flight EK770 for Cape Town. I managed to get a quick shower at the Emirates lounge and check for e-mail before I had to board. The last score of the Protea match in Perth is that we still needed 117 runs with seven wickets in hand. If everything goes according to plan, I will see my family in ten hours.

Rooftop Dinner

We had an amazing dinner on the roof of one of the buildings in Pune. During the past few days, Richard (on the left in the picture) and me tasted many different Indian dishes, but this meal was special in as far as the food were concerned.

Amity University in Delhi

Me and Richard visited a tech start-up with a small office in the University Incubator. We thought that the trip there was eventful, but didn't know what was waiting for us. (Two-and-a-half hours in dense traffic!). Nevertheless, the outing was extremely beneficial. We learned a lot and it helped us to develop our strategy for Fundamo.

Lighting a ceremonial candle

I was asked to light a ceremonial candle at one of the companies that we visited in Bangalore. It felt a bit strange but I obliged. On my way to the meeting, I asked the driver to allow me to drive the car as I always wanted to feel what it was like to drive in the heavy Indian traffic. It actually turned out to be quite easy. The other drivers were quite patient and accommodating and the traffic moved quite slow.

Leela Palace

Arrived in Bangalore today after a long journey from Cape Town. We are evaluating the possibility of off-sourcing some of our development work to India and was booked into this amazing hotel (the hotel has been rated as the best business hotel in the world). I must say that I have rarely been exposed to such customer care. Staff at the hotel are so keen to help that you sometimes feel like saying: "Just leave me alone!". I have never seen a room cleaned to this degree. When I return after the first day, everything was absolutely perfect - even the toothbrush and soap was perfectly aligned.