The die is cast, the move has been made and via plane ride (Camille and James) and virtually non-stop car journey (Chris) we arrived in Wellington last weekend. Its taken nearly a week to gather our thoughts and come to terms with the fact that we are much closer to Christchurch than we were a week ago...

But, 5 days in and we're all starting to find our feet; Camille LOVES the people she is working with and has been immediately enveloped by the family-like atmosphere. I popped by today with James and was accosted by numerous people telling us how great it was having Camille on the station... and it was all so genuine! The finely honed Auckland-grown cynic in me was banished instantaneously. Its good to know Camille is in a such a good place of work. If you get a chance to listen you can stream the Wellington Classic Hits at classichits.co.nz.

James is settling down as much as a 2 year old can settle in a 15 square metre apartment in downtown Lambton Quay. We are about 200 metres from the Beehive which is definitely cool but no so good for wee boys. I've looked and I've looked but there doesn't seem to be a playground located around Parliament. I think they need one; it would certainly lighten up the serious faces on the suits who have to deviate from their determined walks as James and I amble past with the buggy. Having said that we are constantly discovering new playgrounds as we search for somewhere to live. And I think he is loving having his Dad around every day. After a hesitant start (he pushed the boundaries really hard on the first two days) we have started to click.

And me? I am really, really happy. Slowly but surely I am slowing down, forgetting about work-speed and learning James-speed. It is early days but already feels mighty liberating. Liberating... and exhausting! And when I can, furiously looking for somewhere to live. It is all-consuming and I have taken on a slightly maniacal look in my eye which may have scared the odd letting agent. I cornered one today to make an impassioned plea to revoke their strict No Dog policy. Camille virtually had to drag me away. I don't think we'll get that house... Buuut the house with our name on it is just around the corner. A corner. Any corner. Please just show us the corner!

And Wellington? Wellington is fantaaaastic. Anyone reading this in muggy old Auckland may well scoff that its only because the weather has been kind. Thats partly true (we have been able to hit the playgrounds everyday after all) but the feel of the city is encouraging, even though as I write this the bar located in the street below our apartment is playing Brown Eyed Girl for the umpeenth time this week. Only tonight there is a significant crowd singing along. Awesome.

Tacky old Van Morrison songs aside, it feels great to be here.

Chris