tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69946866452131292592024-03-06T03:59:21.880+11:00Nicky in NoumeaNickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-55024170987193158342011-09-11T07:11:00.000+11:002011-09-11T07:11:42.405+11:00Leaving le Caillou and a ride in a helicopter<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's 7am on a chilly Wellington morning. It's great to be home but I also miss the warmth of Noumea (and all our friends!). We'd love to go down to the beach for a quick swim right now!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our last week in Noumea was a blast. A party the night before we moved out of our house, I jumped off a rather large hill and we all went for a heli ride.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jumping off Ouen Toro was awesome. A friend and I had been walking past the parapenters for a long time and had even taken the number of a guy about year prior to our jump. We'd said we were going to do it and the week before we left Cin organised our jump. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ6HdwO9omN-jgGGKWQHKXt6e9-VPLoDhPFSVLnT-5Xhq4FtbWNi8FjTyNXfsp_Y5MKhjcid4xGKrBtGUP350Z_gmril_y12c66HjbJxcyi2Qw1jVk-xQC9niwHIpy4FdQfXrzhiU_EZZ/s1600/Nicky+parapente.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ6HdwO9omN-jgGGKWQHKXt6e9-VPLoDhPFSVLnT-5Xhq4FtbWNi8FjTyNXfsp_Y5MKhjcid4xGKrBtGUP350Z_gmril_y12c66HjbJxcyi2Qw1jVk-xQC9niwHIpy4FdQfXrzhiU_EZZ/s320/Nicky+parapente.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The views from Ouen Toro are stunning. After a bit of a hairy start - Cin was seriously running across the tree tops to get going - the rides were gorgeous. I even saw a turtle pop it's little head up out of the water and dive back down. I think the best thing about it was the silence. You can only hear the whoosh of the wind as you swoop over the trees. And the trees look so different from above. The whole hill looks like it's covered in green cotton balls!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r0-hrPTEKpvJTypX5PN37Ch3HU1hE-_-GZ-9SHzFWIV-10we7WW7R7-Dd2cmdJIRCQ6Y3tvJcAx7EekjNzH1YQozL9pDS_2SWjy8ZbUAhN50rkAGmw-Zh5No4DlB_akp8n1cZ3z8MkRz/s1600/IMG_5766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r0-hrPTEKpvJTypX5PN37Ch3HU1hE-_-GZ-9SHzFWIV-10we7WW7R7-Dd2cmdJIRCQ6Y3tvJcAx7EekjNzH1YQozL9pDS_2SWjy8ZbUAhN50rkAGmw-Zh5No4DlB_akp8n1cZ3z8MkRz/s320/IMG_5766.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next up in our crazy adventure week was a heli ride out over the lagoon. I had never been in a heli and had always wanted to so I was incredibly excited! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Max surprised us all by being completely cool about his ride. No fear at all, he marched across the tarmac to take his seat. Earphones on, big smile and we were off!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAzHj_VoBalgItY9QawD52J2Mf4eD5m9iYrNyz-jNpMYj8G7n0ZupYotQVQ7Ije8nowOM0or2VrwS28_Jbei3pKrvRonqSXnoA-FUFt_wJ5CqF7ZxEybhBAeM6P_Mj2ckoyglPwW0ZTo-/s1600/P1070734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWAzHj_VoBalgItY9QawD52J2Mf4eD5m9iYrNyz-jNpMYj8G7n0ZupYotQVQ7Ije8nowOM0or2VrwS28_Jbei3pKrvRonqSXnoA-FUFt_wJ5CqF7ZxEybhBAeM6P_Mj2ckoyglPwW0ZTo-/s320/P1070734.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89bpk05Blc96Jr5KHDXz3Bjv1gOuAx76dXurM91sQEULMrTd2OBYM4yeoP7G2R5oi2Y4LbOF_13sYv2mIhJiyfFsSU3rEzmoSSm6JHe2S5DSjFUMoBF9vG7jDs1Wrks2vXeKcCD_DQxKq/s1600/P1070738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89bpk05Blc96Jr5KHDXz3Bjv1gOuAx76dXurM91sQEULMrTd2OBYM4yeoP7G2R5oi2Y4LbOF_13sYv2mIhJiyfFsSU3rEzmoSSm6JHe2S5DSjFUMoBF9vG7jDs1Wrks2vXeKcCD_DQxKq/s320/P1070738.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We went straight out to Amadee lighthouse. This is a beautiful structure, built in Paris and then shipped out in pieces to be rebuilt in Noumea. It marks one of the entrances to Noumea's reef.</span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB4koYvCoM1-Ee3w3g0ZQO8a3QvZvQOSYpdXqzFfKKRalD__KJ9hzfdJT1sTE3ZhMPLjJ-zwAGrWgRvXnQgBkJSdG_D2-PZI0XFvauMacqHctmziT3CBewol55jbliYD9iEONQEXBJsx6/s1600/P1070742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB4koYvCoM1-Ee3w3g0ZQO8a3QvZvQOSYpdXqzFfKKRalD__KJ9hzfdJT1sTE3ZhMPLjJ-zwAGrWgRvXnQgBkJSdG_D2-PZI0XFvauMacqHctmziT3CBewol55jbliYD9iEONQEXBJsx6/s320/P1070742.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part of the ride was buzzing the reef. The pilot took the heli down so low that we could almost feel the spray from the waves crashing under us. Then we whizzed along so fast that we all squealed in excitement!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The return trip took us past Ilot Maitre, where we had a gorgeous overnight stay a few months ago and Ilot Canard where I even saw a scuba diver under the water - bubbles expanding up above him!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a gorgeous was to say goodbye to this beautiful place. We all loved it and I thoroughly recommend a flight with <a href="http://www.helisud.nc/">Helisud</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The pilot was one of the coolest dudes I've ever met. He was a former French airforce heli pilot and chewed gum the whole flight. He even locked up the heli, said good bye to us and then climbed into his beautiful sports car to take off at a good speed to go home! Max was in awe.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's our little Heli-star! He hasn't put his toy helicopter down since we got home. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the present. We seriously loved it. Here's the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbxoebJ3NDs">you tube </a>video!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-18578736521106214412011-07-04T10:47:00.000+11:002011-07-04T10:47:19.772+11:00How warm is it in July in Noumea<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've noticed this question coming up frequently on google. Today it's sunny, 26 degrees in the sun and just about perfect. Last week it was rainy and felt cold at 18 degrees. If you're planning a trip here you could get a gorgeous time - or it could be a little chilly! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For sure, it's much cooler now than in December when you can barely walk around because of the humidity. It cools off alot at night and you need to wear a jumper outside. In the centre of the island it can drop as low as 10 degrees. Bbbrrrr.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are packing bag and preparing for our big trip home. We will miss this place for sure. And all our friends. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have my fingers crossed for a continuation of this lovely weather. We have friends arriving for our last week and they deserve some summer sunshine (albeit in winter)!</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-63732607736689973262011-06-24T15:58:00.000+11:002011-06-24T15:58:54.105+11:00Stunning running<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdjdrEfytApZ8MVKKrjKsLBMu538n_8D_FiYDQjIvA1sBxtkWr3f59cA7OOgY0OJHoo7AhSoeYdvk0CPoCMtIghcD40_7J-cvOiuBBKkAVSvPOzu95XboUA_MYbSgsoRgyUpxzoBtLxJG/s1600/P1070459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdjdrEfytApZ8MVKKrjKsLBMu538n_8D_FiYDQjIvA1sBxtkWr3f59cA7OOgY0OJHoo7AhSoeYdvk0CPoCMtIghcD40_7J-cvOiuBBKkAVSvPOzu95XboUA_MYbSgsoRgyUpxzoBtLxJG/s320/P1070459.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm not a runner. I've always thought it was a bit silly to pound the pavements in search of some illusive endorphin high.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But - I'm becoming a bit of fan. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One reason is that it's stunning running here. We are lucky enough to have a palm-tree lined walkway that starts just near our house and follows the bays into town for about 6km.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDmUesyggNNPkESN8T2HBpDUKfO1IqWkG0Fy5lh9QG0_js9-HAmBp2l2rZaBQqthJCoELPkLndqVGLSLk1C9IDakIG_u0tuDx3cZGk3yxTPir_bzQbfEeaE9yj6wZgD2zdszQsnUAr_VQ/s1600/P1070461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixDmUesyggNNPkESN8T2HBpDUKfO1IqWkG0Fy5lh9QG0_js9-HAmBp2l2rZaBQqthJCoELPkLndqVGLSLk1C9IDakIG_u0tuDx3cZGk3yxTPir_bzQbfEeaE9yj6wZgD2zdszQsnUAr_VQ/s320/P1070461.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb76n6mTvG5Hr1u6EG5CcHXu_8PesOCAAl_1RPSR_DYvr9df6IfQowgFSd8bH4d4moGH3UKh-QM6oonyiKf8bh8Gns5HuhjaVUUoHjQP6Yz7jPYtpTsdhOBHzxDItL6-glqcVba1cqkrBp/s1600/P1070464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb76n6mTvG5Hr1u6EG5CcHXu_8PesOCAAl_1RPSR_DYvr9df6IfQowgFSd8bH4d4moGH3UKh-QM6oonyiKf8bh8Gns5HuhjaVUUoHjQP6Yz7jPYtpTsdhOBHzxDItL6-glqcVba1cqkrBp/s320/P1070464.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My 30 minute runs have gradually extended and this gorgeous scenery was a great incentive to keep on running while I trained for a half marathon during the first few months of this year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So maybe Noumea has turned me into a runner after all!</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-59028769210783066972011-06-24T15:40:00.001+11:002011-06-24T15:45:16.410+11:00A fishy morning<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_458270173" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8w7qJgHx9a6XFj_KaCUBFnFxHeQJg687xFdkx4KgnvBwMmQb2zPsFC1e-9MYO1vbOLKLv_IwiazMeL-p6b0Fpv3X9_5-wQTT5ppNFKRy1HFflPMC0a_IrH6Urs9F1tNZ2AsxlWck7XDy/s320/P1070441.