Sunset over the Pacific

There is beauty next to the ocean, does not matter where. Me and Richard arrived in San Francisco Sunday midday, freshened up and then drove to Halfmoon Bay. I had a New England chowder with a lobster sandwich, washed down with a Anchor Steam draft, while watching the sun set.

Praise for a year of blessings

A small group of circle leaders gathered at the church tonight to praise the Lord for a year of blessings. We gave thanks for all that we received in abundance in the smaller groups. It is important, sometimes for a moment, to stop worrying about our tribulations and to count our blessings.

Weather-influenced weekend

The weekend started off with immaculate weather: not too hot; very little wind... a perfect day. During Saturday night one could hear spells of wind and Sunday morning, it started raining intermittently. The wind swept up swells on the lake and the clouds tumbling over the mountains had a special beauty to them.

Hanging around the Airport

Waiting for MN452 to Lanseria. The flight is delayed and this messes with everything. I will be late in Johannesburg; missing an important teleconference. Interesting how everyone queues in expectation for the gate to open. If the airline got the scheduled time wrong, how can we believe the new estimated time?

A new day dawns in Dubai

I went to bed last night with a terrible flu - headache, sore joints, tight cough. Luckily, through interventions from brother-in-law Izak and Reg, I was on strong medicines. I battled to sleep most of the night, but felt much better in the morning. As I opened the windows and saw the sun rise over the high rises on the Palm Marina, I felt a new energy.

The links at Spanish Bay

During an executive breakaway in Pebble Beach, I had an opportunity to play this links course. I managed a few good swings, lost about 12 balls, made good friends and had the most amazing time. The surroundings of the golf course is spectacular and the course is maintained in pristine condition.

IBM Bay Area Labs

I had a meeting at the IBM offices in Foster City. Websphere is enhanced and maintained out of these offices. I was given a tour through the facilities and I had to remind me that the code cut here is running mission critical systems in big corporations all over the world.

Central Peninsula Church

I attended church in California. The church that I picked was close to my hotel, mid sized, middle to upper class. I was struck by the wonderful facilities and the talent of the people that God collected in this congregation. Beautiful music, pure scripture and holy sacraments flowed forth, but I felt that an energising purpose was lacking.

Canada Road Cycling

During my last visit to California, I wanted to get onto the road, but could not. So this time I rented a bike and it was worth it. The cycling spots are spectacular (great climbs, big bike lanes, thick forests and scenic routes), but it is the way that motorists accommodate cyclists that is the most refreshing.

In a Dubai lift

As I hurtle downwards from the 26 floor of the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai, it occured to me how frequently I stand in lifts during my travels. While all lifts do the same job, they do come in many different formats; some announce arrivals in an artificial voice, others require your room-card before they move. It is also interesting to experience different people that you share the lift with... as you never meet them.

Sunday lunch at Babel

On our way back from the Klein-Karoo, we stopped at Babel - the much-talked about restaurant on Babilonstoren farm, and it is really worth a visit. The restaurant prove that simple and fresh can be molded into sophistication. This is why I just love the Cape, something new and innovative always appear from nowhere.

Brilliant Food and Wine Weekend

We spent the weekend with the Kurktrekkers wine-club in the Klein Karoo. We tasted Boplaas's Port magic and learned about the premium wines made by Karusa near Oudtshoorn. The use of Portuguese cultivars like Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira is definitely growing in importance in this warm wine region. We were also treated by an exhibition of culinary skills at Jemima's restaurant, aptly supported by the unique wines from Sijnn.

Early flight to Johannesburg

I like the view from the business lounges in Cape Town International domestic terminal in the morning. Especially if the sun just crested the mountains in the distance. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and people getting ready to fly somewhere is in contrast with the lights reflecting on the wet tarmac and aircraft being readied outside.

Our first grand-daughter born

We were immensely blessed when Nina Cherie was born to Ernst and Catherine during the early morning of the 25th October. Everything went well and mother and child is in good health. Me and Annelie made use of the grandparents' visiting hours and were able to see the new little girl hours after the birth.

Complex IT architecture

I walked past one of the meeting rooms where a number of engineers were working on the architecture of a specific solution. A complex diagram was projected on the screen and two guys were debating a specific element of the design. I stopped and enjoyed the moment. I am so busy with my day to day management responsibilities, but I once again realise, that deep inside, I am still an engineer.

The dogs at home

Later at night, when life starts slowing down, Basie and Nonnatjie like to snug up to us and find a cuddle spot to fall asleep. They climb onto us or crawl into a cranny created by a cushion and then promptly fall asleep. It looks as if they really feel safe with us around. I thought we got them as guard dogs.

My friend Gerhard passed away

It received the sad news that my friend Gerhard Coetzee passed away during the past weekend. I remember him as a dedicated administrator, but someone that who were always inspired by a dream. I have spent good times with him in Gaberone, Swellendam, Kampala and Auckland. I will remember the stuff that we planned together and I salute you. My thoughts are also with Rana and the girls.

Sunday picnic

We packed a lunch consisting of cold chicken, salads, a nice bread and something special for an afterthought. The Bon Courage White Blend was a good compliment to the food. I always wanted to show Annelie the Helderberg Farm forest and the brilliant weather afforded us an opportunity to experience this picnic venue in the middle of wine country.

Cold front in the morning sky

I had a brisk cycle ride this morning to the water-works and back. At the top of the hill, I looked back towards False Bay. The sun was turning the sky into crimson and a ridge of clouds clearly marked the edge of a cold front moving eastwards. It was magnificent to experience.

Ado and his girls in the Cape

My brother, Ado, and two of his daughters: Angelique and Cheree, stayed over at de Wijnlanden for the weekend. The girls competed in a fencing competition and it created an opportunity for me to see my brother. We shared a few meals, talked, watched rugby together and checked out the environment. Me and Annelie also drove out to the venue and experienced some of the fencing action.