I am visiting my daughter in South Africa, but it is a rather strange visit this time - in a neighbourhood restaurant, where she is now the co-owner. It has been a long road, 7 months of research, negotiations, stress and all the risks associated with such a bold step, including many sleepless nights for myself!

It is a beautiful restaurant, with a seating capacity of 200 people. Rather busy at the moment, with waiters rushing to set a new table with white table linen for a waiting group of 6 who have just come from a school concert. Lots of glass, soft lighting, wooden tables and chairs and of course music in the background...my daughter? I can only observe her running around, giving orders, not hesitating to help clear a table...but I am happy.

I hear people laughing, chatting and the clicking of plates...the telephone ringing only 3 rings before it is answered...I sit all by myself, enjoying every bit of it, waited so long for this moment! Have to swallow my tears before someone notices!

Maybe a cup of tea will calm the emotions right now. No wine, because I am alone and still have to drive to her place, it is now 9:00 pm.

So far so good, but still a tough environment...you have to get ahead of the competition!