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2AshSIY-r6t5kcU10QirIpaNz-GOXhLHJNyEWPBhYCGUc9WaATiPTSirMWvR4fgZoTr5QSqPzKvD2k86O-u_MWJTn-TnVsSbFmjn7uUu3e8lR9R1yS29SdJRUWrmE7ZDnSPd0uzbz9_e/s1600/P1070437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2AshSIY-r6t5kcU10QirIpaNz-GOXhLHJNyEWPBhYCGUc9WaATiPTSirMWvR4fgZoTr5QSqPzKvD2k86O-u_MWJTn-TnVsSbFmjn7uUu3e8lR9R1yS29SdJRUWrmE7ZDnSPd0uzbz9_e/s320/P1070437.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On a warm sunny morning, I love to go to the market. It's great to sit up at the 'Buvette' and watch noumea wake up over a cheeky pain au chocolat and a coffee. I have extended my gluttony and have moved on from just a coffee, to a coffee with a croque monsieur and now a coffee with a croque madame...and maybe even an orange juice - there's no doubt where my extra Noumean kilos have come from ;)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_458270173" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqfMv6-uMj_uoV0rbMF_tcOYc31_go9cy5mHT7Tr0p5v4A_HKDDd4M1oGq9v8U6_k64PriEsCsgze3HHKRHQgofSgmwhx9CkCNyThaufFMytO_wXr1nijH7ANwBdcxn3-Al9h5G2fkn1s/s320/P1070447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_458270173"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After breakfast, I like to see what fish is available at the market. Sometimes there are crayfish that are so big they seem almost prehistoric. Today there was lots of octopus and the snapper (vivaneau) looked big and delicious. The Council has just redone the fish market and now it's much cleaner. You can select your whole fish and then have it filleted in front of you - what luxury!</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8lGrnRHVT4jaegCUGvbAumCv8P_zHnsyKbvVdDlgnEPHio4zYnJRLilRdfygjMyRwbIPFzoMWZk1iJOxaaaXUmJEsjkgD3Sn_i0t3VuchqjP9RXADe18VQ2I1FUa8hbeWPr0phmyvF0X/s1600/P1070456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy8lGrnRHVT4jaegCUGvbAumCv8P_zHnsyKbvVdDlgnEPHio4zYnJRLilRdfygjMyRwbIPFzoMWZk1iJOxaaaXUmJEsjkgD3Sn_i0t3VuchqjP9RXADe18VQ2I1FUa8hbeWPr0phmyvF0X/s320/P1070456.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The morning's adventure continues with a stroll around the marina. Although it's a bit smelly and the water looks like nothing sane would choose to live in it - there's actually coral growing all around the water's edge. Take a walk around the water's edge and you'll be rewarded by seeing lots of coral, fish and often large black seasnakes cruising through the coral trees. This photo was taken standing on the pavement beside the marina, just looking down in to the water. Isn't it great! Max and Polly love it.</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-58280708591418835262011-05-01T15:34:00.001+11:002011-05-01T15:35:17.983+11:00The New Zealand Military cemetery in Bourail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncvbeqsGyWLuihYoAqOVbBfMsZZzRRscDe7VM2b74Zr8pTEOyZMygNuvylck1IF8X4eJLtRNCJ9CtpiYonbb-2j8hR4FS4SeRaONJc1n_R0pIWYewpL-mO6rLy37mswe-esKWL5xxmtpm/s1600/P1040516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgncvbeqsGyWLuihYoAqOVbBfMsZZzRRscDe7VM2b74Zr8pTEOyZMygNuvylck1IF8X4eJLtRNCJ9CtpiYonbb-2j8hR4FS4SeRaONJc1n_R0pIWYewpL-mO6rLy37mswe-esKWL5xxmtpm/s320/P1040516.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bourail is about 1.5 hours drive north of Noumea. It's a very sleepy little town with a good surf break only about 10 minutes from it. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's also where the <a href="http://www.cwgc.org/search/cemetery_details.aspx?cemetery=2037300&mode=1">New Zealand war cemetery</a> is, the final resting place of more than 200 kiwi soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the second world war. There was a large contingent of Kiwis who were stationed in Bourail and they fought up in Bougainville, Guadalcanal and other areas in the north Pacific. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The cemetery is beautifully kept, with gorgeous lawns surrounded by well-established trees. The whole area is nested into the foothills around Bourail and it's a very tranquil place. The gardener who carefully maintains the cemetery has worked there for more than 30 years and his passion is clear in the spotless gardens.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It's easy to forget just how far south the fighting came in WWII. There were no battles in New Caledonia but those in the Solomons were clearly pretty horrific and the Solomons really aren't that far from here.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64vsbIkOqd_l5wd5lW53JL1mMiyiamhytZ4lcSpSp729QscP_6Y7x-TI5b1DPdeM7JMycwYKpKCigrrSSVCvTTvxv263H0Nj3srn8HdXUYGC9l-q3casY2-bobG5s5LzNENOE4-bcKdN7/s1600/P1040500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64vsbIkOqd_l5wd5lW53JL1mMiyiamhytZ4lcSpSp729QscP_6Y7x-TI5b1DPdeM7JMycwYKpKCigrrSSVCvTTvxv263H0Nj3srn8HdXUYGC9l-q3casY2-bobG5s5LzNENOE4-bcKdN7/s320/P1040500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kiwis in Bourail seemed to have made the most of the lovely beach at La Roche Perce. There was an area known as the 'kiwi club' where off-duty service people could come and chill out over some well-earned brewskies. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kiwis weren't the only service-men here. There were also Australians and 20,000 Americans. The Americans had a large base here and the infrastructure they built during the war is still used every day. They built the international airport out at Tontouta, sorted out the roads in and out of Noumea and today the suburbs of Noumea retain the names given to them during the war - such as Motorpool. The American hospital even remains, as the polyclinic which is now a small hospital, (mainly maternity) beside the beach.</span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zW_qd2kDVSL69QKdDVNpq-Jb2rgQm_Stk6Xy4mv1wTo9ONUB2c_WARYFB-smXF_RqBaJaKx83JRyL5NoiNFIUt1LVX4sazNzRyHcktbJV6G49DxboWAJyyJejuP0rz8pdwQwESNE2vea/s1600/P1040508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zW_qd2kDVSL69QKdDVNpq-Jb2rgQm_Stk6Xy4mv1wTo9ONUB2c_WARYFB-smXF_RqBaJaKx83JRyL5NoiNFIUt1LVX4sazNzRyHcktbJV6G49DxboWAJyyJejuP0rz8pdwQwESNE2vea/s320/P1040508.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-57895970124211832352011-04-30T16:06:00.006+11:002011-04-30T16:15:50.788+11:00Breaking many eggs to make a massive omelette<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIdBth9SHKbry-12RrIoePaV1sxdoM1RAvspcnMfAeUBc0AudXsz22Db-2dtTomHkuz6nQMqFNijebXRaqleSbuaHbMmb2HPPjcTjbULOStyoVB0PjXdG94oTCMJtDTSqfRal2W_GSKU8/s320/P1070090.jpg" width="211" /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year Noumea had something very similar to an Easter show. The show is on every year around April 24 and it's out in Dumbea, a suburb of Noumea that has a beautiful river running through it and is surrounded by gorgeous hills.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDptbwEN4iBab47pvMntxn9QLReMNQYUlHbkCWcYByZvozLXxiD8UYyc-o5l8RUyZIg0xJ7UeFg6-syWxmdemTPBDno0fosc-ZSITIM7GSDKMFNQvEw6pu5NavwkSGG3L1oW5tfraVOM_8/s1600/P1070101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDptbwEN4iBab47pvMntxn9QLReMNQYUlHbkCWcYByZvozLXxiD8UYyc-o5l8RUyZIg0xJ7UeFg6-syWxmdemTPBDno0fosc-ZSITIM7GSDKMFNQvEw6pu5NavwkSGG3L1oW5tfraVOM_8/s320/P1070101.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful hills above Dumbea<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm always surprised by the height and majesty of New Caledonia's mountains. There's so much more here than just pretty beaches!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, on Easter Sunday we took Max and his best mate Murphy out to check out the rides. They loved it. We also loved the massive omelette making session that we walked straight into!</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdLDiYu1_BDntCtJ5LbwxVifzZTPOJAVgWQWU-99jlPEVy60uN9JfuTgCgskz8Dbao2UwhEGGRyTblUj_5uZWKKBijqiU5KOK2FAueiv6q-aclLNc4TLC4XWiUzsKizvA1X3FrnBZX7p8/s1600/P1070078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwdLDiYu1_BDntCtJ5LbwxVifzZTPOJAVgWQWU-99jlPEVy60uN9JfuTgCgskz8Dbao2UwhEGGRyTblUj_5uZWKKBijqiU5KOK2FAueiv6q-aclLNc4TLC4XWiUzsKizvA1X3FrnBZX7p8/s320/P1070078.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the stove which was moved across to the fire when it was time to cook the eggs<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyZN7HlTa9PmgpTPb9FDrn1rSIbRGmuZe7_LZZ9YNWXnPAi_ziWw13ApwsLwm4-OPbe3OPacI5UjO0l8aicEhA5WVYdOe5mu4AXsnnNFDXxO8JkctLLiCsd8eyPFowen4I6G-XYFNN6G6/s1600/P1070082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdyZN7HlTa9PmgpTPb9FDrn1rSIbRGmuZe7_LZZ9YNWXnPAi_ziWw13ApwsLwm4-OPbe3OPacI5UjO0l8aicEhA5WVYdOe5mu4AXsnnNFDXxO8JkctLLiCsd8eyPFowen4I6G-XYFNN6G6/s320/P1070082.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The omelette-making happens every year and is apparently a polynesian tradition - a nod to the fact that Dumbea has a twin-city in French Polynesia. The eggs are cooked on an enormous polynesian-style fire and when I say enormous, I mean HUGE. