Reflections from Cape Town

Last weekend, I returned to Bangalore after a satisfying and truly enjoyable couple of weeks in Cape Town, South Africa. HGS now has a fully functional facility at the Railyard in Woodstock, Cape Town and I wanted to join some of my colleagues in seeing for ourselves how the facility looked in completely ready state after having seen it previously only at the due diligence stage last year in November. I also wanted to meet in person and interact with my colleagues (now close friends !) in our Cape Town office.

As I awaited my departure call at Cape Town International airport, I reflected on the two weeks that flew by (as all good and pleasant experiences unfortunately do !)…….

Watching the Railyard (our facility) was the ultimate surreal experience. Whether it was walking through the premises admiring the exterior fa?ade or its interiors with its bright energetic vibrant colours and designs, I will definitely not be guilty of hyperbole if I were to say that I have never seen a facility or office quite like this.

The 500 year old Treaty Tree (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_Tree) (pictured at the beginning of this post) that stands within the HGS premises was the site for the Anglo – Dutch peace treaty in 1806 (hence the name). It imparts a great deal of dignity and beauty – and not just due to its historical significance but the beauty and charm radiated by its sprawling branches.

Meeting my colleagues from HGS South Africa and HGS UK Grainne O'Kane

Jayson Jones Rasselle Roper Stacey Davids Audra George whom I had hitherto spoken with only over calls was a really wonderful experience and I can truly say that I have made close friends for life, whom I shall never forget. Carrie Ramskill Trevor Arumugam It was great catching up again !

The Cape Town weather – Ah ! of course, the “four seasons in a day” city ! It was spring in Cape Town though I thanked my precautions in arming myself with adequate woollens (what is spring for the Capetonians is in effect peak North Indian winter coupled with cold gales that sweep past you and at times through you without warning !). Nevertheless, it was sunny on most days and travelling through Cape Town and its surrounding areas was a fabulous experience !

And finally the South African culture – which on reflection – left the deepest impact on me. One common thread ran through my interactions with everyone – warmth !!! Everyone I met and interacted with – the hotel, friends in the office, providers (transport, caterers), hotel and restaurant staff – radiated friendliness and warmth and were ready with a cheery greeting. The Uber driver always made my day with his friendliness every morning and evening.

The departure call at the airport abruptly broke my reverie and I marvelled at HGS’s choice of location for its newest facility – as my friend Trevor Arumugam would say – everything happens for a reason !