Izak graduation from MIT

We listened with a lot of gratefulness as Izak's full names was read out at this morning's graduation. He attained a masters in engineering from the school of logistics at MIT in Boston. His time spent studying at this great academic institution definitely made a mark on my son. I was impressed with how comfortable he was in the presence of his piers and professors. I sensed a new-found confidence and sense of purpose that will help him in his career in the future.

Clean shaved

During the past ten days I grew a beard (much more grey than I would have liked). This morning I shaved it off for Izak's graduation. I think clean-shaven works better for me.

Akademika B&B

We stayed at a B&B close to the University of Illinois campus in Urbana. We were the only clients during our stay and enjoyed the silence of the suburbs, but it was the owner, Gloria's, cooking for breakfast that we will remember.

The death of the last Centuar

Samuel Allerton was a self-made millionaire from Chicago - one of the wealthiest people of the 1800's. His only heir, Robert, was a sensitive boy with a keen appreciation for art. He utilised the family wealth wisely to create an enduring legacy through art (including numerous gifts to the Chicago art museum). We visited the Allerton farm close to Urbana and was blown away by the art exhibited in garden settings as well as inside the unspoiled forest. We closed off the day with a visit to "the death of the last Centaur". A bronze statue outside in the forest. It was an experience in poignant beauty, exclaiming the futile search for human worth.

Old and new

While enjoying brunch at a running friend of Julia, I saw this great example of old working in harmony with new; a new iPod connected to a solid state amplifier (c early 1970's). For me it was symbolic of a new, modern world that can still accommodate the old, stylish past.

Fellowship in Urbana

We attended Sunday morning worship with friends of Julia's at a local church. It was great to have communion with strangers, but brothers and sisters in Christ.

Orange-infused Wolftrap

We had dinner at friends of Julia (Izak's girlfriend) on Friday in Urbana (Illinois). We met wonderful people; with great families and visible friendships. It was also gratifying to see some openly witness their relationship with God. Many of them were quite knowledgeable about South Africa. This was demonstrated in some way when we were served an attractive blend of Boekenhoutskloof Wolftrap, infused with orange peel and topped up with Vodka. We enjoyed this with delicious chocolate cake.

Visit to Lucas Oil Stadium

The Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis hosted the XLVI Super Bowl this year. It is a brand-new and well-designed stadium and serves as the home of the Colts in the NFL. We joined a tour of the facilities and committed that we would attempt to see a live game here in the not too distant future.

Attending the Indy500

The Indy500 is a very special sporting event. This is a motor race that has been run on the same track since 1909. It is said that this is the biggest spectator event in the world; with an attendance of more than 350 000, this is probably true. Me, Annelie and Izak joined the crowds to watch the warmest race ever (with temperatures in the thirties); to see the lead change thirty-four times and see Dario Franchetti win his third Indy500. It was a special occasion with many memories created.

Annelie hugging her son

We arrived after 37 hours of travel at Indianapolis airport. Izak was easily spotted wearing a DHL Stormers jersey and it was with a lot of thanks in our heart that we hugged our son.

Boarding for Indianapolis

Boarding EK773 in Cape Town International. Me and Annelie just started a 30 hour journey to see our son, Izak, in Indianapolis. We look forward to see him on Saturday.

Meeting in the sun

We have such nice working environment here at Fundamo. I realised it again when I walked past the rest area on the second floor to see Robert and Alan relaxing in the sun with a cup of coffee. A good work environment is definitely conducive to delivering great solutions.

Marine-style haircut

I had my regular haircut this morning. As I sat down in the chair, I thought: "why not?" and asked for short-back-and-sides. I now look like a serious marine in civilian clothes.

Not afraid of the thunder

"Oupa, ek is so groot nou dat ek nie eers bang is vir donnerwheer nie!" was Arden's greeting when the car stopped in the driveway today. It is so special to hear him express himself. I am told that he recently said "give that man a Bells!". I almost felt like pouring him a drink.

Brand new Atlanta terminal

The new international terminal opened two days ago (terminal F). I am leaving on DL200 for Johannesburg at gate F02 and I am worried that they would loose my luggage. (That usually happens at new terminals; doesn't it?). The lounge is bright and still smell like paint and new fabrics and a glass of red wine sells for under $10.

Steve and Elise

I met my cousin Elise (whom I have not seen for 35 years) and her husband, Steve, in Orlando; while attending the Visa Payments Forum. It was great to hear how passionately she talks about her missionary work into Africa and India. I realised how important it is to stay in touch with family, especially in the globally connected world that we now live in.

Rainy Orlando

Wake up this morning and heard the rain. The day was dark and the funrides in the distance was wrapped in shadows. Then the sun broke through and reflected off the pools in the parking area.

Looking the crane driver in the eye

I stayed on the 9th floor at the Radisson Blue Gautrain Sandton to attend a workshop. When I opened the curtains in the morning an occupied crane on the building site next door was on the same level as me.

Back home for a day

The sun was particularly bright today and the mountains bright. I could smell the sea and the next morning the dawn was specially beautiful on the scattered clouds. Maybe I appreciate the Cape more given that I am here less frequent.

Positive experience about Africa

I attended the African World Economic Forum in Addis Ababa and met some amazing African leaders. The discussions were extremely stimulating and while I recognise that we have lots of problems on the continent, I came away with such a positive spirit. Given a world that is stumbling on so many aspects, Africa is full of promise.