Relocation chaos - but happy in the new home.

Our first relocation within New Zealand - not very far...

We have moved. This was necessary because the owners of our last home claimed it for themselves. After 4.5 years in our lovely traditional white wooden weatherboard-cladded home with the fabulous views over Thames and the firth we are now based a bit further off from the town centre in a residential area, in a 2006 built modern looking house – still white weatherboard, but plastic cover. Easier to maintain, and warmer inside. The views are the same, almost, because we are on the slopes of another hill, oriented again towards the firth and the plains, the hill slopes speckled with houses. Two big balconies and large windows down to the floor revere the beautiful location.

The relocation has strained our aging brains, sometimes to the limit, and 10 days after the move we are still drowned in chaos.

The house consists of two levels: the lower level has been a large rumpus room with a bathroom, which we have now converted into a self-sufficient flat with kitchen, bedroom, living-room, and the big balcony, waiting for family, friends and guests to spend a jolly time there and with us.

Elena is again busy to make this new base a real home for all of us. She enjoys that and it becomes quite obvious when you watch the progress. She is a real handyman and interior designer.

After my unlucky and strenuous time working at the hospital and after a period of locum work I am now back in a permanent GP position as well, and feel – more or less – like a fish in the water again. Although JollyBikes, my entrepreneurial branch, is something I don't want to miss any more, and I invest a good part of my leisure time in it.

Our daughter Clara, now 20, is living again with us for a short period before she moves back to Auckland to continue her studies (BA and Commerce). After an exciting and not always easy 9 months in Europe she is happy to be back.

Lucas is in Hamilton studying Sports, Leisure and Entrepreneurship and enrolled in the Football Academy.

Luis is rarely at home, playing football a lot, jobbing in two different fish and chips shops and planning a scholarship in the US.

Felix is a proud and sometimes naughty High School student now. He is also spotive – with Squash and Football.

Daniel is like the last child at home. His skills are broadbased. He is a sometimes delightful, but equally choleric character. He plays piano and has recently enrolled in classic ballett and modern dance, where he is very talented.