Well, it’s been a hot minute! The six or so weeks since my last post have flown by in a whirl of work, travel, visits, early mornings, and interesting experiences.
Over the course of September, I delivered a series of five webinars for Austrade (the Australian Trade and Investment Commission) on using technology for market selection and customer profiling. It was hard work, but so much fun, despite having to get up at 3am to deliver the webinars at 4am South African time. There was, however, one real advantage to the outrageously early starts every Tuesday: seeing this sunrise …
Between working at Electra Mining Africa, and my heading back to Australia, Urbain’s mom came for a visit to celebrate her 84th birthday. Mom isn’t as sprightly as she once was, but she certainly still enjoys a good visit, particularly if it involves cake!
Late September/early October were busy weeks in the duRex household, with several pressing home reno projects tackled and completed, all with the aid of our trusty handyman, Goodwell Nyarenda, who also happens to be a damn fine bricklayer.
On the 18th of October I ventured back to Perth, and then onto Melbourne. This will be my last Aussie adventure for 2026, with my last Perth agribusiness roundtable now complete. I’m still finalising the last couple of “Food and Beverage: Trade Unpacked” podcast episodes, and then the current WA contract is complete. By the way, if you’re interested in global trade and exporters’ stories, the podcast is well worth a listen. (Just fast forward past the l-o-n-g government disclaimer at the start!) Find the podcast here: DPIRD Trade and Export | Listen to the Podcast on Spotify AND DPIRD Trade and Export – Podcast – Apple Podcasts.
One of the advantages of the Perth work visits has been my trips to Melbourne, and this time round was no exception. I stayed at the gorgeous Dewetia’s house and loved spending time with her and the always-wonderful, Zara. This time there was an added bonus – getting to know Dewetia’s step-brother, Russell, who’s staying with her. And – as always – it was great to visit the old haunts, eat delicious (particularly Asian) food, and have coffee chats with dear friends like Gary.
I’m also thrilled to have stepped back into the radio world, albeit in a very limited role. Starting at the beginning of October, and running until the end of the year, I’m presenting an insert on the National radio station, “Radio Sonder Grense” (translated as “Radio without Borders). The insert is all about breakfast around the globe, combining my love of food, cooking and travel. And I get to work with my dear friend, Derrich!
RSG is an Afrikaans station, so not of much use to my English-speaking mates, but you can listen to the podcast re-broadcasts of the live inserts here: Potgooi – RSG FM.
The man’s been very busy too, drafting patent applications, and getting new products – like the “NVL” below – ready for production.
But we have had time through it all to enjoy our African home. The garden is looking great, the sunsets are extraordinary, and the birds are a joy. Oh, and the baboons have been mercifully absent!
And did I mention that it’s jacaranda season?
Until next time (when the Christmas tinsel is likely to be glittering) – sala kahle!
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