NOUMEA   NEW CALEDONIA

 

 

This is the first cosmopolitan city we have seen in the islands.    It’s quite a change from the small villages we’ve seen.       It is a French territory.    New Caledonia has developed a reputation for being an exceptionally expensive destination.   Reports suggest that the cost of living is about 20% to 37% more expensive in New Caledonia than in Australia or New Zealand.

The Island's reef is the world's second largest, just behind Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

The land is unsuitable for cultivation so food and produce is all imported. This means that not only is it really expensive, there didn't seem to be a great importance of fruits or vegetables being available.

Having served as the headquarters of the US Army during WWII, the tropical shrubbery of the Ouen Toro Mount is now under the protection of abandoned Naval guns.   The Memorial here is in honor of Allied troops that protected the island.

The Church of the Conception was one of our stops.   It was built by missionaries in 1874.    Most of the island's residents are Catholic.    We are here a few days before Christmas, so the Nativity is displayed.

The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre showcases Kanak heritage.   It opened in June 1998 and was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and named after Jean-Marie Tjibaou, the leader of the independence movement who was assassinated in 1989 and had a vision of establishing a cultural centre which blended the linguistic and artistic heritage of the Kanak people.

There are many of these "half" buildings connected to make the Centre.     It is very impressive from the front and back.     Unfortunately I didn't get any distance photos.

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Back to the ship and an evening of food, after dinner cocktails with one of our favorite bartenders and of course a sunset.

This is our Good Bye to French Polynesia (South Pacific)     What a wonderful two weeks it has been.   We will wake up tomorrow in Australia with many more pictures and commentary.