Emphasis on vegetables

I decided to concentrate on vegetables for this meal: creamed spinach with mushrooms and carrots in caramel syrup. Even the color composition worked.

View from the Roundhouse

At was good to see a good representation of Cape Town Fintech entrepreneurs as guests of Apis Partners. We gathered outside the Roundhouse for a glass of champagne, before enjoying an eight course meal inside. The view over Campsbay as the sun started setting was stunning.

Morning reflections

The Brandvlei dam, close to Worcester is primarily used for irrigation. Bass fishermen an water sport enthusiasts also travel here regularly. I stayed one night at my friend Schalk's house on the waters edge. We talked till late. In the morning, the reflections on the water was spectacular.

N Man soos my Pa

This is a golden era for Afrikaans movies. New (and old) film-makers explore bold topics (like abuse of minors in "Dis ek, Anna" or alcoholism in "'n Man soos my Pa") or just classy suspense thrillers ("Balade vir n Enkeling) and even a surf movie ("Die Pro"). The quality of the script, the acting, the cinematography and most aspects are world-class. I am proud of what can be seen in my own language on the big screen at the moment.

First principle braai broodjies

It takes skill to make the perfect braai-broodjie; but even more so if it is made from first principles. For these, I even baked the bread.

Nic Kohler

I was fortunate to listen to Nic Kohler at an Endeavour lunch. Through his talk about the Enthoven family businesses, I once again realized how important values are in running any successful enterprise. Doing something with a noble purpose is an important requisite to building anything sustainable.

Arden Nativity

In his final year in pre-school, Arden played an important role in his schools nativity concert. As one of the three wise men, he executed very well on his solo pieces. As a child from the apartheid-generation, I could not help to notice the new South African make-up of the three wise men and how comfortable and naturally it felt.

Badenhorst

Adi Badenhorst is one of South Africa's best new winemakers. Under his Secateur label he produced unique blended wines made in an innovative way, combining modern, best practices with old traditional ways. The Kurktrekkers ended a wonderful year of celebration at Kalmoesfontein (his farm in the Swartland) with an evening of food and wine.

African Fintech

Speaking at the African Fintech Zambezi awards. I read a small excerpt from my book that is about ready to go to the printers. It was a weird experience. It was also great to see old friends and make new ones.

Schalk 50th

Schalk told the story if his life as best he could by making use of music. He was assisted by very capable musicians and his two daughters. It was a privilege to celebrate his fiftieth birthday with him and many guests.  

Simple bed

Just a mattress, a pillow and a blanket. Luckily I managed to get some cheap curtains for some privacy. You do not need much to sleep comfortably.

Obviously inconspicuos

I decided to hide one of the caches that was muggled recently in a different way. By making it conspicuously obvious, I think it will be much harder to find now.

Back on the MTB

I took the mountain bike out of storage and dusted it off. A short route past Afdaks river and down a steep downhill confirmed: my ankle is healing fast.

Food for a King

A simple red wine, some salad with avocado, braai-broodjies with a lot of grounded pepper, a small lamb rib braaied on medium heat and small boerewors; food for a king. Even if it is not for a king.

Hundreds of flamingoes

The lagoon has been breached to the sea - it now is an extension to the ocean. The tides rush in twice a day as small waves. Hundreds of flamingos stand in the shallows as they filter the water for small morsels.

Scratch plate

Something must itch somewhere considering all the "scratch plates" affixed to parking payment stations at shopping malls. Could there be any scientific reason for scratching a coin before dropping it into a machine, or is this just another urban legend that went viral?

Echezeaux

One of the best Burgundy Grand Cru's is from a small patch called Echezeaux. Triggered by a shared love for Pinot Noir, I opened a bottle with Andre to complement the lamb-chops and sosaties. We talked till late.

Starwars

Why did it take me so long to watch a Starwars movie? I enjoyed seeing the old characters again when I watched Episode V on my laptop one evening.

My first home away from home

Trying to figure out how to live without a real cupboard and a place to keep my stuff. I am learning all kinds of things about myself as I am trying to find my feet amongst all the turmoil.

Annelie at Mediclinic

I sat next to her bed, watching the effects of the anesthesia wear off. The procedure was successful. I am acutely aware of how frail we are.