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So many eggs are cooked up that they use drills to mix the mixture and huge teams of people to break all those eggs. The chefs are all done up in fancy chefs hats and the whole thing is taken pretty seriously! We even noticed that each batch of mixture was tasted and seasoned very carefully.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best part is that everyone gets to taste it. The omelette makers walked through the crowd handing out nice big plates of omelette with good crunchy baguette.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb21HZJZNGp7AyyraqeqAil3_xZH57PN2zZ06HTiZQmTBeXFafPMlEvMj1jG9mGmUZn6XitKp4Bw2HLpRixao3VrSjo0U99dwPufZA57bauGsYY8b2XOu4BdWWeNg37p4MuOv-8U5GRMye/s1600/P1070099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb21HZJZNGp7AyyraqeqAil3_xZH57PN2zZ06HTiZQmTBeXFafPMlEvMj1jG9mGmUZn6XitKp4Bw2HLpRixao3VrSjo0U99dwPufZA57bauGsYY8b2XOu4BdWWeNg37p4MuOv-8U5GRMye/s320/P1070099.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Polynesian influence meant there was awesome drumming, stone-throwing, coconut tasting and lots of good-looking Polynesian men showing off their tattoos. Max got to have a cuddle with one nice young man...it's a shame his sister was less than willing.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here I am with the final product. It was great.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One extra thought - when I got home there was an article on NZ Herald about the exorbitant price of the Easter show in Auckland. By way of comparison - yes, life is pretty pricey here but this show was a good value way to spend a morning. Less than $NZ3 to get in, less than $NZ6 per ride and the omelette...well that was free! And who says there's no such thing as a free lunch.</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-37477456392033471892011-03-27T20:06:00.001+11:002011-03-27T20:09:18.415+11:00Ouvea<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzlCqYPiXib0CmYTGNnk-ADPjgdLBORM27Jjryy1khs18WLaYhb9gBX6F2hrOlShk3rcHLPLxuf4JimFP4fuA5scygDA5xAoQCb0QfqOVvWRWXLVj45fyxtSpg1FR8xno-kLaW0wDC_BD/s1600/P1060924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkzlCqYPiXib0CmYTGNnk-ADPjgdLBORM27Jjryy1khs18WLaYhb9gBX6F2hrOlShk3rcHLPLxuf4JimFP4fuA5scygDA5xAoQCb0QfqOVvWRWXLVj45fyxtSpg1FR8xno-kLaW0wDC_BD/s320/P1060924.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ouvea's a quiet place. The airport's small, the island's small, but it has a big history that makes it one of New Caledonia's quiet gems.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most tourists (like us), go to Ouvea for it's stunning beaches and untouched feel. The local Kanaks live 'en tribu' in small villages that are well kept, with round 'Cases' - thatched huts with woven walls. Each village does seem to have at least one good solid concrete house too which must be pretty reassuring during a cyclone! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J-g8YjOtGw4g-j2CSuhC_HxUEHG99uTef7LBB-f7HJ5s9eyt_ndGTMPpzxyC5wyuiSfAiqxuiQbek7aT28PEzZRNU_nPtAR5Xs5Fw5Ay4pMMdqfNw8cUuIj6XUdFd5UzeZyvpZasZXEA/s1600/P1060945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_J-g8YjOtGw4g-j2CSuhC_HxUEHG99uTef7LBB-f7HJ5s9eyt_ndGTMPpzxyC5wyuiSfAiqxuiQbek7aT28PEzZRNU_nPtAR5Xs5Fw5Ay4pMMdqfNw8cUuIj6XUdFd5UzeZyvpZasZXEA/s200/P1060945.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a handful of shops, one petrol station and one big long road that follows the beach along the island's length (40km). I think most people have a pretty much subsistence lifestyle - living off the abundant fish in the lagoon, lots of coconut, with a base of imported rice. People don't seem to have much but it seems that there's enough and no one looks hungry or as if they're living in terrible poverty. I found it somewhat humbling. I spent the first night grumbling because it was very hot, our ''case had no fan and Polly wouldn't sleep and got ravaged by mosquitos. But the next day we explored and were thoroughly wooed by the island's beauty.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hGc-ikk-rkwCUL4lXry8NRX-fj9zV3LVg3oaXEhGzu1svtVNuUTLK7TVn3SOZJDTTb63OCAkb55cQMFHE1RfXISN9LYDbl1658W5yEVeIXDTnt0zBK7wRzYbbt7pxwC3jnJIp5OyPeML/s1600/P1060968.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2hGc-ikk-rkwCUL4lXry8NRX-fj9zV3LVg3oaXEhGzu1svtVNuUTLK7TVn3SOZJDTTb63OCAkb55cQMFHE1RfXISN9LYDbl1658W5yEVeIXDTnt0zBK7wRzYbbt7pxwC3jnJIp5OyPeML/s200/P1060968.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R8G9XbJxVShzKKr7X4iulSJ-FEmTS2Jq3w-cyCF_R4s8G83T2eGF5TySrgCToDf8u5W6DX5h6pdhhBnVP6JRevoyUeT1pAqrV5pNXVJFZUSXCsnCj9Yb6bN7QyVmdX1Ioo7f44a8wjaA/s1600/P1060964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2R8G9XbJxVShzKKr7X4iulSJ-FEmTS2Jq3w-cyCF_R4s8G83T2eGF5TySrgCToDf8u5W6DX5h6pdhhBnVP6JRevoyUeT1pAqrV5pNXVJFZUSXCsnCj9Yb6bN7QyVmdX1Ioo7f44a8wjaA/s320/P1060964.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I said that Ouvea's a quiet place - and it is. It's almost like the people and the very strong soul of the island itself are all still licking their wounds after the 1<a href="http://www.rlrouse.com/ouvea-new-caledonia.html">988 Ouvea Massacre</a>. Nineteen Kanaks were killed in a cave in the north of the island during a stand-off between the French gendarmes and the nationalist freedom-fighting Kanaks. The memorial we visited is chilling as you can see brothers and Dads and sons on the list of the dead - whole families destroyed. This happened less than 30 years ago, so of course the wounds still weep.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3ESH2vMs72vrQ2R1dNN2bFb0-tHJ5PPIbOk85gIwwZjIU_K-AjexX4KGutG_pXnbLpYh-AP8JHbsh1LQp0WG3s7l06w6fr5p9c7_FWRYMn9OxmO66R8NpZzwiSe9-aX1OEV_vwnz-UTg/s1600/P1060918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT3ESH2vMs72vrQ2R1dNN2bFb0-tHJ5PPIbOk85gIwwZjIU_K-AjexX4KGutG_pXnbLpYh-AP8JHbsh1LQp0WG3s7l06w6fr5p9c7_FWRYMn9OxmO66R8NpZzwiSe9-aX1OEV_vwnz-UTg/s200/P1060918.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got the sense that there's a bit of a division between those who want tourism, and the money it can bring; and those who want to preserve the island's traditional lifestyle. I understand both sides. I don't think I've ever been somewhere that has such stunning scenery and so little infrastructure. There's one fancy hotel but it's pretty discrete and a bit rundown. There are no buildings higher than two stories. We ate our dinners at snacks and were told what was available (fish and rice) and the owner was weaving the walls as we ate.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You need a car to explore and you have to have a bit of patience. No one will tell you if the place you're staying in isn't serving dinner that night - you must ask. There are no signs telling you where touristy sports are - for example, to see the 'Trou Bleu' where turtles come in to chill out you have to know to turn left off the road beside the metal pole (with no sign on it!). If you haven't come with food and don't have a car you'll have to hitch or walk a good 5+ kms from your accommodation to get to a place that will probably only be open from 8am - 12pm and 3pm-6pm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite all this, it's simply stunning. A divine place that I wouldn't hesitate to revisit. I would love to understand it better. It has so many layers of culture and history that I would just love to unpeel. To do that, I suspect you have to work hard to create some confidence and you'd be rewarded enormously.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look at these blues. Look at the sea. Look at 40kms of pure white unspoiled beach. I will be dreaming of it often.</span><br />
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</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-58846070559732481602011-02-28T13:00:00.001+11:002011-02-28T13:06:56.871+11:00Ouano Surf Camp and four years old!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We've been past <a href="http://www.ouanosurf.com/english/surfcamp.php">Ouano Surf Camp</a> before but we'd never spent the night there. Which is a bit silly given that it's only slightly over an hour from Noumea.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5rikpW9Cv7KDfZRTKzmBu4Ozmg87O9BIV6KzVgoQyAC1_CeeTJEE-4nxkhODEtO4jd_b0SELB0DOLszsDOPuXCUrvc5S72vct5L36bHTJ1ef8yx5E-g6CP9STzJMLBCZD4gDTXebZnv_/s1600/P1060724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5rikpW9Cv7KDfZRTKzmBu4Ozmg87O9BIV6KzVgoQyAC1_CeeTJEE-4nxkhODEtO4jd_b0SELB0DOLszsDOPuXCUrvc5S72vct5L36bHTJ1ef8yx5E-g6CP9STzJMLBCZD4gDTXebZnv_/s320/P1060724.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a spot! We are so glad we decided to spend Max's fourth birthday there.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are well-equipped bungalows with clean bathrooms and air-con, wickedly funky safari tents, and a big campsite that's right on the beach. Oh - and a pool that looks right out over the water. There's also a restaurant that does good pizza and you can catch a taxi boat out to surf on the reef. Nice.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's great value too. A bungalow is CFP8000 (about $NZ100) and it has a double and two single beds with a view straight out to sea. Actually, you can lie in bed with the doors right open and look over the tips of your toes, to the beach. For that level of beach view, it's a steal by Noumea standards!