Xavier Jean

The birth of every child is a miracle. But to see a new grandson, only a few hours old, experience life, is indescribable. We were so blessed to be allowed into the maternity ward at Vincent Pallotti to see Xavier Jean and the proud parents this morning. As I looked at the frail new arrival, I experienced deep emotions of thankfulness, enthrallment and anticipation.

A plan comes together

It is nice to see a plan coming together. Mukhtar introduced me to an almost completed Mathilda and I can see the possibilities. So much fun with creating new possibilities and living on the edge again.

Impromptu visit

If not for social media, we would not have known that Jaco was in the Cape for a few days. And Annelie would not have been able to entice them to join us for lunch at Meerenbosch. And we would not have had the fun that we did have. Thumbs up to social media!

Look ma no side-wheels

He specifically asked that they packed his bicycle in the boot so that he can show ouma and oupa. Yesterday he found the right spanner and removed the side-wheels himself. Now he is cycling on two wheels like an adult.

Mother and child

Southern Right Whales migrate to the shores of the Cape during spring to calf. On my morning cycle ride, I saw a whale and a calf in the distance. Just the two of them, rolling in the waves. It was so special to see these two huge mammals bonding - spending time with each other: mother and child.

Vision to reality

The Vision to Reality awards programme for entrepreneurs was held at the Cape Town stadium. Over three-hundred key people in the technology industry from government to VC's attended a gala event sponsored by PWC. It was great to see old friends and experience the vibrant start-up scene. I was privileged to give a key note speech.

Nathia Gali

With a large back-log after the bad weather, we could not get seats on the flight to Skardu. Instead we drove up to the hill-station of Nathia Gali and stayed for two nights at a guest-house. Nathia Gali is in the foothills of the Himalayas. At only 2800m above sea-level these mountains are mere hills compared to the real ones, but compared to pretty much any other mountain-range, these hills are absolutely impressive. Covered in lush green trees with winding roads up steep inclines, the views stretch for hundreds of miles. After glorious sunny days, the mist unfolded us and the trees in the evenings before we went to bed.

Easypaisa

It is so gratifying to travel through a foreign land and to see a brand that I have helped to create everywhere. I saw easypaisa displayed everywhere from the smallest villages to the capital of Pakistan.

Serena Hotel

During my many visits to Islamabad, I just have the fondest memories about the Serena Hotel. It is one of the finest hotels in the world. Therefore, it was such a pleasure for me to share the enjoyment of the Serena with Annelie when we stayed there for two nights.

Monal restaurant

The Monal is a famous restaurant on the hills overlooking Islamabad. We enjoyed wonderful Pakistan food with a special friend, while looking at the lights of Islamabad below. This country has so much to offer.

Living in poverty

Me, Annelie and Johan stayed with members of a church in Lahore for four days. We experienced what it is like to be poor in Pakistan, eating the food that they eat and sleeping in the conditions that they do. We learned that wealth is a major constraint in knowing about the love of God. It also creates a terrible sense of non-satisfaction. It seemed that poor people are actually more content and live in harmony with each other.

Pakistan building

It is so wonderful to be in Lahore with friends. The building that I am involved with is progressing well, with the first story completed. We inspected the progress with the 2nd story with the contractor and owner soon after we arrived.

Dinner with my Lady

I had a quick dinner with my favorite person at the local Ocean Basket. As we waited for our food, we talked and talked. I just once again realized how fortunate I am to have a soul-mate that I can share so many things with for more than thirty years.

New Bud

It never cease to amaze me, how the first buds just pops out of the dead vine branch at this time of the year. One would never have thought that there is actually life down inside that piece of dead stick. And then this small little frail leave then just grows and grows (sometimes meters long) and bears fruit... To me it seems like a miracle. 

Eateries in and out

Enjoyed seeing Richard again and discovering the Coffee Bloc Deli at Buitenverwachting. We chatted about life, the universe, our US family and friends and the direction of the technology industry. The glass of Chardonnay and the Chicken breast was also good.

Double Rainbow

Does not matter how many rainbows you have seen... they are always magic. This one was particularly spectacular, inside a patch of sun right in front of the house. Both me and Annelie stood on the lawn for a few minutes: spellbound.

Average Sunday at Home

Just an average Sunday-afternoon, preparing lunch at home. I can't help noticing all the signs of spring being visible everywhere. From the bees in the lavender garden, to the carpet of wild flowers outside the fence. Even the goldfish in the pond have parked themselves in the top layer of the water - soaking up the glorious sun.

Zenaptix big data lab

I attended the launch of the Zenaptix Big Data Lab in Stellenbosch. I love it to see some-one doing something that they feel passionate about. Ian is definitely such a person. Everything that I have seen him do in the past two decades, were pushing boundaries - contributing in his unassuming way to the quality of the Cape's IT scene. I wish him all the best.

Freedom copter

The beauty of technology is that it is now at a point where software are starting to integrate with real things seamlessly. This is demonstrated well with the advances being made with quadcopter drones. I enjoyed witnessing Daniel launching his Freedom copter at the office, flying it outside the range of the controller and how it then returned to the original take-off spot on its own.

Woodstock brewery

The rate at which I am discovering micro-breweries here in Cape Town is staggering. My lunch appointment today were on top of Woodstock brewery. Even as I climbed the stairs to the restaurant, I was greeted by the smell of hobs fermenting. I could not help to try half a glass of the English Ale, and it was good.