Nine months, two homes

Bama Lodge

Bama Lodge

Our day began at the Emerald Guest House in Kempton Park, Johannesburg. We had stayed here several times in the past when the garden was a pool. (Members of my family took pleasure in reminding me that I once drove the back wheel of a kombie into that pool! Not my finest hour.) At 9 AM, we went to JNB to include me on the rental car contract. (We forgot yesterday.) Thereafter, onward to Kgautswane!

Seasons are reversed between Cape Town and Johannesburg: winter is rainy in Cape Town but dry in Joburg. As such, the landscape from Johannesburg to Kgautswane is parched, with no green in sight. The road goes through Mpumalanga, home to South Africa’s vast coal reserves. It is also home to at least one smelter who relies on piles of nearby-mined coal to run their operations.

Along the way, we bought two cakes in Lydenberg at the request of Auntie Connie. We didnt know it at the time, but the cakes were to celebrate one of Mama Claras two birthdays. The first is her actual birthday (in December). The second commemerates the erroneous birthdate on her government-issued identity document (July).

The end of our route today was Bama Lodge, Mama Claras guest house in the rural village of Kgautswane. To reach the lodge, guests travel 12 km along a dirt road. The lodge sits in a valley whose scenery and surrounding mountains are as spectacular as they is foreboding. Spectacular due to their beauty and desolation; foreboding because of the rocky soil, low rainfall, and desolation. I would not want to farm here, although some do.

The lodge is comprised of six rondavels, painted in fitting and beautiful ochre and landscaped modestly but tastefully with flowers. We are staying in Number 6. On our two previous visits to Kgautswane, the rondovels did not yet exist (2005) or were barely emplaced (2007) and we slept on the floor. It is nice to see each unit outfitted with toilets, beds, furniture, sinks, and electricity.

Further, Mama Clara has constructed a beautiful home that she shares with daughter Connie whose primary responsibility is Bama Lodge hospitality. She served tea upon our arrival, and we spent some time catching up since their 2014 visit to Michigan. Mama Clara showed us some mementos and awards of her lifelong work in community development. After tea, Catherine made quick friends with three dogs, her favorite being Bruno the granddaughter of the tan one.

After some time spent doing a family crossword puzzle, we had dinner with Swela, another guest in Michigan in 2014. We all enjoyed chicken, beef, mashed potatoes, samp, potato salad, and … birthday cake! Mama Clara arranged for phone calls with Mama Rhodie (Tracy) and Aubrey (me). After dinner, we saw the Milky Way and Mars in the night sky.

We are grateful for the hospitality of Mama Clara and Auntie Connie. Old friends are good friends!

—Matt


CPT —> JNB

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The flight from Cape Town to Johannesburg takes roughly two hours, which seems like an instant when you’re accustomed to 32 hour marathons! Because long-stay parking is less expensive than two Ubers, my plan was to leave our car in parkade P5 at CTN. However, on approach to the airport the helpful sign indicated P5 was CLOSED due to no available spaces. As we crept up to P4 (not long stay, would have been more expensive than two Ubers), a spot opened (literally a “1” appeared on the sign board), and we drove right in!

The flight was uneventful, and Tracy met us at the domestic arrivals hall of JNB. After some discussion, we went to the Emperors Palace for dinner at Taste of Mumbai. We all enjoyed the Indian cuisine. We’re now at the Emerald Guest House (renamed Airport Inn) where we’ll spend the night before departing in the morning for Kguatswane.

Before we departed Cape Town International Airport this afternoon, I took the photo below from the departure lounge. Simonsberg, Botmanskop, and Stellenbosch Mountain are visible in the distance if you know where to look.

—Matt


Planning for Adventure

Although Tracy and I have visited Kruger Park before, we were only two in 1993 and only three in 2005, four counting my mom. In 2007, Catherine didn’t join us in Kruger, being only 11 months old. In 2009, we visited Addo Elephant National Park with Tracy’s sister Cynthia instead of Kruger. Several years ago when we first discussed the present sabbatical to Ghana and South Africa, we had it in mind to safari in Kruger Park again, this time as a family of four.