</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGqMuY3i2TYMOMmZYDuzKWFHcnUhyphenhyphenhWwnfRrwH89aMYkhR_UsnAxnY8WAcVYw7IhChbno7f4Kb2paqK8qlZeTGR2X8sXj20MMhWlbCPNgrPv4KNTFoZOe5gHZ7dUmth1OqBfFl4G-zutd/s1600/P1060670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGqMuY3i2TYMOMmZYDuzKWFHcnUhyphenhyphenhWwnfRrwH89aMYkhR_UsnAxnY8WAcVYw7IhChbno7f4Kb2paqK8qlZeTGR2X8sXj20MMhWlbCPNgrPv4KNTFoZOe5gHZ7dUmth1OqBfFl4G-zutd/s320/P1060670.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We came armed to the teeth with insect repellant, coils, long trousers and every other trick known to man to avoid the beastly mosquitos but in fact we got lucky and they really weren't too bad. We were able to sit outside and watch the sun go down. We ate our dinner outside - caught some 'squitos but it was fine.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW-Zkt35h0B5V9TlxUuXsKx-QiqAwmlhf764ybQOdYyNe9XkrsrzymGnu1U6-JXaojMpMsyX4ZwTQtfOLk77S-UTqTtikN1VH2XLRo-KyWhlj-OalxmZ53rqaKReWeNPp7UDf8HV7sT7X/s1600/P1060713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYW-Zkt35h0B5V9TlxUuXsKx-QiqAwmlhf764ybQOdYyNe9XkrsrzymGnu1U6-JXaojMpMsyX4ZwTQtfOLk77S-UTqTtikN1VH2XLRo-KyWhlj-OalxmZ53rqaKReWeNPp7UDf8HV7sT7X/s320/P1060713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And look at the sunset...</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-46566587783491859032011-02-02T21:12:00.001+11:002011-02-02T21:13:09.224+11:00Reflections on Cyclone Vania<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwt8rk8z3wjRsXaBwNCPhEmpmNryDKh4WVMqs7Y2eWl59wS3ZkiuzL3fEdygPSLzCa6ROxrVTLCKxC8aav-NoSFVWlA-vGZB21zYJvF6jBe3vzZd-wh0TCv6jFZoX9bfW_MnRPsK3CcE2/s1600/P1060457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwt8rk8z3wjRsXaBwNCPhEmpmNryDKh4WVMqs7Y2eWl59wS3ZkiuzL3fEdygPSLzCa6ROxrVTLCKxC8aav-NoSFVWlA-vGZB21zYJvF6jBe3vzZd-wh0TCv6jFZoX9bfW_MnRPsK3CcE2/s320/P1060457.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With Cyclone Yasi roaring its way towards North Queensland's coast, it seems like the right time to be grateful that our little cyclone was just a baby. A bit of wind, a lot of rain and some time without power. In comparison with Yasi - it was bit like someone blowing a pesky mosquito off their arm.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZWsFs9TV36O1pEhNz2T7C7fT4zJCuweHL0iZj2dL-tuZZm1rn_UcjhkrwyEaMdHOmEMUajzqb8aJz09SRt_aVJ_IU9d-lJcXr1q-ZNdEBueYh4vCKQ2XlLSdPore9RHYbXWIVB-wnLP6/s1600/P1060465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZZWsFs9TV36O1pEhNz2T7C7fT4zJCuweHL0iZj2dL-tuZZm1rn_UcjhkrwyEaMdHOmEMUajzqb8aJz09SRt_aVJ_IU9d-lJcXr1q-ZNdEBueYh4vCKQ2XlLSdPore9RHYbXWIVB-wnLP6/s320/P1060465.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vania took a long time to cross over Noumea. It actually did a big circle just north of us and we were in the eye for about 2 hours. It was so very quiet and our whole house slept - so nice! We lost power early and realised just how important the radio is. We listened to the updates every hour or so and giggled at the wonderful presenters and the fabulous feeling of community as people called up to provide updates on what was going on in their quartier.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then the coup d'ouest came (big westerlies) and the storm was over. All of Noumea left their houses to clean up the mess, which wasn't too bad, and go swimming in the rare waves at the Baie des Citrons.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few blown down trees, some slips from the rain and boats on rocks. Not too bad at all. Finger crossed that's all we get during the cyclone season - we just need to get to the end of April!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrvPRHUvJmybpK1Z3Fo1zA4hmpikkUj3D7E-IDmqn4axm47nlzdWcrr0OvHvdDRJsX817mSC4ICc0BsTruGWhlgYJl2NBfQOfS5Nw8KLDNiW-4GUXDh-Ld3nteJn7rDXi1A1nNF-0dT9K/s1600/P1060481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrvPRHUvJmybpK1Z3Fo1zA4hmpikkUj3D7E-IDmqn4axm47nlzdWcrr0OvHvdDRJsX817mSC4ICc0BsTruGWhlgYJl2NBfQOfS5Nw8KLDNiW-4GUXDh-Ld3nteJn7rDXi1A1nNF-0dT9K/s320/P1060481.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-86861313685467239342011-01-30T22:26:00.003+11:002011-01-30T22:33:35.821+11:00A morning at Ilot Maitre<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-qsFBGE0r_hxYfQbHHcvZ5fhyphenhyphene9T5BTjCjmc5YCYtEOASVPpBs_KyMYyoQ8LTBxLyTNijstpJ5hzBdb5dJUfbDwimThIN4_mj9__kpIFVpTdLAcmbYTqqVrr2hMJe2v8feF0LQt2y-op/s1600/P1060496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh-qsFBGE0r_hxYfQbHHcvZ5fhyphenhyphene9T5BTjCjmc5YCYtEOASVPpBs_KyMYyoQ8LTBxLyTNijstpJ5hzBdb5dJUfbDwimThIN4_mj9__kpIFVpTdLAcmbYTqqVrr2hMJe2v8feF0LQt2y-op/s320/P1060496.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We took the kids and Max's best mate Murphy out to Ilot Maitre this morning. The winds were predicted to pick up in the afternoon so we went out on the early (8am) boat to the enjoy the morning calm.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It'a about half an hour in the big <a href="http://glphotels.nc/index.php?page=Hotel&idhotel=2">Escapade Ilot Maitre</a> boat. The boys loved sitting up in the big chairs and peering out the windows to watch the bubbles as the boat plowed its way over to the Ilot. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The island is known for it's sea snakes but I didn't see any today. Normally they curl up under the wharf and sunbathe on the rocks. It's always a bit of a buzz to have one of their little heads popping up beside you when you're snorkeling.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ugRVaaOoEoZHEWpln2uXJGdaiT2N4L2-g1XAg4N0PSTi_9FmMRkZVCSlVsOaxIc7cya4ZISirzn88MfWWcd8OHhldI_7GdSvVAbjETj0hZVg6frx2_ZY9QJzgjC5XVwJoM-yacGvEGer/s1600/P1060515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ugRVaaOoEoZHEWpln2uXJGdaiT2N4L2-g1XAg4N0PSTi_9FmMRkZVCSlVsOaxIc7cya4ZISirzn88MfWWcd8OHhldI_7GdSvVAbjETj0hZVg6frx2_ZY9QJzgjC5XVwJoM-yacGvEGer/s320/P1060515.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The boys had a gorgeous morning, playing with their new friend Allan and jumping around Polly. They had lovely pruney fingers by the time we'd finally got out of the water.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time we'll be more organised and bring over a pram so Polly can sleep and we'll spend the whole day. It's stunning!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaNX3dDkUasL2syCtcrwPs52CKm5Y0Rzmfp9ntwX8mXm64XddF9s7834aLckkiH0CndZF0RHbLL8AL0WYFWM6f0NPz346PNVu9g1lAyWAhRLxlmE4NXoGcIwrrhjrKTo6XyhhR9wff-ko/s1600/P1060502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMaNX3dDkUasL2syCtcrwPs52CKm5Y0Rzmfp9ntwX8mXm64XddF9s7834aLckkiH0CndZF0RHbLL8AL0WYFWM6f0NPz346PNVu9g1lAyWAhRLxlmE4NXoGcIwrrhjrKTo6XyhhR9wff-ko/s320/P1060502.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-8132120183314067722011-01-14T10:25:00.000+11:002011-01-14T10:25:12.682+11:00Vania - continued<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">10.30am and she's really blowing. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're still only on orange alert and it sounds like the cyclone is losing intensity. I'd hate to see a category 5 storm - this one's already very impressive.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're all inside, the wind sounds like it's about to take the roof off but we feel very safe. Luckily the power's still on so we're keeping the kids amused with dvds.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trees outside are getting well and truly buffetted but so far all looks pretty good outside. No flooding and only a bit of debris around. We'll be hanging on for the next 12 hours!</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-30658831794735366292011-01-13T13:20:00.002+11:002011-01-13T16:28:29.662+11:00Cyclone Vania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArfx_nOnEvYQ3Xff8KFbSWzVh-79o58jo3YLdqFZzpLWN-OYxQYBwyzj2wtdAcV_8fKR82EdHgYYc2oVVswmNn7cRnlMXIrQ3qU4VCKlcprjjoYJ2YJmd1xYFSbB7hs4Jx_an3okzcfIH/s1600/Vania_+Thursday+morning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiArfx_nOnEvYQ3Xff8KFbSWzVh-79o58jo3YLdqFZzpLWN-OYxQYBwyzj2wtdAcV_8fKR82EdHgYYc2oVVswmNn7cRnlMXIrQ3qU4VCKlcprjjoYJ2YJmd1xYFSbB7hs4Jx_an3okzcfIH/s320/Vania_+Thursday+morning.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it's a cyclone according to the NZ websites but still a strong tropical depression on the French ones.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whatever it's called we've already got weather that resembles an oddly warm Wellington Southerly. Lots of wind and some impressive rain. We're on yellow alert which means there's 'cyclonic activity' in the area. The Loyalty Islands sit out to the east of the Mainland and they are on the next alert level. They will probably go up to the highest alert (cyclone about to hit) this afternoon. If the current forecasts are right, in Noumea we will probably get the nastiest of the weather tomorrow. Hopefully it will curve away and we'll just get tickled by the edges of the cyclone.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what do we do when this happens? Well, we're all stocked up with candles, water and yummy food. I'm trying to think of ways to entertain the kids inside for a couple of days. The petrol stations are really busy as everyone's filling up and in all the supermarkets people's baskets are full of water and torches.