45 to 5 degrees

This is a picture of me and Charl after we finished the grueling "to Hell and Back" Mountain Bike Race. This two day race starts close to the Cango Caves (near Oudtshoorn) and finishes in the Gamkakloof (also known as the Hell). The route consists of many steep climbs and treacherous downhills for 120km. During the race, we experiences temperatures ranging from 5 degrees to 45 degree. It was one of the most difficult things that I have done in my life, but the sense of achievement when I crossed the finishing line was indescribable.

MENS

I saw this toilet at the restaurant in Barrydale where we had lunch. What is funny about the sign is that "MEN" is obviously the term for a male toilet, whereas "MENS" is the Afrikaans term for "Human"

Annelie in the inside-garden

Me and Annelie had a brisk walk through the estate this morning on a perfect day. The sun was shining brightly, quickly turning the morning chill into a beautiful morning. We were amazed at the number of birds that have made the Estate their home. The dams and the trees are the ideal setting for more and more birds to make their home on the estate. When we return, Annelie spend some time to weed the garden in the front, and I took this picture of her through the kitchen window.

Sunset over False Bay

This picture does not capture the intensity of the sunshine and the contrast with the dark clouds well. This picture was taken from one of the balconies at the house in the direction of False Bay. It was the contrast that really grabbed my attention and that I wanted to share.

The sun over Table Mountain

Tonight, as I was driving home on the Bottelary Road, I had this wonderful sight as the sun was setting directly over Table Mountain, with a perfect backdrop of amazing clouds this was an absolute affirmation for me of an amazing God that have everything under control. Notwithstanding all the turmoil and uncertainty in the world, one can still experience beauty beyond what humans are capable of.

New vineyard

We have now planted the new vines (all 41 of them!). Hopefully they will be happy in our own vineyard in the back of our garden and (God willing), will we be able to press our own (small quantity) of wine in four years time.

Weekend at Meerenbosch

I cycled against a howling south easter wind to Meerenbosch on Saturday and Annelie joined me with the Jeep. We had a great lunch, watched the rugby game on TV at the clubhouse, spent time reading and left on Sunday again. The river is open to the sea and everything was beautifully blue when we left this morning. Our little home on the Botriver lake is such a peaceful sanctuary for us.

Xmas is here

I must admit that I do not do a lot of shopping, so when I did walk into one of the local stores to buy a juice extractor, I saw that the Xmas decorations are already in the stores. This is two months before the event. Is this not a bit over the top?

Fundamo Meeting Rooms

With the growth in staff at Fundamo, we have difficulty to accommodate everyone in meeting rooms. (We just do not have enough rooms available). Luckily we have the most beautiful garden and if the weather is nice, meetings are often conducted in the garden next to the swimming pool.

Moon on the Helderberg

Today was full moon. Annelie called me to have a look at how stunning the moon is as it broke the horizon on top of the mountains in front of the house. Spectacular!

Eben's photo

As I walked past the library today, I noticed that Eben was being photographed - probably for some press release. I decided to take my own photograph too.

The Fish Eagle

A Fish Eagle is often pictured as the essence of the African bush. With a very distinctive scream, (listen to an example on YouTube, also see how magnificent this bird is in flight on YouTube). it is easy to know when one is around. It has been some time that I saw (and heard) a Fish Eagle around the house guarding. I usually saw the bird at the little dam about 500 meters in front of the house. Today, I managed to get a picture of it (it is the black and white spot in the middle of the picture) that I though can be published.

Biggest Financial Crisis Ever

I am in London for most part of this week and the financial world is going through the biggest crises ever. It is something that I think about a lot, especially because a number of my meetings were at the headquarters of some of the banks impacted most by this global disaster. It struck home as I rode up the elevators of these financial nerve centers and then read the newspaper reports next door: "Tycoons loose billions". This will be looked back on as probably one of the most important weeks in the history of money and I was here right in the middle of it in London.

Dinner at Simplice

While in London; me, Richard and Rosemarie took Neil to this great restaurant called Simplice. Me and Richard shared a Rib-eye with potatoes and rocket that was very nice. The rest of the food was also great, but I really loved the Super Tuscan that the Sommelier recommended: Carmignano Capezzana 2004. Almost made the list of the best wines that I ever tasted.

Me and Annelie at Barrique

Before my parents left for their home in Pretoria, we took them to Barrique for a final lunch together. This is me and my beloved wife at the restaurant.

The Lourensford MTB challenge

I participated in the Lourensford Mountain Bike Challenge this morning. This race starts at the Lourensford wine estate and then climbs into the mountains behind the farm. It is some of the most spectacular sites but also quite challenging. This is a picture high up in the mountains with False Bay in the background. While coming down one of the single tracks, I had a bad fall and injured one of my legs. Luckily I could still finish the race within the allocated time.

Fundamo parkinglot

When I look out of the Fundamo offices, I realise how big the company has grown. All the cars represent an important element in the success of the company. in addition a lot of employees are not even based in Cape Town or are traveling, so the realisation of the responsibility of this big family just struck me again.

Notice-board at work

Some of the great achievements of Fundamo is pinned to this notice-board. Whenever I walk past this notice-board I get a warm feeling. Some of our achievements in Africa, new deployments in the Middle East, a picture of all the Fundamo cyclists, news articles etc. I am blessed to work at this great company.

Lusaka Airport

Its early morning and we have just arrived at the airport on my way back to Cape Town. It is a typical African morning. The birds are greeting the sun that is a round red ball in the east on the horizon. Although the temperature is quite acceptable this early in the morning, one can already feel the promise of a hot, African day. Meetings yesterday went well and it turned out to be a good visit. In my interaction with the client and at the hotel and restaurants left an impression of positiveness. The country is vibrant and one can see growth everywhere: little business initiatives and construction everywhere. I will definitely be back.

Winetasting at de Wijnlanden

We hosted a great winetasting at home for our small-group at church. We tasted a few of the cultivars and then a blend, but most of all we had a lot of fun. This was also an opportunity to get to know each other better.