Veritas

The Veritas wine awards are sought after accolades for South African wines. The Double Gold and Gold winners for 2014 were show-cased to the public at the CTICC. I first tasted the Chardonnays with Annelie and then sampled some of the Rhone-type blends and rare cultivars. There were some impressive wines, but the evening was made special because we could share it with the Hofmeyrs and also for bumping into other friends, like Trompie.

Swallow migration

A pair of swallows have built a nest under the porch at our front door. The couple left on their migration during February, probably flying all the way to Spain for the summer on the Mediterranean. Today I noticed that they were back, perching on the wooden veranda over the front stoep. Such a jet-setting life-style. 

Ebola overhead

It is not Ebola, but the fear of it that is placing a lot of pressure on the infrastructure in Lagos's Murtala Muhammed (and at OR Tambo). With five flights leaving on Friday night, additional queues were created for Ebola screening. Another form to fill in, more questions asked and my temperature measured, before I was officially passed.

440NG

I attended the mentor launch of 440ng in Ikoyi. 440ng is a start-up accelerator run by the capable Kersten Buch and his team. I listened to the pitches of the nine little companies that made the grade and was impressed with the quality of the products and the conviction of the founders.

Economy is good enough

The wine was not poured from specially selected vintages, the food was not dished up on porcelain and the entertainment system ran on a tiny screen. But economy class service on SA060 to Lagos was quite acceptable. Sure, the seat was much more narrow and could hardly recline, but it was more than good enough. I don't miss flying business class that much.

I love Africa

Here I am again at OR Tambo, boarding a flight to one of Africa's vibrant cities; Lagos to be specific. I hear the many different languages being spoken, some discussing the shopping excursion to Sandton, one calming a small boy, but many on their mobile phones in heated arguments. I can see the big, white South Africans turned into glorified migrant laborers, the foreigners getting ready for a venture very different to what they are used to, the family returning home... I love Africa.

Forty year re-union

I attended my forty-year matric re-union in Bethlehem with Annelie. It was both special and humbling to meet old school-friends again, to see how each person developed into what God intended for them. Many of my old school-mates attended, one even coming from Hong Kong. The fact that I have learned more about their families, their careers and their dreams, mean that I now can carry them in my heart and my prayers much better.

Karoo wolke

Why is it that clouds over the Karoo always look clearer and crisper - defined? Like a collection of massive, fluffy animals, stretching from one horizon to another. In some mysterious way the day remains sunlight bright covered in cotton-wool.

SARS queue

It is this time again. Standing in the blazing Paarl sun on the pavement in front of the SARS offices from early. Hopefully I can get the tax sorted this time. On a positive note: I am learning a lot about the workings of the Revenue Services in South Africa, my fellow human beings and myself.

Penguins with the grandchildren

During the birth of Xavier, we volunteered to look after Arden and Nina for a few days. We were privileged that Ernst and Catherine agreed and we created a lot of special memories with the two grandchildren. Amongst others we went penguin-viewing at Boulders where Arden had the unique experience to get bitten on his toe by one of the birds. Warning: don't stand too close to the enclosures.

Xavier Jean

The birth of every child is a miracle. But to see a new grandson, only a few hours old, experience life, is indescribable. We were so blessed to be allowed into the maternity ward at Vincent Pallotti to see Xavier Jean and the proud parents this morning. As I looked at the frail new arrival, I experienced deep emotions of thankfulness, enthrallment and anticipation.

A plan comes together

It is nice to see a plan coming together. Mukhtar introduced me to an almost completed Mathilda and I can see the possibilities. So much fun with creating new possibilities and living on the edge again.

Impromptu visit

If not for social media, we would not have known that Jaco was in the Cape for a few days. And Annelie would not have been able to entice them to join us for lunch at Meerenbosch. And we would not have had the fun that we did have. Thumbs up to social media!

Look ma no side-wheels

He specifically asked that they packed his bicycle in the boot so that he can show ouma and oupa. Yesterday he found the right spanner and removed the side-wheels himself. Now he is cycling on two wheels like an adult.

Mother and child

Southern Right Whales migrate to the shores of the Cape during spring to calf. On my morning cycle ride, I saw a whale and a calf in the distance. Just the two of them, rolling in the waves. It was so special to see these two huge mammals bonding - spending time with each other: mother and child.

Vision to reality

The Vision to Reality awards programme for entrepreneurs was held at the Cape Town stadium. Over three-hundred key people in the technology industry from government to VC's attended a gala event sponsored by PWC. It was great to see old friends and experience the vibrant start-up scene. I was privileged to give a key note speech.