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Down at the beach I spotted a few guys in the water with surfboards. It looked like a lot of fun. Normally the beaches here have absolutely no swell as we are protected by the reef. Maybe I'll drop Charlie down at Anse Vata for a surf after I pick him up from work tonight.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's actually a bit exciting! </span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-32686631521580340792011-01-10T22:12:00.000+11:002011-01-10T22:12:35.171+11:00Isle of Pines revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNRc-3aIe8ANM-V1Lb78UX8AP-LCqc8D2diZlwskUAve3oIBWXNCQzNUj8B1puvDcxZizyTVluyWWPbnsOTYM2Cz22fQFWjSV2YLm90LWITDHhGgSwyaAjBjutDkBlnvQTzdVYXVNJgs3/s1600/P1060075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRNRc-3aIe8ANM-V1Lb78UX8AP-LCqc8D2diZlwskUAve3oIBWXNCQzNUj8B1puvDcxZizyTVluyWWPbnsOTYM2Cz22fQFWjSV2YLm90LWITDHhGgSwyaAjBjutDkBlnvQTzdVYXVNJgs3/s320/P1060075.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We said we'd be back and we were.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We spent a couple of days before Christmas there and it was heaven to be able to laze in the water in the heat that hit mid-December.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8hKn6aRZ8L_rs3DXrW5suEWsU1Bf0OLZTegJhjSa2pCsadgravEm11ny76zfM0CDl0dMANITU3DuWHee7Ov75rRcjH5tZoDyvTvXxA114KKGOtgBQd7sKCG83oCQcl7obTq0mN7wu40B/s1600/P1060012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8hKn6aRZ8L_rs3DXrW5suEWsU1Bf0OLZTegJhjSa2pCsadgravEm11ny76zfM0CDl0dMANITU3DuWHee7Ov75rRcjH5tZoDyvTvXxA114KKGOtgBQd7sKCG83oCQcl7obTq0mN7wu40B/s320/P1060012.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Staying at the <a href="http://www.kou-bugny.com/">Kou Bougny</a> was nice. We were six and there were four of us all lined up in a row like little mummies on the top floor of the Case. I thought we'd melt without airconditioning but the fan actually did the trick. I think the nicest part of the Kou Bougny is its restaurant which is right on the beach. The hotel's little odd because </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the accommodation and the restaurant are separated by a road but you get used to that.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL5nVhXyr0fPY35McAvv_fu4HcC8XEYehr8-7jCP57TVEHqlLjSXL8z67TwrDMVBBcjL83FXriLvz0QjZ_D0_gbXzNTj0JPUTA-W_ycHyXQK5HyoQuRsWk9Lyp8UWaq597fwZ4TNCpvoc/s1600/CIMG2758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHL5nVhXyr0fPY35McAvv_fu4HcC8XEYehr8-7jCP57TVEHqlLjSXL8z67TwrDMVBBcjL83FXriLvz0QjZ_D0_gbXzNTj0JPUTA-W_ycHyXQK5HyoQuRsWk9Lyp8UWaq597fwZ4TNCpvoc/s200/CIMG2758.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A cruise boat came in on the last day and we all had breakfast and took bets on how they were going to get all the cruise people off the boat and onto the island. They came down on the lifeboats! How cool is that. Not being too keen on sharing that stunning beach with however many hundreds of people are on one of those cruise ships (I think this was the Pacific Dawn), we took off for the Natural Aquarium.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu23hstZi0QqORIOnaRWGCW9XSVeXHrBVpqYxthJVZycGP_ZcQWMkex8GecWhj-PncQvb6AEFcd3EnyX1kj-w-muqJ85GPS3o7Z_-XXcVWr5dz5x8wlOHEpnjTJiOWWz04OGWsOeEGVgX-/s1600/P1060057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu23hstZi0QqORIOnaRWGCW9XSVeXHrBVpqYxthJVZycGP_ZcQWMkex8GecWhj-PncQvb6AEFcd3EnyX1kj-w-muqJ85GPS3o7Z_-XXcVWr5dz5x8wlOHEpnjTJiOWWz04OGWsOeEGVgX-/s320/P1060057.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was great to go back up to the Natural Aquarium. Polly loved playing in the shallows and we all cracked up at a family who decided to don life jackets for the walk in...It's only 10 minutes by the way and we did it with mum and dad and the two kids! The tide was pretty high but the water only came up to mid-thigh. There were lots of little fish to keep us company as we waded over from Chez Regis.</span><br />
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</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-23046759130781567362011-01-10T21:19:00.008+11:002011-01-10T22:32:44.948+11:00The Tour of Caledonie<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">WIth the countdown to our exit from New Caledonia underway, it's time to stop talking and start doing. So the first thing we've done this year is take the little Fiat out for a big spin. Here's a little summary of what we did...</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKenwNkakegoQfWUJ5J6741wsJEqdTDJis3K2jqvolGTEnxlrU6en6Nvi_X-VIMUBqZEeMg1AnStZHWCArWJ1KHzHboIqJHvDXyGNfC8Uam5Se1_VjKLy-8jvz33gEzmMUi2UKj_YzzMq/s1600/P1060382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKenwNkakegoQfWUJ5J6741wsJEqdTDJis3K2jqvolGTEnxlrU6en6Nvi_X-VIMUBqZEeMg1AnStZHWCArWJ1KHzHboIqJHvDXyGNfC8Uam5Se1_VjKLy-8jvz33gEzmMUi2UKj_YzzMq/s320/P1060382.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Noumea to Kone</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3 hours</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The drive takes you up to Bourail and then you're nearly there...really...just another hour to go. The West Coast is pretty much the same. The road gives you some glimpses (so very tantalising in the heat) of the lagoon but largely goes inland. The mountains of New Cal rise up on your right and the road stretches out in front. The only real excitement is waiting for the next nutty driver to overtake on a blind corner, pull over with out indicating in a 110 km/hour zone or just sit on your tail until we slam on the breaks. Ha ha!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So what's in Kone? To be honest, not much. It's a town that's booming with the new mine being built. The mine's impressive, with a massive new coal electricity plant, and a HUGE conveyor belt that will dump the nickel-filled soil in front of the smelter. And it takes up a big corner of a very pretty beach...I wonder how that will look in ten years time?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Kone to Poum</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 hours</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tntngOseeOhrUZtCnEFaNskQuQRgbD0uAdz2f-b_1xaq8IGqdzwUtEGh-Y9VVIhBKkNzB6i_tl2MW4FAazyjXeL_vyIg04egAhlr-KN3COx8HP_BaLAc9wckeEIpYoTdcej9DHQ1hsBg/s1600/P1060346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tntngOseeOhrUZtCnEFaNskQuQRgbD0uAdz2f-b_1xaq8IGqdzwUtEGh-Y9VVIhBKkNzB6i_tl2MW4FAazyjXeL_vyIg04egAhlr-KN3COx8HP_BaLAc9wckeEIpYoTdcej9DHQ1hsBg/s320/P1060346.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With the kids in the car we were cruising. The road winds up and over the hills and the vegetation gets stragglier and the landscape gets rockier. Suddenly, the road drops down and you're right outside Poum. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stayed at the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.grands-hotels.nc/english/malabou.html">Malabou Beach</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It was perfect. A nice little beach, very good service (so very rare in New Cal), and lots of stuff to do. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwHtgQHRAikMyjsuqqOoJ7RoH4m2Wj_YLjMqgZZzxypOliFLoIKJ9mS-VwzYqwe8MaLjd4IajmUXL-5ck1N_Z_uLhLaBmZ1zMSaIf5YIVTyl-SwiLiAcAFNGaepKHea4U_IKK_cdS29js/s1600/P1060273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNwHtgQHRAikMyjsuqqOoJ7RoH4m2Wj_YLjMqgZZzxypOliFLoIKJ9mS-VwzYqwe8MaLjd4IajmUXL-5ck1N_Z_uLhLaBmZ1zMSaIf5YIVTyl-SwiLiAcAFNGaepKHea4U_IKK_cdS29js/s320/P1060273.jpg" width="211" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We loved the kayaks and the pool. The restaurant was fine, with an evening buffet. For us (and the kids) the best thing was the fresh pasta cooked on demand. Nothing flash - but who wants flash with two under five year olds?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bungalows are nice and some have great views. We all fitted nicely. Well, the kids thought it was nice - mum and dad could do without having the kids sucking on their toes at 3am...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Poum to Poindimie</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 hours</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl5DJ4ZBLjg9VNldPJ9PylNfd_sEwiYRjunxdbSq265Rz1cHL-OlXhDbl_k_4bxqGMqyTYBHemA174dgrj-WMD0TWiYOzwNoct3OiQsQMk3bgWqtjIr8bbS4zd0DPB-IbNstMLhawS1GT/s1600/P1060373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVl5DJ4ZBLjg9VNldPJ9PylNfd_sEwiYRjunxdbSq265Rz1cHL-OlXhDbl_k_4bxqGMqyTYBHemA174dgrj-WMD0TWiYOzwNoct3OiQsQMk3bgWqtjIr8bbS4zd0DPB-IbNstMLhawS1GT/s320/P1060373.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kvpCdbBZplmGwLJCbV1cZ7GcREq_z4j3ghk-evUn0MKzHoPGQCeXgKrtNwFspam_Jv8IeSVOB8oT84MDMYsrrhLVOyAsVkDDtawIcAp58elLEUFo_9Eun-6lRuVComWzoxEmnOoHmUww/s1600/P1060363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0kvpCdbBZplmGwLJCbV1cZ7GcREq_z4j3ghk-evUn0MKzHoPGQCeXgKrtNwFspam_Jv8IeSVOB8oT84MDMYsrrhLVOyAsVkDDtawIcAp58elLEUFo_9Eun-6lRuVComWzoxEmnOoHmUww/s320/P1060363.JPG" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We did this day really slowly because it was stunning. I hadn't really appreciated just how big New Cal is before we looked out over the massive plains up the north. From there, the road narrows down and seriously winds up and over the Col d'Amos. