He is one of the 2002 Bali bombing survivors and calls himself a changed man – someone with a new perspective on life. We catch up with Morné Viljoen and his family to find out how they will celebrate the festive season.
In the midst of the festive season most of us gear up for the celebrations ahead, get our shopping lists ready and are in the middle of all our holiday preparations. For many this is also a time to not only unwind, but also to reflect and make new memories with their loved ones.
The Viljoen’s from Alberton live for the festive season and can’t wait to get comfortable and into the festive mood.
Life has many twists and turns
Many would know Morné Viljoen as one of the survivors of the terrible Bali bombings in 2002. He was 24 years old and working abroad at the time.
He and his longtime friend, Gerrit Nieuwoudt, decided to take a gap year after completing his degree in human resources at the University of Stellenbosch. The two friends saw posters about teaching English as a foreign language in the Republic of China, Taiwan and they decided to apply.
‘We applied and the next thing we know we were on a plane to Taiwan.’
There he and Gerhard joined the Taipei Baboons Rugby Club, which consisted of players from all around the world.
The team was invited to a popular weekend rugby tournament held in Bali in Indonesia in October 2002. Twenty members of the Taipei team arrived in Bali and played three games on October 12 and visited the local hangouts, the Sari Club and nearby Paddy’s where later that evening the bombings took place killing a number of people.
‘October 12, 2002, was a terrible day, but I still had a blast in Bali,’ he said.
‘Seeing my scars in the mirror every day brings back memories of the bombing. The best therapy, aside from enjoying a glass of good wine (LOL), was talking and not keeping everything hidden.
‘I am changed after the Bali bombings and have also gained a better perspective. For instance, I am firm in my belief that our souls are immortal and indestructible.’
Today, Morné, is a wine-fanatic who is the proud owner of Wine Unlimited, a wine Bistro in Alberante. In 2009, his love for good wine drew him and his wife, Janine, together. Janine practices law as a sole practitioner under the firm name JB Attorneys, Notaries & Conveyancers. The entertainer is Morné, while the problem-solver is Janine. The couple have been married since 2013. They are the proud parents of Zoë (8) and Rilee (5), and Christmas is a favourite season for their family.
Morné cherishes his family and spends as much time as he can with them.
The true meaning of Christmas is love
In their house, Christmas has always been a time for celebration. ‘As a family, we enjoy celebrating Jesus Christ’s birthday, spending extra time together, and watching the children’s facial expressions when they open their presents,’ said Morné and Janine.
A fond memory of Morné’s childhood is watching his mom at work preparing a delicious Christmas meal for the family.
‘My favourite part of Christmas is spending time with family filled with laughter and love,’ Janine said.
‘Decorating the Christmas tree and putting up the decorations involves the whole family. While we as a family decorate the tree and house, Christmas music will play in the background.
‘Staying home is part of the family’s plans this year. We will celebrate Christmas evening with a family dinner at our house, and we will attend church on Christmas morning. After church we will then spend the rest of our day with our extended family at Wine Unlimited as we will be open,’ said Morné.
‘The place we spend it doesn’t really matter as long as our family is around,’ he said.
‘The children are not holding back their wish lists when it comes to Christmas shopping. It ranges from Spiderman suits to a web shooter to a Jacuzzi to a hoverboard. There are still a few things Father Christmas needs to do.’
Christmas dinner for the Viljoens involves gammon with pineapple, mashed potatoes, mustard, and red wine.
‘While celebrating and making new memories, we also take time to reflect on the past year. We are so grateful for our health as well as for our family and friends,’ said Janine.
Morné on the other hand thanks God for allowing Wine Unlimited to operate without interruption in normal circumstances.
‘Christmas is most of all a time to say ‘I love you’ to those we care about.
‘Whether you’re opening presents or eating a delicious meal, love is always present,’ said Janine and Morné.
Morné recommends living in the moment and, of course, drinking good wine.
Who is most like to:
- finish eating first?
Harvey our the black Labrador (23 seconds)
- talk in their sleep?
Zoë
- have a messy room?
Rilee
- become a vegetarian?
Morné
- cheer another person up?
All of us.
- eat with their hands?
Rilee
- take forever to make a decision?
Zoë
- be picky about their food?
Zoë
- not know what day it is?
Janine
- wear their shirt backwards?
Janine
- eavesdrop on a conversation?
Zoë
- build an epic fort?
Janine
- ask to stop the car on a road trip to go to the restroom?
Rilee
- get the whole family in trouble?
Morné
- eat food off the floor?
Harvey – the Labrador will eat anything
- sing along to car music?
Rilee and Zoë
- want to pet a dog walking by?
All of us
- make a mess?
Zoë and Rilee
- talk someone’s ear off?
Zoë
- have 10 dirty cups in their room?
Zoë
- save their money?
Zoë
- wear shorts on a freezing day?
Rilee
- stay up all night?
Morné
- be up first on Christmas morning?
Janine
- be president one day?
Zoë
- become a professional athlete?
Rilee
- become a comedian?
Rilee
- lead a protest?
Zoë
- win a Grammy?
Rilee and Zoë
Text: ELZAAN PIENAAR. Photo: ELZAAN PIENAAR.
