Goodbye bag

My trustworthy Samsonite bag has now done its last trip with me. A critical zip has broken and it is not functional anymore. This bag has been the one item that has gone with me everywhere: from the best hotels to glamorous conferences, important meetings and distinguished social events. It has traveled with me on planes, trains, taxis and ferries on all continents of the world. It was an amazing journey. Goodbye bag.

Simple Food

I enjoyed the simple food made with love and fresh ingredients so much. I helped myself to several servings and enjoyed eating it in the company of special, dear friends.

A different Christmas

I experienced plentiful blessings by celebrating Christmas in a different country amongst other believers as we inaugurated a new church building. Sometimes it is important to transcend traditional boundaries to reevaluate your own beliefs and to experience the universal love, compassion and peace which is what Jesus promised us.

Delayed in Dubai

I can think of many places worse than being stuck in Dubai waiting for the weather to clear in your destination city. Our flight has now been delayed for six hours and I have now had multiple cups of tea and a great breakfast. If I suffer any further delay, I might just start on the excellent whiskeys in the lounge.

Hermanus Red route

I dusted the old mountain bike off and took it with to MeerenBosch. This morning I did most of the red MTB route through Hemel-en-Aarde. What a spectacular route, well-maintained and a real test for my rusted single-track skills.

Life's turns

At the turn of the century, we looked after new-born babies before they got placed with their adopting parents. Today we were blessed to be able to visit one such a family. It was a special occasion for us to see how the baby that we had in our house for ten days developed into a confident, talented young lady. As we talked about the past thirteen years and the dreams of what will come, we realized that life is beautiful and complex and awesome, yet incomprehensible.

Stream

Stream is a new breed of conference, called an un-conference the whole idea is that there should be little structure and groups should form around interesting topics spontaneously. I enjoyed the good contributions from many bright minds and the thoughts that it stimulated. It was a privilege to have been invited. 

Early at the airport

As I look outside the airport, I can see the green Kulula 737 looking back at me. We both got up an hour ago. It is early in the morning and I am on my way back home.

Tintswalo

Tintswalo Lodge is such a special hotel, with a perfect setting on the water's edge below Chapman's Peak. We celebrated our thirty-fourth wedding anniversary there. We watched the sun set over the ocean and then sat down to a four-course dinner served on the deck outside as we watched the moon's reflection on the bay. So privileged to be with my best friend, Annelie, for so long and still able to experience special moments together.

Duck and cherries

Annelie and me created a masterpiece for dinner tonight: breast of duck with cherry and port reduction, supported by a Lammershoek Roulette Blanc 2010. We had a lot of fun creating this dish, but a lot more fun consuming it.

Carols picnic

We joined the kids and grandchildren for an impromptu picnic at Arden's school for Carols by Candlelight. I enjoyed watching the small ones eating their slice if pizza and sharing in the fun.

The Burger

I originally thought that I would teach myself a lesson: it is not a good idea to do a 100km cycle race without some time in the saddle. Unfortunately, my participation in this year's Burger cycling race went better than expected; so no lesson learned.

Sunrise over the Helderberg

The mountain to the east of de Wijnlanden is called the Helderberg - the "Shining Mountain". This morning as the sun rose over this mountain it looked like its name.

U-Start

U-start is a company that provides investment opportunities for wealthy families into early stage start-ups. I attended a dinner hosted by Whitey Basson at Mount Marie for VIP's attended the U-start conference in Cape Town. I cannot recall (maybe with the exception of Davos) that I was at one event with so many dollar billionaires present... and then in such beautiful settings.

Opstal

We were hosted by Attie Louw at Opstal winery in the Slanghoek valley. Currently the winemaker, Attie is a fifth generation Louw farming on this farm. We enjoyed his knowledge and passion for the unique wines that he exposed us to.

First nativity play

After I accepted the reality of being a grandfather, I knew the time will come when I attend a nativity play with one of my grandchildren in it. This happened today with Arden in the important role of the only cow in the manger. I experienced strange emotions of gratitude and compassion to see these young children sing and act without any restraint or fear. All of them were like little canvasses not yet spoiled by the tribulations of life.

Overgaauw restaurant

It is a new concept in eating. No menu, just the freshest ingredients, and food prepared for friends in a farm-style setting. Brother and sister: Jason and Camilla Comins supported by Camilla’s husband, Russel Wasserfal, offer such s treat at the new Overgaauw restaurant. Annelie and me enjoyed the terrine starter and the chicken mains with a great Chardonnay on Sunday, and made a note to be back.

Amazon fulfillment center

I was so fortunate to be shown around the Amazon fulfillment center where Izak work. The brand new building stretches for 100's of meters and is multiple stories high. Inside is some of the coolest technology that you could think of helping hundreds of people to ship thousands of Amazon parcels. As I walked on the floor, seeing the amazing tech and watching my son totally in control of his environment, my heart swelled with thankfulness.

Yardley caching

Izak stays in a quaint little town in Pennsylvania. One afternoon I took some time out to do geocaching: a great way for me to get to know the environment. The town, Yardley, feels like a little peaceful enclave in a busy world.

Izak at breakfast

I am spending special times with my youngest son in Yardley, Pennsylvania. He is working long days as they ramp up for the festive season rush. But just having breakfast with him in the mornings and de-briefings at night when he gets back from work are special memory times for me.