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And wow - the views from up there are gorgeous. The East Coast has fabulous waterfalls that crash down from the mountains (highest at 1600m) and into the sea. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are white sand, palm tree-lined beaches and all along the road are little stalls selling fresh fruit and soapstone carvings. Everyone waves at you as you pass by and people stop to chat. It is just so laid back and just about my ideal picture perfect place for a pacific holiday.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwrJbhYiGc10A6JvaeGqKO2zNPohmsQS9Ydvckh_shWC2zNPT53y_I9092GeMcT8kKk8Dx8thWSf8gv5dP63Yr9-PPEGaEdxVQo0xu42JXsRAGuwSmeVYWZ2h8lPcVzppzAvfgskFIygM/s1600/P1060403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwrJbhYiGc10A6JvaeGqKO2zNPohmsQS9Ydvckh_shWC2zNPT53y_I9092GeMcT8kKk8Dx8thWSf8gv5dP63Yr9-PPEGaEdxVQo0xu42JXsRAGuwSmeVYWZ2h8lPcVzppzAvfgskFIygM/s200/P1060403.jpg" width="150" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We stopped to buy stuff and take a dip at the bottom of the spectacular Tao Waterfall. It was breathtaking.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesH6gr-KkRhH6Vna-r_6nJ4fr3jUHLYKYV-vo5HuJ9dsR09NAVqucCkcymUNfzHmIBZgrJIRl6xUbEqTPiuUiJPXbj74s8GhhOk7Y1lv-WtPiMMzBuq02-UI1I1VdDvFpbo2NeL0RBphN/s1600/P1060402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesH6gr-KkRhH6Vna-r_6nJ4fr3jUHLYKYV-vo5HuJ9dsR09NAVqucCkcymUNfzHmIBZgrJIRl6xUbEqTPiuUiJPXbj74s8GhhOk7Y1lv-WtPiMMzBuq02-UI1I1VdDvFpbo2NeL0RBphN/s200/P1060402.JPG" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our little fiat did us proud. I was nervously counting the kms as we neared Hienghene (and the petrol station is 12 kms <u><i>after</i></u> Hienghene, just to double my nervousness...). We didn't fill up in Kone or Poum so we were running on vapour by then. That didn't diminsh the fun of crossing the Bac de la Ouaieme. There's no bridge, so you get ferried over on a little barge. Fantastic! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Poindimie to Noumea</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5 hours (including a wee barf from max and lots of sanity stops)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yBRu4a2815kuxE4Iixiry3k6-QPg1zxuj9t_yK_Usx3JfOf73C5lSNeszHVvRQ8AudTtaYV_K_6IfcJUyx-SF03Y3oqZuWIScRAdIlkhyphenhyphenaq3lFfCOtQ5pfZThT6lFQBW-HzV51IEzjk4/s1600/P1060417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2yBRu4a2815kuxE4Iixiry3k6-QPg1zxuj9t_yK_Usx3JfOf73C5lSNeszHVvRQ8AudTtaYV_K_6IfcJUyx-SF03Y3oqZuWIScRAdIlkhyphenhyphenaq3lFfCOtQ5pfZThT6lFQBW-HzV51IEzjk4/s200/P1060417.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Man, it can rain on the East Coast! It was pouring when we left the very picturesque <a href="http://chezsimone.lagoon.nc/">Chez Simone's</a>. We all squeezed into her new but traditional-style bungalow. The place is gorgeous with little paths and carvings all over. We felt like we were in a warmer version of NZ with all the pungas around us. I would have loved to have spent a few days up there with no kids! This picture is taken from the balcony of her bugalow. Lush.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The trip back was long. The car's a bit smelly now but we had fun. A stop at the Saturday market in Bourail for some tropical flowers, brochettes and for Polly to play hide and seek under the tables was a good move. The local ladies loved her...I was a little less happy about chasing after her in 33 degrees.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we came home with a pack full of stinky clothes, a full memory card on the camera and a nice relaxed attitude to 2011 and all the great stuff we'll do. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On y va!</span><br />
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</span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-12418738879338594782010-12-18T17:15:00.005+11:002010-12-18T17:20:52.578+11:00After work swims<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglES5x5Wx23qizKLgNoziB603z6-Q7cwrPH28-Aj6UVZvBqiwvSz9NIT77dFBBNrMLqc6PJCKYw1Ab-Pa71DGivQhM_3OLTONfAM9s5g_T1QpcsANiLW5XZhKJImRNj_Jwsoqanrt7a1Yo/s1600/P1050932.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglES5x5Wx23qizKLgNoziB603z6-Q7cwrPH28-Aj6UVZvBqiwvSz9NIT77dFBBNrMLqc6PJCKYw1Ab-Pa71DGivQhM_3OLTONfAM9s5g_T1QpcsANiLW5XZhKJImRNj_Jwsoqanrt7a1Yo/s320/P1050932.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551903037823462658" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; "></span></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglES5x5Wx23qizKLgNoziB603z6-Q7cwrPH28-Aj6UVZvBqiwvSz9NIT77dFBBNrMLqc6PJCKYw1Ab-Pa71DGivQhM_3OLTONfAM9s5g_T1QpcsANiLW5XZhKJImRNj_Jwsoqanrt7a1Yo/s1600/P1050932.JPG"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">A swim and a spot of SUP at 5pm. Perfect!</span></a><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpwv6Zb2n_ngwRKgLk1RGgMZH6SxuHlzZ7s1zp0ul7c-p5KjYIuNYF2Qcg2xSifSG6o1nMsx89_C5czbcodXuFNb_AOsq7_CtWS1IFJACK8oMInPspgwfdQEeC5dHzzTeCeJYkWUzy0H_/s320/P1050940.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551902571038229282" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwkKda1U6-VvnY8rPGT89rndwqJ2P5RIpyCS5anQ1vBMHfnzk-ma6Szsh-gPhIcKp5ldat8tU8RaVPkqFzSSZ7q3uXo8FnFBzjSRDv9vk3dXqCwrkGyt7rvoMv24F7i2G3YvvbAIsGzik/s320/P1050936.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551903034038917490" />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-71385969522692540342010-12-18T17:01:00.005+11:002010-12-18T17:14:22.961+11:00Crevettes<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-_nKSXhJpLLkgB7wMbINShniTz8noM_Mwt7qonT8vMRbylJlfgibg0_UU0da39AOK35L4ttns0gyuaASTXE-cFyzgZxh9X06DkrfY-iWU_skG0D8WYofUYrgHMZsDWpua8uBlTB8-Sfy/s1600/P1050947.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-_nKSXhJpLLkgB7wMbINShniTz8noM_Mwt7qonT8vMRbylJlfgibg0_UU0da39AOK35L4ttns0gyuaASTXE-cFyzgZxh9X06DkrfY-iWU_skG0D8WYofUYrgHMZsDWpua8uBlTB8-Sfy/s320/P1050947.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551900475270638690" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">The other day I swung past the Market to see whether they're open on Christmas Day. For me, Christmas Day is the 25th - here most of the celebrating (and more importantly eating) happens on the 24th. Yes - the market's open on the 25th. We will be deciding on our meal on the 25th, it will depend on what goodies have come in on the boats that morning.</span></a><div><br /></div><div>As I was there, I couldn't resist buying some prawns for dinner. This time I made a delicious nasi goreng. My prawn-shelling speed has increased enormously since we arrived. Now I can get a kilo done in under 10 minutes.</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgM4LGgEqG9hY7y5p_9vQePCpFic0sBkwmoxD4yqswWshL7PANpskX1LlVbEKhgHiAZ_j3x4iJIB57P8HuL-8ylQauzp1GAYpJpZ9MTpmiK7As-Sm92eQkouvdmkACviwXSFGsHYgJr6E/s320/P1050948.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551901308472957378" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUHjif3XXoA_upqyFi_Mlra2pl3AkAP0ur_Bt1ZSXcX2feCcZ-e-9oOKlqwe2Y0KttRWl3wZo-O-MbcIpHZqoL3ow9oIhuw1f7BTNvj8vzIbKMrOqp1TIRZo5legC0lavjrigRDd8orue/s320/P1050945.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551900470557227794" /><div><br /></div><div>This year the prawns are a bit late and somewhat smaller than usual. I'm not sure why, but they are still absolutely delicious!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bon Appetit!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-79415276819150940132010-12-07T06:43:00.004+11:002010-12-07T06:54:31.596+11:00Shades of blueThe sea and all the shades of blue really are gorgeous here. I was just looking over my blog and realised it had been a while since I'd included some lovely sea pics. So here we are.<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO-wRql-neesYjtF-11noyw01Jf0GQlH7uX6SrVT8WU4bb9dFO4v4ryaKbd-SFhhyQdNLb1m6edDxP5E0ZjqafUZa7T5cSZmIwgbyppnVHIEl0HwHmAvYDNAz-k-WqxEg_YPj-GA5i7EhV/s320/CIMG4964.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547658302872765266" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Ile of Pines, the Marina beside the Market in Noumea and Lifou. If I had a few more free minutes every day I would find myself a good little possy to settle down and watch the changing shades of blue of the ocean. Some days I have to stop and savour the colours and just revel in the delight of living in this little corner of the Pacific!</div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAGFQXuIZswT8n6qEg07do0z1J88MJsCaer3XVi8F2c3S2jD0tb4b9AKesZZ5XW1_ZGeO8eybnGMoZxmLWlH-PY8zK-1FPUJRo2AB25t7UD-4DopNn-5luU7VEVsatEk5b7S5HtHebKyp/s320/P1020832.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547658345357861442" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I particularly like the one of Charles on the beach in Lifou. Yes, he's in his work gears. This was taken on a work trip - not a bad day in the office!</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiad0eKBwkEejtDGnSIHNYEyZqCJO4LbxQt0Tv8Foj82Txdz8Uooa68zuU1HHTLSfN64UdKEt-KQ1x5pwE_NZP_QckxUPcYRlY4o2FWIiBabyDBH0adeQy0MCpnwdegmJiNUXudYeY1fKq2/s320/P1020676.