Watching the game in a bush pub

We watched the Springboks beat the Kiwi's in a genuine bush pub close to Tulbugh. The pub, built in a number of trees, was packed with hard-core Springbok supporters. This was part of a wine-tasting tour to the region with friends where we tasted great Shiraz's and Pinotage's (amongst others).

Early morning in Morgansvlei

We woke this morning to a beautiful day on Margansvlei Estate close to Tulbagh. Me and Annelie joined Quintes and Riele for dinner at the Tulbagh Hotel and then talked till late afterwards. After breakfast, the rest of the winegroup will be joining us and then we will start the wine-tour. Really looking forward to it.

Augmented Reality Advert

This is a screenshot of me experiencing the new augmented reality adverts delivered by GE. (See for your self here). It just amaze me what is possible with technology nowadays... and what is conceptually possible when you experience things like this.

Lunch meeting at Cafe Neo

I had lunch with Willem at Caffe Neo today after my application for my UK visa. Because of the efficient process, I was a bit early and had a brisk stroll down the Greenpoint seafront. I looked at the mountain and the lighthouse and just fell in love with Cape Town again.

Egyptian Geese with little chicks

I saw these two wild Geese in the parking lot at Fundamo this morning. They were looking after their new family of little chicks. As the staff started arriving, all were very careful in parking as we did not want to scare the birds off. It was amazing to see wild animals living in harmony with us.

Beaumont Chenin's

We stopped on the way to Meerenbosch to taste the wonderful Chenin's that is made on the farm, and we were not disappointed. The wooded Chenin displayed so much depth and complexity that it must rate as one of the best South African examples of Chenin Blanc. Afterwards we walked down to the old Water Mill and bought some freshly milled flour.

MTB ride through the vineyards

I had such fun this morning cycling up the reservoir hill and then down through the vineyards. I left home before sunrise and experienced extreme cold, but as the day started waking it was such joy to hear the birds in the trees and to smell the morning in the fresh herbs and mushrooms.

Having dinner with good friends

I had dinner tonight with good friends from Israel. We visited Avron's Place, one of the Kosher restaurants in the city and even had a few bottles of King Solomon reserve Cabernet wine. It was a most enjoyable evening.

My kids and the little baby

Me and Annelie had supper at the two new parents tonight (We took the food with so they did not have to cook). It was such an amazing experience to see my kids interacting with their three-week old son. The care and love that they have for this new human being was such a joy for us to experience. I just praise the Lord for how richly He has blessed Ernst and Catherine.

Fundamo offices with garden

As I left the central block and saw some of the engineers walking down the corridor to have a workshop, I once again realised how fortunate we are with the Fundamo premises. The beautiful gardens and the proximity of the Durbanville wine region and excellent restaurants all contribute to making this a special place.

What a perfect morning in the Cape

The sunrise this morning was again something to behold. As is my custom, after rising, I made breakfast and then spent time with the Bible and praying. When I opened my eyes, this is what I saw. I just had to go and wake Annelie so that she can share this with me.

Back in Cape Town

I just landed at Cape Town International. The day is one of those special Cape Town mornings, crisp and clean, without any wind. The sun is shining and where I am standing, waiting for the driver, I can see the back of Table Mountain basted in the morning sun. I am in love with the Cape.

A lot of hard work in Lagos

I am in Lagos for the week, busy with some important Fundamo business. This is a picture of me in the back of the car as we travel from one appointment to another. It is possible to see all the hustle and bustle of Lagos outside the car. Motorcycles, street-vendors, and much more. I had a hectic schedule for the week, but still managed to achieve my business objectives.

Reliving the glory in the CTI business lounge

I am waiting for my flight in the Cape Town International business lounge that will start a journey to Lagos in Nigeria. They were showing a replay of yesterday's Springbok game against the Lions. I enjoyed reliving the glory of the historic win.

Arden Hannes' first day

I had to post a picture of my first grandchild on this blog. I borrowed this photo from Ernst's blog, as I will only see the little chap on Friday (God willing). It has been such a special experience to have heard the news of the birth. I cried with joy when I was told that he will carry my name and what the combination of Arden Hannes means ("ablaze with passion, because the Lord is gracious"). Modern technology enabled me to be able to talk to Ernst and Annelie and to see pictures of Arden on the web and through MMS messages sent to me while I was working in Barcelona. I just again realise how blessed I am. All the honour and the glory to God.

