A new Emirates lounge

One thing that was frustrating about flying out of San Francisco with Emirates was the business lounge provided. Emirates shared an ancient, tired lounge with United and it was not a positive experience. When I booked in today, I was informed that Emirates have opened a dedicated Emirates lounge and the contrast was spectacular. Proper food, attentive staff and a relaxing environment complemented by boarding directly out of the lounge. Few airlines can compete with Emirates and it was proved again today.

Geocaching morning

It was a stunning winter's morning in San Mateo. While the air still had a nip, the sun was burning brightly and the lack of wind resulted in water without a ripple in the bay. It was a perfect day to do some Geocaching. I was up early and managed to retreive eight caches in and around Seal Point Nature Reserve. It helped took my mind off a busy week with many events and implications.

Canadian Geese

I took a shortcut to the hotel after work through a patch of grass. Quite a few fat and lazy birds (later identified to be Canadian geese) were strutting around on the grass. I walked briskly towards one only to realise that the bird did not seem to care. Even when I got real close, there was very little attempt to get out of the way or to start flying away. Clearly goose-pie is not popular in California.

Go Fans

I saw this poster in the Visa head office in San Francisco. It had the following words on it: "go fans - thank you South Africa for hosting a Fifa World Cup to remember". It triggered such good memories.

Frozen lake

When I arrived in Davos, the Dovosersee was 'n clear, blue lake high up in the mountains. Today when I drove out of Davos towards Zurich, the lake was covered in a blanket of snow with the outside temperature in the double digit negative. The snow-covered country-side is really beautiful, but a bit too much for a sun-loving African, like me.

Picture pretty Davos

I walked to the Congress Center this morning. It was crisp and cold and the air stung one's nose as you breathe, but it was stunningly beautiful. The first few exposures to world leaders here at the WEF was full of inspiration. Granted; I have only been exposed to African leaders and will soon meet others too. In the meantime; I am proud to be from Africa.

Ernst and family survive carcrash

Ernst phoned me last night, informing me that he, Catherine and the two kids were in a major crash on the dirt road between Graafwater and Piketberg. Through the grace of God (and diligent use of safety belts), nobody suffered any injuries. We are so thankful for this. It seemed as if the left front wheel had a blow-out and the car rolled and cartwheeled four times.

Shanks for the weekend

A well-prepared Lamb Shank has always been one of my favourite dishes. It so happened that I (inadvertently) had shanks in two separate occasions this weekend. On Friday I had a Springbok shank at Hildebrand in the V&A and top that with a Warthog shank on Sunday at Pierneefs - supported by a brilliant La Motte Shiraz-Viognier 2008. Food for kings.

Lots of people on the beach

I suppose it was the heat, but everyone and his dog were out on the beach (and in the water) last night. Me and Annelie had a brisk walk at dusk (after hunting for a parking space for some time). It felt like a party with informal games and people running in and out of the waves.

Back at work

I elected to start work on Thursday the 12th. (Somehow Friday the 13th did not have the same ring to it). I spent most of the time reviewing the status of important initiatives. On my way home, as I stopped at a traffic light, I saw the late afternoon sunlight on the Stellenbosch mountains in the distance. It made me feel glad to be home.

Leaving "no-worries" land

We are just about to board QF63 for OR Tambo leaving Australia after a memorable two weeks. We thoroughly enjoyed the rest and the company of family. Having seen so many countries with so many challenges in the past year, it is strange to experience a country almost without any problems: a truly "no-worries" country.

Goolwa Cycling

Lots of sun, lots of hills and beautiful spots. I cycled almost everyday while on holiday close to Goolwa. The good food, lots of exercise and fresh air made me feel alive.

Celebrating Ouma's eightieth birthday

We celebrated Ouma Andre's birthday at Umuthi with a lot of gratitude in our hearts. We were blessed to have her in good health with us and to have her three children and their spouses present. She was served with breakfast in bed and we all rejoiced for the opportunity to experience this.

Swam across Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is a great little bay in Port Elliot in South Australia. It is perfectly shielded from the waves in the open ocean, providing an ideal site to swim in protected open water. I swam across the bay a few times during our stay here and thoroughly enjoyed it.

United with family

We were united with the family in Australia after a long flight crossing the Indian Ocean. I noticed a few tears as we pushed ouma in her wheelchair to see her children waiting at the top of the ramp. Esthea and Willem picked us up in two cars to make sure that all the luggage could be catered for. We then sped off to Goolwa for our visit on Umuthi farm.

Leaving for Australia

At OR Tambo getting ready to board QF64 for Sydney. This is quite an experience for us. We are taking ouma Andre to visit her youngest daughter in South Australia and to celebrate her eightieth birthday there. This is the first time that she will be travelling abroad and we think that it will be an emotional experience.

Lunch with Bryan

We had a great lunch with Bryan and Zi at the Roundhouse. We enjoyed the tapas and other simple food (supported by exceptional wines) under a tree with a magnificent view of Campsbay. We talked about our experiences the past year and the importance to understand the purpose of one's life.

Christmas dawn

I was up at the break of dawn to go for a brisk cycle ride before the rest of the house got up. I was greeted by the most spectacular scene. With literally no cars on the road, everything was quiet except for the birds waking up. The air was still fresh and the sun painted an impressive sky from behind the horizon.

Arden's bicycle for Christmas

Arden got his first bicycle from oupa and ouma for Christmas and he just loved it. Even though the bike is still a bit big for him, he got on it promptly and soon had the knack and was cycling back and forth on the patio. Such blessings to see him learn new things and to be able to share the wonder that he sees in new things for him.

Virgin beach

The wind from the east must be blowing at more than twenty knots. The waves are angry and choppy with sea-spray thrown in the air as the waves break. The rolling sand has covered all footmarks and nobody is out on the beach. It is quite an experience to see this virgin beach and to feel the force of the wind.