But you have to plan for adventure.

  • About a year and a half ago, I started checking the SANParks website to determine how far in advance reservations can be made.
  • About thirteen months ago, I nailed down the week of my course so that we could plan a Kruger trip around it.
  • One year ago, I booked accommodation, night drives, and a sunrise experience, securing the reservations with a 50% down payment.
  • Eleven months ago, I arranged for a night in Kgautswane on the way to the park.
  • Three months ago from Ghana, I paid the remaining 50% of the reservation.
  • Two months ago, we purchased plane tickets from Cape Town to Johannesburg.
  • One month ago, Tracy reserved a car for her research trip and extended the rental for the family.
  • Yesterday, I purchased a Wild Card and found driving directions to Bourke's Luck Potholes and God's Window.
  • Today, the kids and I packed, Tracy went shopping for groceries in Joburg, and I checked in for our flights.
  • Tomorrow, we're off.

Will it all be worthwhile?

—Matt

Engineering

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The engineering faculty at Stellenbosch University is at the north side of campus. While most campus buildings are oriented square to the east-west axis of campus and town, the three engineering buildings are oriented along a northwest to southeast line. Thus, an eastward approach up Banghoek Road brings one face-to-face with the imposing and formidable main building (below), its sterile architecture in stark contrast to classic styles elsewhere on campus and in town. There is, presently, a massive construction project underway at engineering. I hope the renovations will soften the fa ade of the building.

On Catherine’s last day with Janneke, they went to Rush, a bounce place in Claremont.

I did two errands at lunch today. (1) I purchased a Wild Card to reduce costs for our upcoming Kruger Park safari and my later trip to the Cederberg. (2) I fetched Catherine’s iPad which was again repaired.

—Matt


A Day With Bingle

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This morning when I woke up, I said to Dad, “You know what? I want to see Bingle today. So maybe Janneke and I can go see him. Can you email Heidi?” Dad said, “Yes.” I was super happy. When Janneke came, I told her we could go see Bingle, and she was happy, too. When Dad was at work, he texted me that Heidi said it was OK to say “hi” to Bingle.

We got directions to their house and took Bingle on a walk to a park where we went on a beautiful nature trail. We got back to Heidi’s house and played with Bingle. Then Heidi said we could take him out to have lunch at a restaurant that allowed dogs. She gave two options, one place was closed and we couldn’t find the other. So we just went to our flat and played with Bingle in the back yard.

After a few mintues, we needed to have lunch, so I went insde to make myself cream of chicken soup. While I was inside, Mark and Janneke were with Bingle in the back, but Bingle was whining because he wanted me. So, I came outside and gave him a small piece of chicken and a bowl of water. And he was happy again.

But then Bingle made a poo, and I had to clean it up. I promise you, it was the grossest thing I did in my entire life. Then he “died.” He was out cold (asleep) at the snap of a finger. We tired him out by playing and running so much!

After a 20-minute nap (for Bingle), we took him to the parking lot of our apartment complex to see if he would play. But he was still too tired! As soon as we took him out, he flopped on his side and fell asleep once more.

Then he needed to go home. So, we woke him up, picked him up, and placed him in Janneke’s car, because Dad didn’t want him in our rental car. We drove him to his house. We were planning to walk, but that poor puppy was just too tired.

When we got to Bingle’s house, he didn’t want to leave the car! So, we had to carry him into the house. We put him in his bed, and he calmed down but didn’t fall asleep, because he was too riled up. After that, I gave him a kiss, and he gave me a kiss too. Then it was time for me and Janneke to go back to our flat.

We said goodbye to Heidi and when we got home, we went to Hudsons across the street where Janneke and I shared a Lindt brownie milkshake and a glass of Sprite.