Leaving Barcelona for Cape Town

We had an amazing conference in Barcelona and ready to board for Heathrow. I thought that it was quite funny that the gate that our flight would be leaving from should be branded Chivas. It was a somewhat ironic way for Barcelona to say goodbye.

Matt spraypainting Fundamo logo

Matt is a senior executive in WU and a good friend. This is a picture of him spraypainting Fundamo's logo on a stand at the conference in Barcelona, as an activity at a cocktail event.

The second MMU Summit has just started

The second Summit just started. The Chairlady is Siki Mgabadeli, well-known media personality from South Africa. We are looking forward to great speakers and panel discussions. I will have an opportunity to meet industry leaders in informal situations and we will debate this fledgling industry for three days. It feels like yesterday when the first Summit kicked off in Cairo.

Just arrived in Barcelona for MobileMoneysummit

This is where the Mobile World Congress is held every year. Today it is so quiet compared to February when tens of thousands of delegates visit thousands of suppliers and attend hundreds of presentations. Today, only five-hundred specialists from all over the world get together here for two days to discuss topics related to bringing banking to the unbanked.

My unborn grandchild's birthday cake

We had lunch at Ernst and Catherine while Izak was visiting. Catherine had a wonderful choc-cake with candles to celebrate Annelie's birthday. Then we saw this cake with the hole in the middle and realised that if Arden is to be born today, we can also celebrate his birthday with a cake symbolising zero years.

Early morning mountain bike ride

I had a brilliant bicycle ride this morning. Through the vineyards and up one of the hills close to the estate. As the sun started breaking through the clouds, I was high on a hill overlooking False Bay and the city waking up. It was icy cold, but the air was fresh and filled with the special smells of a day awakening.

Heathrow Terminal 5 - in transit

Walking to Gate A11 for the flight to Paris. I had a great shower at the British Airways business lounge and even had oats porrige with fruit. There is no doubt: the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow is just one step ahead of Terminal 3 at Dubai. You just cannot manufacture class, does not matter how much money you throw at it.

Rust en Vrede magic

I had the most amazing dinner with Fundamo's executive management and their spouses at the new restaurant at Rust en Vrede. The six course dinner ably paired with great wines was in a class of its own. I specifically loved the lobster and quail paired with a wooded Chenin Blanc from a place north of Lambertsbay that I never heard of. The duck paired with the Merlot was also exquisite. A most enjoyable evening, also because I was able to share it with people that I enjoy spending time with.

First World trying to help Emerging Economies

I attended some of the World Economic Forum workshops today. It was a fascinating experience for me. I interacted with so many people with great CV's (CEO's and Regional executives of big corporates, Ministers and senior government officials) and had heated debates. I came away feeling that most actually don't understand the problem (and they are the most verbose) and those that understand have given up talking about it... or are just not invited back. I am not sure if they will invite me again.

Still the best burgers in the world

I know it is not Wednesday, but I needed lunch and was on my way to the City. I saw the store, and I stopped.

The ladies in our lives

We had lunch with Ernst and Catherine at the Greek today. We joked that this would probably be the last time that the four of us would have lunch for a long time as we expect little Arden to arrive soon (and then Ernst and Catherine will be three). I looked at my wife and my daughter and I felt so blessed.

Waterdrops in the sunrise

I noticed the sun breaking through the clouds over Stellenbosch as I was making coffee this morning. Then I saw the droplets on the vineyard trellis-wires, sparkling like diamonds. It was such a welcome-home message for me. Ooh, I love the Cape and to be home.

Dinner in Bahrain

Had a great dinner at one of the Bahrain hotels with Fouad. I had the cooked lamb with aspargus and mashed patotoes complimented with a great red blend (Cab, Merlot and Petit Verdot)

Dubai business lounge after over-night from Cape Town

I just arrived on the direct flight from Cape Town and waiting for my connecting flight. This "overnight" flight is a "killer". It arrives just after 05h00 in Dubai, but that is actually 03h00 Cape Town time. And also the crew only finishes the dinner service by around midnight - so it is difficult to sleep. Luckily the lounges are so good: I managed a quick shower and a good breakfast before boarding the next flight.

