Noumea, New Caledonia - Nov 20, 2011

Noumea is the capital city of the french territory of New Caledonia. It is situated on a peninsula in the south of New Caledonia’s main island, Grande Terre. The first European to set up a settlement here was a British trader, James Paddon, in 1851. The French, anxious to assert control of the island, established a settlement there three years later in 1854, moving from the north to the south of the island. The area first served as a penal colony, then as a center for the exploration of the nickel and gold that was mined nearby. New Caledonia is the world’s third largest producer of nickel after Russia and Canada. 

We arrived here on a sunny Sunday were the temperatures hit a comfortable 28 degrees. Today was the all day New Caledonia Highlight tour with 12 other guests in a comfortable size mini van taking us places that the bigger buses could just not get too. We began at the oldest church in New Caledonia built by missionaries in 1874, Named, La Conception Church and a catholic stronghold of the community contains many plaques left to thank the Virgin Mary for favors and miracles and it remains a popular pilgrimage destination. Today there was standing room only for the service.

 We then started our two hour drive to the far south of the island where we stopped for a visit to the very picturesque Madeleine Waterfalls. This is a botanical reserve which boasts numerous endemic plants from the rich red soil. Great photo opportunities here, one including our tour manager Michelle with her traditional major site handstand.

 Here I am with our driver on the left and tour guide Michele on the right.

 More incredible photo stops followed with a traditional lunch at the Kanua Ecolodge resort, 16 private waterfront bungalows each with decks overlooking their magnificent lagoon. The lunch was prepared for us in the traditional way of cooking everything underground on hot rocks heated from the local wood taking a good half day - delicious.

 The Goro Nickel factory which in total area is larger then the city of Noumea, more beautiful scenery and then our spectacular sail way from our wonderful visit here in New Caledonia.

Tip or Comment of the day. From our pillow card last night.

No Act of Kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted. - Aesop