—Catherine

P.S. Heidi told me that Bingle was howling because he missed me when I wasnt with him. In case you were wondering, Bingle is a beagle-bull terrier mix.


Normal Day

Apart from Tracy being away and a new nanny for Catherine, today was a normal day. Catherine and Janneke went to Butterfly World, despite the cold and rain. Catherine wanted to see the Tamarin, but it stayed in its heated home.

I picked up Catherine’s iPad (its screen was malfunctioning again), but it has been disabled due to too many password attempts. She didn’t really try that many times; a glitching touch sensor caused the password attempts. I need to figure out how to restore it. Oh, technology!

—Matt

Double Rainbow

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With Tracy in Johannesburg, the kids and I went shopping at Checkers today. It was pouring when we left the store, but the low winter sun in the northwest provided a rainbow. I stopped to take a photo, but Mark and Catherine yelled at me to keep coming. Which I did, missing the opportunity for a nice picture.

After we were safe inside and I had put away the groceries, I checked my email to find a photo from Karin. They saw a terrific double rainbow from the fourth floor balcony at CRSES. Thanks, Karin!

—Matt


Stilbaai Sunday

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At high tide, small boats can navigate the Goukou river several kilometers inland and northward from the ocean. High tide today was at mid-morning, meaning that an early departure would be necessary. Being winter, an early departure also means a cold departure, and there was some discussion of the merits of this plan. In the end, the “when else in our lives will we get a chance to do this?” argument won the day, and Wikus, Mbali, Catherine, Mark, and I departed at 7:45 AM for the jetty, arriving shortly after sunrise.

While Wikus put the inflatable boat in the water, I drove the truck off the ramp to a parking spot. As he sped toward the dock where Mbali, Mark, and Catherine were waiting, Wikus playfully swung the stern to splash the dock. Thankfully he missed. 3 C (37 F) is cold enough when youre dry; nobody wants to be drenched! Despite being wrapped by comforters and being clothed in several layers (in my case three below and five above), the full-throttle, high-speed up-stream journey was biting cold. Mark buried his head beneath the blanket. Catherine and Mbali snuggled to keep warm. Wikus and I both had tears streaming from our eyes; he kept his open to drive, I kept mine open to absorb the glory of a stunning but crisp morning.

The only sense of warmth came from our closest star. In terms of temperature, the ride was tolerable in the sun, less so in the shade. In terms of light, the sun provided a soft, warm orange glow against the sharp, cold blue of the water and sky. Beautiful!

Back at the house, we had a late breakfast, and people took beach walks or stayed inside to read. Mbali and I went for a 10k run.

About 1:30, we began the long drive home. The return trip was significantly different from Fridays night drive to Stilbaai; we could see our surroundings on this sunny afternoon. The green rolling hills and yellow canola stood in sharp contrast to the deep blue skies. Travelling down Sir Lowrys Pass afforded a fantastic view over the Cape Flats toward Table Mountain.

We are grateful for the hospitality shown to us by Wikus and Heidi. We are also thankful for friends old (Karin) and new (Mbali). It can be difficult to live in a different culture; but it is much easier when you are welcome, when someone can be your guide. Indeed, life is navigated with the help of friends, and we are richer for the shared journey. I can only hope that I enrich my friends’ lives as much as they enrich mine.

—Matt


Stilbaai Saturday

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We were invited by friends Wikus and Heidi to spend the weekend at their holiday home in Stilbaai with Mbali (one of Wikus’ students) and Karin (an employee of the Centre). Tracy is in Johannesburg, so it was Catherine, Mark, and I who made the three-and-a-half hour drive, arriving at 9 PM. After an awesome pasta dinner and a bit of chatting and discussion of plans and weather contingencies, we got to bed in preparation for today.

Because we arrived in the deep darkness of a rainy night, we had no chance to appreciate the view. But at breakfast we could see the Indian Ocean and its rough water, the result of strong winds. A few rainclouds passed overhead giving rise to a beautiful double rainbow, so close you could almost touch it, and inevitable talk of a pot of gold just beyond the dune.

