Day 3, month 11

I’ve been tardy, but I do have a valid excuse – Day 1 of month 11 was Christmas day!

I’m sitting here, listening to Paul Simon’s remarkable album (does he have any other kind??), “Surprise”, eating homemade peanut brittle (a gift from Urbain’s sister, Yolande), and reflecting on the month just gone. It was another corker, with visitors from far away, an overseas trip, cultural experiences, Christmas, and much more. Strap in, folks, here we go …!

Even though I stepped down as Co-Director of the South African Film Festival (ANZ), I still serve on the film review Committee. We reviewed the first batch of films and held our first review meeting. There are some great offerings, so be sure to watch for the launch of the final programme.

As has become the norm, we visited our favourite haunts, including a fabulous Mozambiquan dive bar, and a great breakfast spot that comes with wildlife.

**Sunday afternoon listening to live music and drinking catemba**

Having grown up on the Highveld, I’m used to spectacular electric storms, but the ones we’ve experienced in Hartbeespoort have been a level above! We sat often over the past weeks just watching, in complete awe of the power of Nature on full display.

With Christmas around the corner, and Urbain’s family coming to lunch, I started planning my menu. And that led to the hunt for a Christmas ham. Imagine my surprise and utter bewilderment to discover that there is only a thing called ‘Gammon” to be had here. Even really good butchers looked at me as if I had two heads when I enquired about “a leg of ham”. For the record, this is the difference …

**This is a ham (pic c/o my fave Melbourne butcher, “Meatsmith”)**

As it turns out, the gammon was delicious, but next year I’m making my own HAM.

For the past 10 years, I’ve served as a Judge at the Asia Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards. The Awards move around the various member economies, and this year we were in Taiwan.

Over five days, there were meetings (I’m also member of the Executive Committee of APICTA), events, and – of course – the competition itself.

It was a delight as always to catch up with Australian colleagues from across the country, and also those from the whole APICTA family.

**The Australian “Motley Crew” – Me, Celia Jordaan from WA, Gary Buck, Lisa Shaw, and Regine Vanderberg from** VIC

This year 2+3 had work commitments and couldn’t join, so I flew solo (as I had for several years before roping him in).

Australia had a bumper crop of 16 entries across several categories, and we took home three gold medals and a merit award. And along the way a great time was had by all!

Upon my return from APICTA, a real treat was in store for us; dear friend. Dewetia, had to be in South Africa for work, and spent a night. What a joy!

It was during Dewetia’s visit that we learned of the tragedy in Bondi where 15 innocent people, out to celebrate the start of Hannukah, were murdered by two gunmen in a terrorist attack. 39 more innocents were injured. The attack, however, also saw remarkable acts of bravery and compassion, and galvanised a community against anti-Semitism.

Bondi Beach Shooting: Everything We Know About Terror Attack Targeting Jewish Holiday Event | TIME

On a more positive note, we marked the annual tradition of giving “Christmas” to our refuse collectors on the last rubbish collection day before Christmas. After much deliberation, we also upheld the tradition of giving Christmas hampers to staff (in addition to any other gifts and bonuses). Our brilliant gardener, Goodwell Nyarenda, lives in the informal settlement close to our village and for him and his family, the hamper bucket is as useful as the contents.