Nathia Gali

With a large back-log after the bad weather, we could not get seats on the flight to Skardu. Instead we drove up to the hill-station of Nathia Gali and stayed for two nights at a guest-house. Nathia Gali is in the foothills of the Himalayas. At only 2800m above sea-level these mountains are mere hills compared to the real ones, but compared to pretty much any other mountain-range, these hills are absolutely impressive. Covered in lush green trees with winding roads up steep inclines, the views stretch for hundreds of miles. After glorious sunny days, the mist unfolded us and the trees in the evenings before we went to bed.

Easypaisa

It is so gratifying to travel through a foreign land and to see a brand that I have helped to create everywhere. I saw easypaisa displayed everywhere from the smallest villages to the capital of Pakistan.

Serena Hotel

During my many visits to Islamabad, I just have the fondest memories about the Serena Hotel. It is one of the finest hotels in the world. Therefore, it was such a pleasure for me to share the enjoyment of the Serena with Annelie when we stayed there for two nights.

Monal restaurant

The Monal is a famous restaurant on the hills overlooking Islamabad. We enjoyed wonderful Pakistan food with a special friend, while looking at the lights of Islamabad below. This country has so much to offer.

Living in poverty

Me, Annelie and Johan stayed with members of a church in Lahore for four days. We experienced what it is like to be poor in Pakistan, eating the food that they eat and sleeping in the conditions that they do. We learned that wealth is a major constraint in knowing about the love of God. It also creates a terrible sense of non-satisfaction. It seemed that poor people are actually more content and live in harmony with each other.

Pakistan building

It is so wonderful to be in Lahore with friends. The building that I am involved with is progressing well, with the first story completed. We inspected the progress with the 2nd story with the contractor and owner soon after we arrived.

Dinner with my Lady

I had a quick dinner with my favorite person at the local Ocean Basket. As we waited for our food, we talked and talked. I just once again realized how fortunate I am to have a soul-mate that I can share so many things with for more than thirty years.

New Bud

It never cease to amaze me, how the first buds just pops out of the dead vine branch at this time of the year. One would never have thought that there is actually life down inside that piece of dead stick. And then this small little frail leave then just grows and grows (sometimes meters long) and bears fruit... To me it seems like a miracle. 

Eateries in and out

Enjoyed seeing Richard again and discovering the Coffee Bloc Deli at Buitenverwachting. We chatted about life, the universe, our US family and friends and the direction of the technology industry. The glass of Chardonnay and the Chicken breast was also good.

Double Rainbow

Does not matter how many rainbows you have seen... they are always magic. This one was particularly spectacular, inside a patch of sun right in front of the house. Both me and Annelie stood on the lawn for a few minutes: spellbound.

Average Sunday at Home

Just an average Sunday-afternoon, preparing lunch at home. I can't help noticing all the signs of spring being visible everywhere. From the bees in the lavender garden, to the carpet of wild flowers outside the fence. Even the goldfish in the pond have parked themselves in the top layer of the water - soaking up the glorious sun.

Zenaptix big data lab

I attended the launch of the Zenaptix Big Data Lab in Stellenbosch. I love it to see some-one doing something that they feel passionate about. Ian is definitely such a person. Everything that I have seen him do in the past two decades, were pushing boundaries - contributing in his unassuming way to the quality of the Cape's IT scene. I wish him all the best.

Freedom copter

The beauty of technology is that it is now at a point where software are starting to integrate with real things seamlessly. This is demonstrated well with the advances being made with quadcopter drones. I enjoyed witnessing Daniel launching his Freedom copter at the office, flying it outside the range of the controller and how it then returned to the original take-off spot on its own.

Woodstock brewery

The rate at which I am discovering micro-breweries here in Cape Town is staggering. My lunch appointment today were on top of Woodstock brewery. Even as I climbed the stairs to the restaurant, I was greeted by the smell of hobs fermenting. I could not help to try half a glass of the English Ale, and it was good.

Grindstone launch

Grindstone is like a finishing school for young and promising companies. Organized by the capable people at Knife Capital, the program has already delivered some impressive results. I enjoyed attending the launch of the next program, hosted at Devil’s Peak Brewery in Salt River. It was good to see friends again, re-establish old friendships and meet new people.

Pinot Noir tasting

Hendrik excelled at pulling together nine great examples of the art of Pinot Noir wines, that we tasted blind. Our recent Burgundy experience helped us to pick the French wines accurately (and rated them high). Two of the Kiwi wines were very good and sadly, South African wines were the least impressive. Once again a wonderful evening with friends through wine.

Pterodactyls

"Flying reptiles during the time of the dinosaurs are not Dinosaurs, the are called Pterodactyls" said my five-year old grand-son. I did not know that when I was five... heck I did not know that until now until after I Googled it.