On this getaway weekend, Catherine met Bingle, Wikus’ new puppy. Heidi made it very clear the dog is not hers! Catherine ignored all discussion of Bingle’s true owner, claiming by her actions the caretake mantle for the weekend. And Bingle was only too pleased to have a three-day companion.

Our first activity after breakfast was a beach walk, made possible by low tide and clearing weather. Catherine ran with, walked with, and chased after Bingle, cementing their friendship in the process. The rest of us walked and talked in the chilly morning air. We moved westward to the mouth of the Goukou river from which West Stilbaai can be seen.

We next travelled to the tourism office in West Stilbaai to check out the Pallingat Eels. Unfortunately, the poor weather and earlier rain meant that the 11 AM feeding was cancelled. We did, however, learn a bit about the history of the area. And we saw a replica of a piece of ochre thought to bear the world’s oldest art.

After lunch, everyone but Wikus and Mark did a hike on the Jongensfontein walking trail. This trail winds along the ocean, past countless boulders and layered rocks covered in orange lichen. Despite a small rain shower, we enjoyed the views of the ocean and coastline. Near the end of the 2.5-hour walk, we came upon the visvywers (pronounced fis-fie-vers), ancient human-constructed tidal pools that trap fish which are sold for profit. After the hike, Catherine was exhausted and snuggled with Bingle in the sun.

For dinner, our hosts provided a delicious braai. Mark encouraged us to play 30 Seconds, which we did with great enthusiasm. Karin and Heidi won, most likely because they are the same, um, vintage! Mark and I came second. Wikus and Mbali were last. Catherine helped Bingle get to sleep.

What a fabulous day!

—Matt


Goodbyes

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Today was Catherine’s last day with Danielle. We so appreciate her care for Catherine this semester. One more nice photo below!

—Matt


The Armory

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Catherine and Danielle went to Clay Cafe in Hout Bay to pick up their ceramics. Catherine surprised Tracy with a new coffee mug!

I posted a few old photos today. First up is indoor climbing photos from yesterday. Second is a workshop photo from Sussex.

We visited The Armory for pizza and burgers this evening.

—Matt


Rain, Rain

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As befits winter in the Western Cape, rain has fallen for significant portions of the past two days. Everything is soaked through; only the hearty are outdoors.

Danielle, Mark, and Catherine went to CityRock for some indoor climbing fun this morning. Both loved it! Photos below.

I set an informal goal for myself in South Africa: have one interesting conversation each day. So far I’m doing pretty well. Today’s conversation was with Frank, a German who has been working on CSP in South Africa for the past two years. It was fascinating to compare notes about the country, its people, and its energy systems.

—Matt


Should I Stay or Should I Go?

We’re nearing the end of our time in South Africa. Tracy and the kids have three weeks remaining. I have about five. At dinner tonight, I asked each member of the family the hypothetical question “would you rather stay in Stellenbosch or go back to Grand Rapids?” Catherine was evenly split between staying and leaving. Mark would stay if his American friends could join us. Both Tracy and I would stay, unequivocally.

—Matt

Mandela Day

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This is Mandela Day. Tracy and the kids went to Warwick to see a sculpture made from thousands of necklace beads. Otherwise, the place was closed for the winter. Oh, and they saw a white cat and its kitten.

—Matt


Middlevlei (2)

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Today’s post has a few photos from when I was away and a few photos from today. Yesterday, Catherine and Tracy went to Kirstenbosch to walk above the tree canopy. From the gardens, Catherine could see Skeleton Gorge. She climbed a big tree.

I took a large 747 from London to Cape Town direct, departing yesterday and arriving this morning. The sunrise over the Western Cape was striking for its reflection off the surface of the ocean. I got a nice welcome home. Local elections are coming, and Tracy posed beneath an ANC banner at the airport.

For lunch, we went to Middlevlei winery for a boerebraai, accompanied by a pair of huge dogs, Merlot and Alsace. For dinner, we visited good friends Amanda and Louis.