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547658329842230930" /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqSqyMrSw6kpv2Hw2mi14uXM0nqF-xK48Edoue5n6OZnCl8CeGIb4Ni7hCNuPYBF-Mo29XwV278SZw_H3UleQtyFAs8vuVgOH42KLBXQRXJa9-wkN0r7XSiPWQFwb9s9RGgc1DT9_riume/s320/P1020678.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547658315990541602" />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-38179879301506576742010-12-02T16:02:00.004+11:002010-12-02T16:16:57.813+11:00Quickies and Fast FoodBefore we came to Noumea I struggled to imagine what it would be like. Everyone told me that it was super expensive and the shopping was awful - but the brochures described Hermes and L'Occitaine en Provence shops. Hmmmmm....<div><br /></div><div>And to be honest my first trip to town was a bit of a shock. Beaten up old pavements, decrepit looking buildings. I remember telling my sister that I felt like I'd got off the plane in a tropical version of Gore. Yes - Gore in Southland, NZ. A friend's son had a small tanty when he realised his parents had brought him to a place with no...get this...escalators, and asked him to live there!</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIxImi3SBZoWETYuaE8OwYsKWQjgP7mKUA-oNfK-LyDcuyqeGJJ4lC3sITq2dRCFGVOkSKhCKQs_UWZuYmkxKRbRurtCBOMiD0sH9Rczu5eYYUtxUxBY-MjhOZyTu6mEMxJzDmVwiBPW6y/s320/P1050759.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545948780885037762" /><div><br /></div><div>Two years on and I really enjoy my shopping trips in town. I've got used to it. There are no big malls which is great. I know the shops I want to go to and I will go straight to them. I've gotten over the fact that the prices are astronomical and now a shop is a real treat for something that I really need (or want). I shop differently to how I did at home. And I buy a lot on line!</div><div><br /></div><div>Rather than focusing on what's missing, it's great to enjoy the warm breeze and linger in the Place des Cocotiers watching the guys doing hiphop and the ladies in their beautiful bright mission dresses.</div><div><br /></div><div>And after a bit of shopping with the kids in tow - a challenge with strollers, dodgy pavements and shops that are all over the place - a bribe is often necessary. Fastfood works wonders.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes - there is a MacDo. It's expensive and there are two. An alternative is the Frenchie version of MacDo - Quick. Now I really don't like Quick for the food but it's a great place to have here. Look where it is! And the playground is the best indoor playground in all of Noumea. A great place to park up on the Terrace, lock the kids in the playground and soak in the view. Bliss.</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5Pg51QMFQlMaZsDgh_vPe-5H8PaVKq8HImGa_Lkden4dy8xtfIHbtW2qX0CyY66Yv-K1aGduhVMm1CaLP7Pjrc70X3vYTwEXb_Ooxj0GuABFbq7z06Cmp2F1sDtPTBZrWFy3mwrs1HsQ/s320/P1050756.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545948753836053490" />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-88047371520230022282010-11-02T20:39:00.005+11:002010-11-02T21:12:29.081+11:00Femmes Funk<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXT-n2aZdEy6hbc7EI4sNmTXU_G8v4dQXE1JVElC-JCUpXLApMNfpXgimyi2DerhR707wVz-JnD6oSfvytE3diFOqjlK5c1Eh6e30laOt8IVBgo2YKcnlAWUtbR6jR-onqXoeGY0O0SJE/s1600/10102010021.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXT-n2aZdEy6hbc7EI4sNmTXU_G8v4dQXE1JVElC-JCUpXLApMNfpXgimyi2DerhR707wVz-JnD6oSfvytE3diFOqjlK5c1Eh6e30laOt8IVBgo2YKcnlAWUtbR6jR-onqXoeGY0O0SJE/s320/10102010021.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534887573939338962" /></a>This post is a bit late but things have been a little busy. Well, no more so than usual but somehow sitting at the computer and blogging seems to come at the bottom of the list - which even here in paradise consists of running kids around, cleaning up after them, trying to devise dinners that don't end up mushed into the floor, the chair and the walls, and all the other wonderful things a mum has to do.<div><br /></div><div>So - a few weeks ago was Femmes Funk. It's a very funky little festival. This year one of the headline act was Ladi6. We were excited about going to see bit of good kiwi hip hop (well - I was anyway). </div><div><br /></div><div>The festival used to be at the <a href="http://nickyinnoumea.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-favourite-place-in-noumea.html">Tjibaou Centre</a> which worked really well. Now it's at the Centre Culturel du Mont Dore. It's nice but I reckon the Tjibaou was better. A little village is set up so you can boogie your way from zone to zone and taste some tasty treats too. We loved the kids zone which had lots of painting options and good playdough, complete with garlic crushers to make spaghetti squiggles. Max will never look at our garlic crusher the same again.</div><div><br /></div><div>Despite a massive rainstorm on Sunday we had a lovely time and really made the most of our weekend pass. The boys loved it! Check out their dance moves.</div><div><br /></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzYkm7cdElw5fJxzCA8eRYOi3t3lh6FXaMdmEygd344dEDeZqBpW_ozBsNkDcWnaO2MOP2w8iJFTVeu9Bh6Kg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-9609046550561608512010-11-02T20:16:00.004+11:002010-11-02T20:31:01.108+11:00Halloween!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C43EZbfxnws5In9d42tnYfokQwSlC3e9WpMXktt8ekN-Ge7oO4CHXyG-yp3LmA3pUS5yyqNe5RgaAZPGT2o9Qjz_J75s1hqzmNzw57Pyqu_kNNg15QdknXBqdgRs0tchfdLbUaqtSncu/s1600/P1050731.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5C43EZbfxnws5In9d42tnYfokQwSlC3e9WpMXktt8ekN-Ge7oO4CHXyG-yp3LmA3pUS5yyqNe5RgaAZPGT2o9Qjz_J75s1hqzmNzw57Pyqu_kNNg15QdknXBqdgRs0tchfdLbUaqtSncu/s320/P1050731.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534882035719273842" /></a><br />Last year we were driven slightly nuts by trick or treaters. We were completely unprepared for the onslaught of beautifully dressed up, albeit slightly pushy kids. I had bought a small bag of lollies just in case but by the fifth group our supplies were finished - by group 55 we were going crazy!<div><br /></div><div>This year we knew what to expect. After a bit of humming and haaing we had a few friends for dinner and let the kids distribute our large stash of treats to the local kids. They loved it! They also got to hear ghost stories in the garden in the glow of our beautifully carved Jack-o-lantern - thanks to Charlie - and run around like crazy things. All in all, a fantastic way to spend a busy evening.</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElcVav26ESRAxy_nyTHe-GUHWlBT_-hDKVRabbyADuDf0Fte48hy17PRen-WnnXzdpYEgPQY8-QlrHhs1I81S3m_xags61SQTUyRZWUUSG-_h1Nouz9_SSHOEeXlL-h_8CaxABHSWvrbs/s320/P1050732.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534881409967950194" /><div>And a word of advice to anyone moving to Tuband - prepare for Halloween. Your doorbell is likely to ring deep into the evening.</div><div><br /></div><div>And you might even hear some creepy laughter....</div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfcgATKlccM5hTmTAvl6tA9JLCGmDvGfdif56tFIbPC1cIA2_atI-vDU6UqwCzwWuKdVXRprg3PftFL5PgUtdWfVvIvBR6-LFy29O3qGqqjNO6ZfaLs7rC89MvgCZnvvA0l0T4zO6GIrFR/s320/P1050729.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534881407454014482" />Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-28835403975572203182010-09-13T14:43:00.006+11:002010-09-13T14:55:40.878+11:00Stand Up Paddling<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgywJKM3Rnm3BAWEh2EaJL9sQ7zl2Y8PBxgF8Se_4YMdkLhpeMVItS7RN40soYdiHge40Kp26UhZuyAAK3ZjIhV-RDJRsGzCghHd0jPL-8dGqSDD63ATPuDY928v4jlcWZ6XdkELnw5Kb/s1600/P1050328.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgywJKM3Rnm3BAWEh2EaJL9sQ7zl2Y8PBxgF8Se_4YMdkLhpeMVItS7RN40soYdiHge40Kp26UhZuyAAK3ZjIhV-RDJRsGzCghHd0jPL-8dGqSDD63ATPuDY928v4jlcWZ6XdkELnw5Kb/s320/P1050328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516240943581566002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I have been enviously watching people, on gorgeously still evenings as the sun goes down, doing a bit of stand up paddle at Anse Vata beach. It looks so calm. Gliding over the water, chilling out. With the two kids in tow it's often difficult to find the time to get out and try new things though.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So this weekend our afternoon sleep was cut short. We'd been invited by some friends to come down and try it out with them Just the kick start we need. Eh Hop - off we went.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl6FXe3zq4d1ElrnEbMwFjXHRugAceM8V_R70CCtS6_vrbHtAfjkI7tAAHNB8HwLchyT08lgnbadnEl0MvBPGPoRHYyZhFRbZ-e4Tv0lmFfI-NsIiL6FQRGNQyNMK1oMfZ_FMRUZYaujh/s1600/P1050333.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 126px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgl6FXe3zq4d1ElrnEbMwFjXHRugAceM8V_R70CCtS6_vrbHtAfjkI7tAAHNB8HwLchyT08lgnbadnEl0MvBPGPoRHYyZhFRbZ-e4Tv0lmFfI-NsIiL6FQRGNQyNMK1oMfZ_FMRUZYaujh/s320/P1050333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516240434811509378" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlYpCqJhOpKSizGCpLzxNHtAfC5bMJYzrLLqMkTVrckBneh_Fs-A_At8r6DcHEkTfsKKkWNrHYhvZ1BWOG-uYwXg4JsyFlhYX2pkgLcaGW7_M9rV2FY3bGOQGL2V9GUUKTZqYjk7siiMc/s1600/P1050330.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnlYpCqJhOpKSizGCpLzxNHtAfC5bMJYzrLLqMkTVrckBneh_Fs-A_At8r6DcHEkTfsKKkWNrHYhvZ1BWOG-uYwXg4JsyFlhYX2pkgLcaGW7_M9rV2FY3bGOQGL2V9GUUKTZqYjk7siiMc/s320/P1050330.