Tax pain

If you prepare yourself mentally, it is possible to wait in a queue for four hours, but if you think about it too much, it becomes impossible to bear. I went through this ordeal at the SARS offices in Bellville to try and sort out my dad's estate, only to be told to bring an additional document... next time.

Last dinner

Annelie asked all of us what we would want to eat if we knew that it was going to be our last meal... and then she cooked it for us during the week: Leg of lamb, chicken with sweet potato, steak and lamb-stew. It was a week of culinary delight.

Route 44 Market

Visited Rout44 Market and Mooiberge Farm-stall with our American friends. Interesting how one gets to notice things about your city with visitors that one would not otherwise - like signs at the market and the scarecrows in the strawberry fields.

Zipline in Hermanus

When we asked Jim (Julia's grandfather), what he wanted to do while visiting us in South Africa, he indicated that he would like to do some zip-lining. We joined him for an excursion close to Hermanus, and while it was somewhat scary initially, it turned out to be a lot of fun in the end.

Family at Cape Point

We managed to get to Cape Point before the storm hit with Izak, Julia and her family visiting from the US. We saw the penguin colony at Boulders and then had a late lunch at Mariners Wharf. It was good fun and also a good opportunity to get to know each other better.

Heathrow en route

We arrived in Heathrow after a six hour drive by road from Pullman and then nine hours in a British Airways Boeing from Seattle. Me, Annelie, Ernst and his family, as well as the newly wed couple stepped off the plane, tired, not looking forward to the eight hour lay-over before the final leg to Cape Town.

My last son married

What a tremendous blessing to see my last son getting married to a radiant Julia. We witnessed a special ceremony by Jubal Croegaert emphasizing the holy institution of marriage. Afterwards there was celebrations till late. Me and Annelie went to bed knowing that this is the start of something very beautiful and very proud to now count Julia as our daughter.

Spitbraai rehearsal dinner

In the tradition of American weddings, guests get together for a dinner provided by the groom's family the night before. We decided to offer a South African rehearsal dinner for Izak, with a sheep on the spit, pap en sous and other dishes. In the end we had a wonderful time with a lot of new friends helping to turn and cut the lamb, braai-ing the boerewors and making the side dishes. Lots of memories to cherish.

Pinots of Oregon

How could one visit Portland and not go and investigate the Pinot's of Oregon. We drove the sixty minutes to Dundee and explored the wines at two cellars, realizing that we just do not have enough time. Now that I have seen the terroir, the unique pruning techniques and have tasted these Pinot Noir's (almost on par with Burgundy), I should make time to revisit and spend more time here.

Seattle to Portland

The Seatle to Portland Cycle Tour (known as the STP) is one of the most popular cycle events in the US. I managed to finish the 2014 event in very hot conditions, battling severe doubts that I could make it at some times. Annelie was at the finish line and I promised myself not to do this again.

Flight museum

It was a privilege to share my passion for flight with Arden at the museum of flight in Seattle. From MIC's, the Phantom, the SR-71 Blackbird to the wonders of space flight; we marveled at how humans conquered the air (and beyond). There is so many lessons here for life (from perseverance, innovation and the thrill of taking risks to meticulous dedication and science).

Mariners

Going to a Mariner's ball game while in Seattle is sort of important. We enjoyed our outing tremendously as we explained the game to the grand-children. Unfortunately, the Mariners lost the game, but we departed the stadium with good memories.

Salt Creek Bay

We drove through beautiful forest roads towards Neah Bay (the most north-west point of the US). The morning was misty and cool. We stopped at Salt Creek Bay and walked down to the sea-shore. The calm sea washed over mussel-encrusted rocks and one could hear a boat through the mist nearby. It was really special to share the moment with people close to me.

Leaving for Seattle

At the boarding gate with Annelie, Ernst, Catherine and the kids ready for our long journey to Seattle. It is great to see the two children so filled with excitement.

Storm on the way

Watched the start of the storm roll in at Sea Point this morning before the Entrepreneurs Traction Breakfast. I had an opportunity to have a brisk walk along the promenade and could see the pent-up energy expressed in the waves.

Solartech

The truck got branded today. Kevin and me are now officially in the Solar-energy business, bringing green solutions to the West Coast (from Milnerton northwards). Consider saving electricity (and the planet): install a solar hot water system from Solartech.

Afval in the pot

Annelie is cooking a local delicacy tonight: afval. Not everyone likes a sheep-head, paws and other sheep "throw-aways", but as the aromas of a freshly cooked dish start filling the house, I know that I am not one of them.