—Matt


Going Home

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Yesterday, Reinhard (one of three presenters in the session that contained my second paper) and I walked through campus, boarded a train, and walked downhill through Brighton for dinner on the ocean. This was after I posted yesterday's entry, so I’ll include some photos here. We saw the burnt-out West Pier and enjoyed a calzone at Nu Posto.

Near the ocean, we happened upon a memorial to British soldiers killed in the Second Boer War. I was as disoriented by its inscription as I was bewildered in the last two days by the most ordinary of conference conversations. Typically, I quickly answer “Where are you from?” with one of “Calvin College,” “Grand Rapids,” “Michigan,” or “the U.S.But this meeting was different. My presentation was on Ghana, I have a position in South Africa, but my employer is in the States. “South Africa, but I work at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, but I just spent 5 months in Accra because my wife led our university’s study-in-Ghana program, but I’m currently on sabbatical in Stellenbosch, South Africa” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue!

The workshop is finished, and I’m waiting in Heathrow to go home. But the concept of “home” is a little fuzzy at the moment.

—Matt


Workshop, Day 2

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I went for an early morning run through the countryside surrounding the University of Sussex. I happened upon Stanmer Park which contains a lovely home constructed in 1722.

At the workshop, I chaired a session in which my co-author Jo o presented a paper which went well. I made contacts with like-minded researchers that may lead to a collaboration to further my work on Ghana and South Africa. Lots of good ideas that well need to wrangle into a compelling proposal.

—Matt


Workshop, Day 1

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This was the first day of the Exergy Economics workshop. I received some very good feedback on my presentation about Ghana which I will incorporate into the work for the remainder of my sabbatical. I attended the workshop dinner in Brighton (a short distance by train from the University of Sussex). On the way home, I snapped this photo of the street scene and double-decker bus outside the Brighton station.

—Matt


To Sussex

To Sussex

After an overnight flight from Cape Town to London, I took the Heathrow Express train to Paddington Station, the Tube to Victoria Station, national rail to Brighton via Gatwick, again from Brighton to Falmer, and walked to the University of Sussex campus. Not a single misstep or wrong turn. Thanks, Paul, for providing the excellent instructions! The Victoria Station to Brighton train had WiFi, so I caught up on a few emails en-route. Amazingly, it was a sunny day in England, and I took a few photos from the train.

One of the benefits of attending conferences is meeting collaborators and forging new relationships. I met with my co-author Paul to chart our course for our paper on the energy situation in Ghana and South Africa. I also met Reiner, a German author I have read for years, and took the opportunity to ask several questions over dinner. The workshop itself starts tomorrow morning.

—Matt


To England

I’m on my way to the University of Sussex in England for the 3rd International Exergy Economics Workshop. I’ll make a presentation entitled “Useful Exergy in Ghana,” and my co-author Jo o will present a second entitled “From theory to econometrics to policy: Insights and cautionary tales from macroeconomic growth modeling with the CES production function under an ecological economics framework.” Jo o’s presentation is based on our recent submission to the journal Energy Policy, which itself is the outcome of work begun two years ago at the 1st International Exergy Economics Workshop.

—Matt

Sky On Fire

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The sky above Stellenbosch caught fire this morning! I stopped while crossing Banghoek Road to take several photos, one of which is included below. Then I quickly pedaled (with battery assist!) to the office and climbed to the fourth-floor deck where Riaan and I simply stood and gaped at the magnificent textures in the sky.

An amazing start to the day.

—Matt


Table Mountain

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One of my favorite activities is hiking Table Mountain, the defining geographical feature of Cape Town. Living in Stellenbosch affords the opportuinty to do so, being only 45 minutes away. A good walk takes all day, and the weather needs to be right: warm and clear with little wind. Capetonians would call it “fine.” If one actually works for a living, a gorgeous weekend day is required, a winter rarity. But today was just such a day. Predicted highs were 27 C (80 F), with winds 1-2 m/s and no clouds. Yes!