Its raining in the Cape, but the V&A is still special

I had dinner with guests at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront this evening. It was raining softly (like it can in the Cape). The faint smell of wood-fires and the distinctive sea-salt smell filled the air. It was just something sooo special to experience.

Oupa Izak turns eighty

We were fortunate to be at the home of Oupa Izak when he turned eighty. We celebrated the occasion with some of his kids and grandchildren. My son, Izak (with the same name as his grandfather) traveled down from Pretoria and it was great for me to see him also. While oupa is quite ill, he is in good health and thankful for all the blessings.

Sunset at Cape Town International

We were just about to board SA1083 for Bloemfontein when the sun dipped behind the new terminal building. The tarmac was still wet from a previous rainstorm and the picture was just breathtaking. We are on our way to celebrate Oupa Izak's eithieth birthday.

Arden's cot

Me and Annelie dropped in for a quick tea at Ernst and Catherine. The babyroom is now fully sorted and ready for the arrival of Arden (my first grandson). It was such an experience to see how Catherine arranged everything perfectly: his clothes, space to take care of him and his own special cot. It is clear that he will arrive in a family that is truely expecting him with gratitute. He will feel without doubt most welcome.

Back in the Cape

Stepping out of SA307 after returning from Lagos early today. The air was fresh and smelled just like Cape Town air. It was great to be back.

Visit to Lagos

I had a good meeting to Lagos and worked with one of our clients to formulate a strategy going forward. Since I visited Lagos the first time about five years ago, it has come along in leaps in bounds. The city is much more vibrant, the streets are better, one sees a lot of bright signs and the quality of hotels and restaurants improved significantly.

Lunch at Ben's

We enjoyed tea at Dirk (Annelie's cousin) after church and then decided on the spur of the moment to buy lunch (rather than cook it ourselves). Annelie offered to pay and she selected the restaurant too. The food was really good at Ben's on the beach in the Strand. I had a Bobotie starter and Cob main course ably complimented with a Hartenberg Weisser Riesling.

Paddagang Tulbach

We spend a most enjoyable time in Tulbach checking it out, prior to the wineclub's trip at the end of July. Me and Annelie stayed over in the Tulbach hotel, enjoyed their "Fish and Chips" Friday-evening, visited a number of winemakers and had lunch at Paddagang. It was an exceptional wet weekend, but we enjoyed each others company and the historic old town.

Mark Stopworth at NetProphet

I spoke at the Net Prophet event in Cape Town today. Three hundred people attended and it was a lively discussion. This is a picture of Mike Stopworth on stage just before me.

Hendrik's Pigeons

We visited Hendrik tonight and he proudly showed us where he will be building a massive pigeon coop. He bought some of the best pigeons and intend going into this big. Because we know him well, we are looking forward to seeing something significant happening.

Helderberg Gemeente

Me and Annelie attended the Praise service at Helderberg Gemeente this morning. We had an opportunity to spend time with many other Christians and to sing and declare our love for God.

Chaos on OR Tambo

BA6425 was suppose to have left OR Tambo for Cape Town International at 15h00. I was planning to be back at home by six and could finish some of my urgent backlogs. But during the next six hours, I experienced all of the following:

• Aircraft Utility power unit broke
• The runways were switched just before we got clearance to take off
• The starboard engine blew-up as we attempted to take-off
• The airport got closed because of a major thunder storm
• Massive backlog lead to the terminal building being clogged by irate passengers
• When British Airways substituted the broken plane, the 1st Officer was not certified to fly the new plane
• The replacement 1st Officer got stuck in a traffic jam on his way to the airport

I was glad (but tired) when arrived home late at night.

Simple food

Ernst stayed over the weekend. He studied for the MBA exams next week, but we still had time to watch a few rugby games. I cooked a feast for supper: a Simple Fillet (with coarse salt and rosemary), toasted bread and a salad, ably supported by an Inkara Cabernet. We talked till late about the meaning of life and enjoyed each other's company. I am so blessed with my family.

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.