Sydney and Pepe Dad Days

On Friday, October 27th, the Air Vanuatu plane took off only 2 hours late. Anton and I made our way to Sydney to see Katha and Justin. The two also have 2 children (Lotta 3 months and Noah 2 years).

Katha comes from Kiel and we have known each other for quite a long time. The time overseas has brought us closer together and becoming a mother also brings us together :). Justin is Australian and grew up in Cromer (Northern Beaches of Sydney). The two are currently living with his parents to save for a long trip to Europe.

So I not only visited Katha and family, but also Justin's parents.

Justin picked me up from the airport in the evening when it was 15 degrees. We were pretty tired and exhausted after all the waiting in the very hot Port Vila airport without air conditioning and then the 4 hour flight. At least Anton and I had a row to ourselves and very nice families around us, which made the trip a little more relaxed.

When we arrived at Katha's in Cromer in the evening, we first showered, put Anton to bed and then ate pizza. Afterwards we quickly went to bed, because with children every second of sleep is worth its weight in gold.

The weekend was very relaxed. Get up in peace and drink some coffee first. Then at some point have breakfast and an afternoon walk on the beautiful beaches, which are practically right on your doorstep. It was really nice to feel a bit of home with Katha and I think she felt the same way too. On Sunday Noah's cousins came to visit. The two of them, like Noah, were super sweet with Anton and he could really play along a bit. Unfortunately, on Monday he developed a slight fever and started coughing quite a bit. The timing of his first illness was really suboptimal, but unfortunately you can't choose the time. I did a lot of breastfeeding and carrying and was happy about every break Anton gave me to sleep :) After a short trip to Manly on Monday and a traditional fishbowl in the evening, we still went to the mall again on Tuesday and shopped for a few things There are no options in Vanuatu or they are very expensive. Like oatmeal ;)

On Wednesday evening my flight went back to Port Vila. Anton still wasn't feeling great, but luckily the fever was gone. We spent one last lovely morning together and then drove to Manly. I stocked up on sushi and cough syrup and then hopped on the ferry to the center, where Justin, who already had an appointment there, picked me up. That was very helpful because my fully packed bag was certainly 10kg heavier and I was able to pack it into his car in the morning. He took us to the airport and suddenly the time was over again. It was a really great 5 days and we were really looking forward to Michel and Pepe, who picked us up from the airport in the middle of the night. That was really great and quite exciting for the children. All 4 of us lay wide awake in our family bed and it took a while until we fell asleep.

Pepe and Michel also had lovely days together in Port Vila. They enjoyed the peace and quiet in the apartment, met up with our friends Alberto and Alexa, who are back after 2 months in Spain, and had a nice time playing beach volleyball and on the playground in the city center. We are particularly happy about the return of the Spaniards, because back then they were our closest friends, along with Barbara and Sven from Berlin. The two have a daughter Luna (6) and spent the entire Corona period in Vanuatu.

Another week has now passed and we are slowly preparing for Michel's trip to the Solomon Islands for the Pacific Games. Grandfather Sebastian's visit is coming soon and Port Vila is preparing for Christmas.

Otherwise, I now give a yoga class twice a week. Pepe is swimming and diving like a world champion, Anton is fit again and enjoys playing with his girlfriend Tiani and Michel is planning a small training camp with the men's national team next week.

See you soon = Lukim yu