My favorite route is called Smuts Track, which ascends through Skeleton Gorge, one of many river-bearing ravines on the back side of the mountain. The trail head is within Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and after paying our entrance fee we began the climb.

There are five distinct sections of this hike. The first is a climb through the forest that hugs the low slopes of the eastern side of the mountain. Fortunately, Table Mountain National Park does a spectacular job of maintaining the many, many log steps cut into the side of the gorge. They wind past waterfalls and gnarled stumps. The steps are brutal on the quads, and we took several breaks.

The second section of Smuts Track involves five ladders of varying length. These ladders are expertly placed, solidly attached, and well maintained, making the ascent here almost a pleasure. At least it is a welcome change from the first section in which you are always climbing stairs but never reaching a second floor!

The third portion is an unassisted scramble over large boulders in the river. Recent rains filled the river as full as I have seen it, making for slippery footing. We were careful and emerged out of the gorge where spectacular views of False Bay and the Cape Flats can be had. At the top, we took a short detour over a dune to a the Haley-Hutchinson reservoir that supplies fresh water to Cape Town.

Next is an exposed ascent up the back table toward Maclear’s Beacon. Signs clearly mark the way, and a few wild flowers are blooming at this time of year. The novelty was gone, and frequent breaks were needed. But 360 views of the Cape Peninsula and, indeed, the whole of the Western Cape are available on a day as clear as today.

We soldiered toward Castle Rock, my favorite place for lunch, for its shade and for its quiet. We were observed by a crow who craved our scraps. It considered becoming aggressive but waited until we departed before rummaging at our picnic site. The food rejuvenated the less-than-twenty members of our party, and we carried on past Castle Rock for one additional climb to Maclear’s Beacon which we reached in about fifteen minutes. A nice midwesterner from Cincinnati, Ohio took a family photo.

Maclears Beacon is both the highest elevation on Table Mountain and the demarcation between the fourth and last portions of the hike. From the pinnacle, we followed the yellow footprints across rock and footbridges for more than a mile on the flat top of the mountain to the upper cableway station. From the station, Mark looked down into Camps Bay.

We took a cable car down the front of the mountain where the stunning, sheer rock wall of Table Mountain is so close you feel as though you could touch it. When safely to the bottom, I hailed my first Uber whose quiet driver (an immigrant from the Democratic Republic of the Congo) took us back to Kirstenbosch where we jumped in our car and drove to Stellenbosch. We left home at 8 AM and returned at 4 PM, just about as I expected.

Both kids were stretched a bit by the hike: Mark by the physical demands and Catherine by the length. Aside from sibling squabbles, they both did well. Mark and Tracy said they could do the hike again in six months. Catherine and I would do it again tomorrow. Regardless, it was a great family outing.

—Matt


Simon’s Town

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At the end of every postgraduate module offered by the Centre for Renewable and Sustainable Energy Studies, students give Saturday morning presentations on topics relevant to the course. And so I walked to the Engineering Faculty at sunrise today. Richard and I enjoyed listening to (instead of talking at) the Thermal Energy Systems students who informed us and their peers on the following topics: “The Future of Transport,” “Dieselgate,” “Gas Turbine Efficiency Improvements,” and “Microgrids for Africa.”

While I was on campus, Catherine made eggs and toast for her breakfast. She carried Bananas on her back, reminding me of the haunting song Too Late for Mama by the famous South African artist Brenda Fassie. The video played often on SABC when we lived in the Southern Suburbs in 1992.

Our landlord in the Southern Suburbs was Ed who now lives near Simons Town with his wife Vivian. This afternoon, we enjoyed tea in their home on the cliffs above False Bay. Their view of the ocean is stunning. And todays air was clear enough to see all the way to Simonsberg and Botmanskop, more than 40 km away. We saw a small pod of dolphins (about 50 of them) frolicking in the bay.

