Slowly it's working

The first 2 weeks are over and there was a lot to do. We looked for a new home, bought a car and both of us have returned to our jobs.

But let's start slowly:

In the first week, we visited about 10 houses that are managed by the local real estates. What you encounter there is somewhere between very cool, but completely off the beaten track, and very well located, but completely dilapidated. I was very annoyed that I didn't take any photos of the spectacle.

Two houses were really great with a large pool, an amazing view and 3 bedrooms. They were clean, well-maintained and monitored by security. Unfortunately, they could only be reached with an all-wheel-drive SUV. Since we really can't afford two cars, these properties were not an option. They were also really too far away and pushing the stroller over these bumpy roads would have been very adventurous and Pepe might have had something to say about it.

Then there were two other houses that were quite well located (close to our friends and Michel's work), but these huge houses with large plots were completely neglected. There were dead cockroaches everywhere, it was dirty, and the furniture and walls were broken, eaten by woodworms or not even there. The managers were also surprised by the condition and could understand the rejections, which was also a bit strange.

Between these extremes, there were the other houses and one stood out. It is located in a small community of houses with a large pool in the middle. Our house (number 2 out of 10) is a bit rustic with dark wood and few windows but also very cozy and just right for our needs. You can see the pool from the terrace and the gardens between the houses make it really beautiful.

On the first day, we already got to know the first neighbors. Caveman's camp was in our front yard. Caveman (a 10-year-old boy in a stone age costume) takes care of everything here. But the two girls from number 6 also had a lot to say and it was quite funny to watch the kids play. The neighborhood is multinational. Right next door in number 3 (Namba tri) lives a couple from Mongolia with a 6-month-old baby. Caveman lives in number 4 with his brother and parents from Russia and Japan. An Australian family with two girls lives in number 6, and a Nivanuatu family lives in the first house. We will certainly get to know the other neighbors and look forward to a cool time here in "the village" (that's what the small village is called :)). We have already invited Barbara and Sven plus the kids and Charlotte & Aaron for burgers on our new terrace next Sunday.

So we have accommodation, now for transportation:

Due to our new addition to the family, a quad (to Michel's dismay) is no longer an option for us, and bus rides with Pepe are still a bit too adventurous, so we needed a car. We had no visual requirements, robust and affordable was the order of the day. The first offer was a cheap old Golf, but it was rejected in consultation with our friend Steve (Australian, mechanic, pilot, and martial arts expert). At the flea market on our second weekend, we met Chris and his crew, surfer dudes and substitute teachers at the International School in Port Vila. The group wanted to get rid of their old Hyundai SUV because their time in Vanuatu is coming to an end. The documents looked great and the test drive and Steve's check passed with flying colors. Then we negotiated well and agreed to allow the guys to use the car for their remaining three weeks. So, as of now (touch wood), we got a great price for an all-wheel-drive SUV by Vanuatu standards. The only thing that is a bit weak is the air conditioning. However, Michel is organizing a cheap spare part with the help of Niels in Germany, which will be brought to Vanuatu by Michel's parents in January. We are really looking forward to using the car for trips and daily outings with Pepe, as well as for trips with our guests.

In addition to organizing accommodation and a car, work has also resumed for both of us. Michel had a lot to do last week with the FIVB Coaches Course. He trained 15 Nivanuatu to become beach volleyball coaches and worked from 8 am to 4 pm every day. It was really unusual for us after 3 months of hanging out together. Pepe and I spent the time at home, and the more I planned, the more relaxed Pepe was. Really exciting. Whether in the car, stroller or sling. Pepe sleeps! It was different at home and therefore much more exhausting. We now attribute it to the accommodation, because things are going great in our new home. Or it's a growth spurt or maybe still getting used to it - you never know 🤷🏼‍♀️.

After this successful week and moving into our new home, the normal daily routine has now begun for us. Michel is planning his training sessions as he did last time, focusing on the top teams, Miller and Tini, as well as Loti and May. These two teams are also supposed to fly to Fiji in 2 weeks for the Continental Cup. Michel also trains the young talents (Bella, Luduine, and Chantale), who are all doing a great job and are highly motivated. Currently, there is no training group for the men as the majority of them are doing fruit picking in Australia.

So it is quite manageable, and we were also able to schedule working hours for me. The central location allows me to work in a private hospital for two half days a week again. It is only a 15-minute walk away, and the room is made available to me flexibly. Since I am still fully breastfeeding, the plan is to treat three patients, take a one-hour break, and then treat three more patients. This should work out great, and for now, it's enough.

So that's what the next few weeks will look like before Michel rushes off to Fiji on December 8th. Then it will be serious for the girls, and we are already excited to see how it goes.