Africa – Page 2 – Blue Moment

Day 16: Moment of calm

February 16, 2026February 16, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Alanna, Family, Outdoors, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Alanna, family, Outdoors, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

Braai is a fantastic South African word for bbq. It includes the act of cooking (braai master is a sacred – and respected – duty) but it also carries a strong nyance of coming together with friends and family around a fire.

Every time we have ever visited Cape Town Hayley and Craig (Stuart’s sister and brother-in-law) have hosted a family braai. Today was no exception. Great meat, family, hot sun, cold wine… it feels like we’re back home!

But with all that going on, it’s good to take a moment to yourself.

Day 15: Wild Ocean

February 15, 2026February 28, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Alanna, Kiara, Nature, Outdoors, Travelling, WaterTagged 365 Project, Alanna, Children, Kiara, Nature, Outdoors, Scenery, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

Hermanus was windy today and the waves were majestic – and loud! It is almost hypnotic to watch them crash againsg the shore and seabirds fighting the wind (or hiding from it).

The waves carry shells, pieces of coral and other interesting bits and pieces onto the shore. We had to limit both girls to four treasures per beach to ensure our clothes will still fit into the suitcases for the journey home.

A good day to get out of the hospital.

Day 14: Sparks of colour

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, OutdoorsTagged 365 Project, OutdoorsLeave a comment

There is not much to photograph in the hospital. But the one thing guaranteed to always exist in South Africa is a sizeable parking lot. And in most places there is greenery located between car lots. And there is always something blooming.

Day 12: South African sunset

February 13, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Outdoors, TravellingTagged 365 Project, Scenery, South Africa, TravelLeave a comment

I love Cape Dutch houses. Together with the yellow and red African sunset, they are almost too picture perfect.

And if it feels too cliché, it helps to remember that the view follows another well-known South African phenomenon: the parking lot is just out of the shot

Day 164 – Spring Day

September 1, 2017September 27, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Festivals, Johannesburg, Outdoors, WorkLeave a comment

There is something magical about Spring Day in South Africa. In Finland, Midsummer tends to have everything but summer weather. I even remember a year it was sleeting. The same happens elsewhere in Europe. Just ask the British what is the typical weather for the Spring bank holiday… But in South Africa Spring Day is typically glorious spring weather – warm, sunny and beautiful.

Having a business breakfast outside in the morning was a great decision. The only problem was to motivate oneself to get back to the office.

Day 163 – Roadtripping

August 31, 2017September 26, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Stuart, TravellingLeave a comment

Road trips are a travel of choice for Stuart and me – to my mother’s absolute surprise. When I was a child, I could not keep my eyes open for more than 3.5 min in a car – if I was lucky. I still get snoozy occasionally, but luckily Stuart really likes driving. I just try to keep my snoozing limited to the boring bits.

Road trip in Namibia is on our near-future to-do list. One needs a 4×4, but the scenery is sure to be worth it.

Day 156 – Singularity U

August 24, 2017September 17, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Johannesburg, WorkLeave a comment

The past two days I have spent in Singularity University SA. It is a cool concept – two days of speeches from some of the top experts in the world on exponential technologies, e.g., using Robotics, developing Artificial Intelligence and manipulating DNA. One of my favourite speeches was from an astronaut, who did his best to describe what space feels like (as if one could do that…).

My pet peeve for the entire two days was the host, who did his very best to create hype and excitement – while reading straight from the prompter. Words and presence did not match.

But definitely not a ‘normal day in the office’.

Day 157 – Succulent

August 24, 2017September 19, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Johannesburg, Nature, OutdoorsLeave a comment

South Africans love rain. For a Finn, that is hard to understand. Intellectually, I understand rain is necessary after 6 months of dry season. I may even enjoy the fresh air after the downpour when all the dust settles. But I don’t enjoy rain itself. And South Africans truly do. I guess that for a country where succulent plants are the norm, it is (somewhat) understandable.

A colleague made me laugh last year. My parents were flying to Johannesburg, and the forecast promised rain for the entire weekend. Very sweetly she came to me, and from the bottom of her heart wished that the forecast would be correct, and we would have proper rain for my parents. For her that was the best thing she could wish for. For a Finn, that is the very last thing you wish on your holiday!

Day 155 – Sparkle

August 23, 2017September 14, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Johannesburg, Nature, Outdoors, WaterLeave a comment

Sun is out and trees and bushes in the park start to bloom. I am grateful yet again that Merlin is a low-shedding dog. I do remember the amount of hair every spring with my previous golden retriever. Not having to continuously walk around with a vacuum cleaner gives you more time to enjoy the spring.

Day 148 – Proteas

August 16, 2017August 30, 2017Posted in 365 Project, Africa, Everyday objects, Home, Makro, NatureLeave a comment

Proteas is one of the most interesting looking flowers I have ever had in my vase. They are a bit of an acquired taste, and not everyone appreciates them. In South Afrika they are now in season, and every flowershop and supermarket is full of different varieties. Also – being native to dry areas – they last for weeks. My kind of flower.