Before we departed, we took a couple nice photos. Thanks Ed and Viv!

—Matt


Catherine and Danielle

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Tracy took a nice photo of Catherine and Danielle. They saw the new Ice Age movie this afternoon.

—Matt


Yahtzee

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Mark, Tracy, and I played a game of Yahtzee tonight.

Mark and I are headed out to find the Germany-France Euro2016 semifinal match.

Otherwise not much else going on.

—Matt


Ankerlig, Koeberg, and Klipheuwel

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South Africa’s energy story is both interesting and compelling. Interesting, because of its history of oversupply, undersupply, and blackouts; because of its potential for renewables, both wind and solar; and because it is home to the only nuclear power plant on the continent of Africa. Compelling, because it is a “canary in a coal mine” of sorts regarding energy constraints on the economy. So much so that I wrote a paper on that topic in 2010.

Thus, I find South Africa a rich location to teach on energy and energy-related topics. For the Thermal Energy Systems module that Im teaching this week with Richard, I organized two site visits to Eskom facilities, and we added a third for good measure.

First, we drove out of Stellenbosch at sunrise to Atlantis for a tour of the Ankerlig open cycle gas turbine power station. After a breathalyzer test and a briefing from Ncedo, we took a short walkabout at the site. This power station is supposed to provide electricity in times of peak demand, with a target of operating only 5% of the time. But there have been times when the duty cycle increases to 25% due to high demand and low supply elsewhere in the country. I took a photo of the large transformers that sit between the electrical generators and the grid. We also took a class photo.

Next, we drove to Koeberg, the only nuclear power station in the whole of Africa. We were scheduled for an on-site tour, but lack of available staff due to school holidays and Eid-al-Fitr meant that we saw only the visitor center. (To comply with regulations, one plant employee must accompany every three visitors. Melvyn was apologetic.) However, we saw a nice video, and students asked a host of good questions.

Koeberg might be the most picturesque site for a nuclear power plant in the world. From the visitor center observation deck both the plant itself and Cape Town are visible. Of course we took two additional class photos.

On the way home, we stopped at Klipheuvel to see the wind turbines. I gave a five-minute talk about the machines and the history of the site, including my involvement in developing SARETEC. (In its initial concept, SARETEC was to be housed at the Klipheuvel location.) We weren’t onsite, but we could see the turbines well enough from behind the locked gate.

It is humbling to know that the students will remember this day long after they forget Richard and my lectures. But that’s what makes site visits worthwhile!

Throughout the day, we drove through some of the most beautiful, green countryside in South Africa. Recent rains have brought out the winter wheat. The air was cool and crisp. White clouds dotted the sky. Lovely!

—Matt


Everyday Life in Stellenbosch

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Yesterday, Tracy took photos of everyday life in Stellenbosch. Mark and Catherine do homework three times each week, including mathematics, reading, and social studies assignments. Catherine enjoys crafts and projects. Mark enjoys reading (in bed to stay warm). There is an outing almost every day, including yesterday’s Cool Runnings experience.

Tracy and Mark shop for groceries on Monday evenings, walking there and back as we live very close to Checkers. This past week, they earned one free miniature toy product for every R150 spent. Catherine enjoyed playing with them.

—Matt


Cool Runnings

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Tracy took the kids to Cool Runnings, a family toboggan park today. They rode a bobsled-like cart down a stainless steel track. They enjoyed every minute of it. Mark called it exhilarating!

I taught the first day of my Thermal Energy Systems postgraduate module today. Topics included the world energy situation, oil, and thermodynamic cycles. I assigned a “tutorial” in the late afternoon. Students responded well and worked diligently. Tomorrow’s topics include gas turbines and coal and nuclear plants.

—Matt


Summit: Botmanskop

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One of most beautiful things about the Western Cape is its mountain ranges. Today, we experienced that beauty in a different way: from above! We climbed Botmanskop today with my friend Riaan, his daughter Elisabet, Riaan’s intern Mickey (from Slovakia), and Riaans friend Anile.

Our objective was the peak, and we drove in Riaan’s Land Rover from the Simonsrust Spar parking lot up the Helshoogte Pass to an unmarked two-track road that took us a good deal of the way there. It felt like cheating, except that Elisabet is five and anything that reduces the degree of difficulty is a benefit for us all!

The road ends at a stand of eucalyptus trees. We organized our packs while the kids waited to climb. The trail head is in the shade, but we quickly emerged into the winter sun.

We took several breaks during the ascent. The trail winds through fynbos until a steep rock scramble through a small, shady, cool, and calm pseudo-canyon that emerges near the summit. Mark wanted me to take his photo during a pause in the climbing. Riaan helped Elisabet while the others clambered, single-file. We stopped occasionally to look down upon Stellenbosch.

After emerging from the canyon, we wound to the left for another short break during which I took a stunning panorama that included Simonsberg. (Simonsberg is the table saw blade sticking out of the valley.)

After a final push, we reached the summit from which we could see Table Mountain and much of the southward-extending mountain chain that bears its name. Catherine and Elisabeth sat next to each other for a moment. Mark chewed some biltong. I took the opportunity to take individual photos of the hikers: Mickey, Anile, Catherine, Mark, and Tracy. Catherine took a photo of me a little later. From the peak, we could see a castle-home, dozens of vineyards, and snow on some of the other peaks. Anile took a family photo.

After a time of snacks and chatting at the summit, we began our descent which included more breaks to rest legs and take photos. The scramble was more difficult in descent, but we all made it safely to the eucalyptus grove. Riaan let the kids ride on top of the range rover until we reached Helshoogte Pass, and we reached the Spar with the needle of the Land Rover’s petrol gauge left of empty.

A great day! Thanks, Riaan!

—Matt


Snow in Africa

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As happens a few times each year, yesterday’s rain and hail brought snow to the mountains that surround Stellenbosch. At the lower and relatively warmer elevation of Stellenbosch town, snow rarely (never?) falls.

I paused my chilly, 3 C (37 F) run up the Jonkershoek valley to take photos of the icy white peaks of Simonsberg and the Hottentots-Hollands mountains. In the clear winter air, I could see to Cape Town, too. A dawn run through Jonkershoek is like a morning run through the Creator’s cathedral; a vaulted blue ceiling rises above soaring walls painted by the rising sun in the hard gray of sandstone, the light brown of soil, the soft green of fynbos, and the bright white of snow. It is a privilege to be there.

For lunch we went to Postcard Cafe in Jonkershoek, but it was closed for the winter. I used my telephoto lens for a better look at the snowcaps and a regular lens for candids.

We moved slightly downriver to the cafe at Lanzerac, a historic vineyard founded in 1692. After a lovely lunch, we took a stroll and a partial family photo. Catherine rolled on the lawn but stood still long enough for an individual snapshot. Our destination for tomorrow’s hike was visible beyond the Cape Dutch manor. It was a lovely afternoon in a picturesque setting!

—Matt


Wind, Clouds, Rain, Hail, and a Double Rainbow

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A Western Cape winter storm is upon us. Overnight, our flat was battered by wind and rain. Throughout the day, the surrounding mountains were socked in by clouds that released downpours and hail. I was soaked through while walking to Domino’s for dinner’s pizza, but a nice double rainbow appeared at sunset. It would not be surprising to see white snowcaps on the mountains in the morning.

Catherine and Danielle saw BFG this afternoon. Mark went to the library to score more books and take advantage of free WiFi. Tracy interviewed Moss Ntlha at CTN this evening. And after four years of analyses, drafts, and at least three rewrites, I finally submitted a paper to Energy Policy entitled “From theory to econometrics to energy policy: Cautionary tales for policymaking using aggregate production functions. The five co-authors hail from the University of Lisbon, the University of Leeds, and Calvin College. Now we wait for the reviews.

—Matt