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516240424795162386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />It was so much fun! Charlie went first and showed off his surfing prowess. I followed and after paddling around and getting used to how it feels, I managed to stand up and even steer (a bit, sometimes into some unsuspecting swimmers...). <br />We'll be doing more of this fun sport.<br /><br />Here's a pic of Charles having just got in the water with a lovely lady showing him how it's done.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-YR6c3MMhibh3xx9jJUJeitClsFf_krejzM8k5iZNVxAR14tNwd9XuqlpUJlQ6mqOJPV0viFAG0l0YDrBZmvZewsrWfN2WxTDAMSVE6_49Wy23olGfZiGdZq0UFF6TpLHZyruBaVrkx7/s1600/P1050314.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 302px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-YR6c3MMhibh3xx9jJUJeitClsFf_krejzM8k5iZNVxAR14tNwd9XuqlpUJlQ6mqOJPV0viFAG0l0YDrBZmvZewsrWfN2WxTDAMSVE6_49Wy23olGfZiGdZq0UFF6TpLHZyruBaVrkx7/s320/P1050314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516240416376897890" border="0" /></a>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-72411088504755335062010-09-13T14:17:00.005+11:002010-09-13T14:27:35.227+11:00La noumeene<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOZvnLYVRKlCrGImQymDn711fV6qYFfYjPY6WCFYO3Ns-CH6LYLEkDnCXQXhh0lzfD8oTdGq8u_zgkGgSiV1dx9k8kFJGLLT0uSu5GFSzPVcn09zqpIjpRAaTIDZ7mwdtocBmeZLv_IF4/s1600/12+septembre+%285%29.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOZvnLYVRKlCrGImQymDn711fV6qYFfYjPY6WCFYO3Ns-CH6LYLEkDnCXQXhh0lzfD8oTdGq8u_zgkGgSiV1dx9k8kFJGLLT0uSu5GFSzPVcn09zqpIjpRAaTIDZ7mwdtocBmeZLv_IF4/s320/12+septembre+%285%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516233676423499346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;">Sunday morning was hot and still. I'd had a reasonably big night out on Saturday and was feeling the effects of my very strong Maitai followed by a few glasses of vino. BUT - it was the big day. The fun run. Pink T-shirts on - it was time to run 'The Noumeene'.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">It's just a little run - 4kms but made challenging by the fact that it always seems to happen on a gorgeous day. By Sunday's 8.30am start it was already creeping from mid to late 20s. Arrgghhhh!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: arial;">In fact - it was fun. It's a buzz to run with lots of people and the Noueeme is run to raise awareness about breast cancer, so it's women only. A great excuse to leave the kids with the hubbies. I started out with two girlfriends and ended with another friend. Lovely to have someone to push you into a little race at the end!</span><a style="font-family: arial;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Cq3BZiCGryo0jL2CvUgl7MzaC3BF7XBYl30MSZx3wwhwY6ohUPgGYZf0kseDWir6sTyifFUTt7PRyFFydl4yqj0Q_nm8fcPEDoChgmO0UffKBh5qa4lntAYd_CknYgn57aayP1UUDL8/s1600/12+septembre+%287%29.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Cq3BZiCGryo0jL2CvUgl7MzaC3BF7XBYl30MSZx3wwhwY6ohUPgGYZf0kseDWir6sTyifFUTt7PRyFFydl4yqj0Q_nm8fcPEDoChgmO0UffKBh5qa4lntAYd_CknYgn57aayP1UUDL8/s320/12+septembre+%287%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516234081453368706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYNj9ZSkmoff0V47gseRb1PVLllCgLtA4TE0Np-muoSao2XbHuEgUB8WREZTSrEOmm_ct5zDJawKKgWZ24R8E0WzuzTEcSh2E5knRml10JBA1SeZSELaknwLIR-haKBlK5sP6PqI9fACN/s1600/12+septembre+%2855%29.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzYNj9ZSkmoff0V47gseRb1PVLllCgLtA4TE0Np-muoSao2XbHuEgUB8WREZTSrEOmm_ct5zDJawKKgWZ24R8E0WzuzTEcSh2E5knRml10JBA1SeZSELaknwLIR-haKBlK5sP6PqI9fACN/s320/12+septembre+%2855%29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516234073836015346" border="0" /></a>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-40364577063218563942010-08-13T09:26:00.005+11:002010-08-13T09:56:20.240+11:00Eating out with littlies<span style="font-family:arial;">Last night we ate out. We seem to eat out reasonably frequently here. Max is a superstar in restaurants (good behaviour in exchange for hot chips) and it's generally really fun taking them out. The trickiest thing is finding restaurants that open early enough for our kids, who are usually in bed at around 7pm. Most places don't open until 7pm and often the service is pretty slow meaning we're not out of the restaurant until 8.30pm - which spell disaster for the kids. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So here's a list of the places we've found so far that open early and don't get all snippy when you walk in with a three year old and a baby in a mountain buggy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">La Case - Baie d'Orphelinat (ph </span><span class="value" style="font-family:arial;">28 24 24</span><span style="font-family:arial;">)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This place starts serving food at 6pm. They just have a basic menu that early but it includes pizzas that have a yummy thin base and good salads. It's generally pretty quiet then and I love sitting outside with a great view over the Bay.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Fun Beach - Anse Vata beach </span><span class="value" style="font-family:arial;">(ph 26 31 32</span><span style="font-family:arial;">)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Open from 6.30pm. We ate here last night and were really impressed by the service which is often less than friendly in Noumea. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">They even carried the buggy down the stairs and into a prime spot overlooking the water. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">The food came out quickly and was yummy - not super-flash but very tasty and we had a great family meal.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Creperie Le Rocher - Behind the Surf Hotel at Anse Vata Beach (ph </span><span style="color:black;"><span style="font-family:arial;">25 3575)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I love sitting up here and looking down over the Baie des Citrons. I really think it has one of the nicest outlooks in Noumea. It's meant to be open all day from Tuesday - Sunday from midday to 10pm but ring and check. I've called and been told a few times that dinner doesn't start until 7pm. The crepes are delicious and it's so nice to wash everything down with a yummy glass of cider. There's space outside for the kids to run around too.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Le Bout du Monde - Baie de Moselle, near the Market (27 77 28)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Classic French-style Brasserie. The proper menu doesn't start until 7pm but they have a good all day snack menu that changes regularly but often has tartines, salads and you can usually order something simple for the kids. The highlight for Max is the boat on the grass in front of the Terrace. He can play on that for ages while we wait for food - which can take a while.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Along Beach - Vietnamese at Anse Vata (ph 28 28 84)</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Delicious Vietnamese that's open from about 6pm. It's in the little shopping complex at the far end of the beach so kids can run around safely on the grass in front of the restaurant. It's always busy here, but you can always get takeaways and go and sit at a table on the beach if it's full.<br /><br />Wow - that's quite a list! There are also some good Italian places and the burgers at Le Fare at Anse Vata beach are good value and substantial. Breakfast is good here too - ahhh breakfast! I think that will have to be covered in another blog!<br /><br />Bon Appetit.<br /></span></span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-821291183931584862010-06-25T20:59:00.004+11:002010-06-25T21:32:19.341+11:00Campin' on Ilot Tenia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVsdJ0RXm1OJzC-7mHUhkXS9B4mFyR6YR-ICvNkuIuDxWTnZnEyDyHWEQN9MzbZ784A6_-uKCvaaZNW2WRng2QcEJaNyryltNfFOEyKAXdI3jOtdiD1ZFyb7O3qmYM_iBPNDRcs9rNeWI/s1600/P1040813.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 282px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVsdJ0RXm1OJzC-7mHUhkXS9B4mFyR6YR-ICvNkuIuDxWTnZnEyDyHWEQN9MzbZ784A6_-uKCvaaZNW2WRng2QcEJaNyryltNfFOEyKAXdI3jOtdiD1ZFyb7O3qmYM_iBPNDRcs9rNeWI/s320/P1040813.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486656680502371234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Last year we went to Ilot Tenia and I swore we'd be back. Sure enough, a year later we did go back and it was great. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">With, not just one but now two, kids in tow we set off for two nights of delicious isolation on our deserted paradise. Camping on Tenia was carefully described to us as a 'real caledonian camping experience'. This means there are no shelters, no ready-made bbqs, no electricity and no toilets. It's you, the island and the mountain of stuff you take over on the boat with you!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">This was our first camping trip with </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf8YiP1-smhcoIJI44veGqoQjipZIA3_2VIJFtFUtuM6BIJEdSgQm1jwijR4L-BfN9JcfHMYDaUEB58G0YKBQ7EzcQPVQy5jsxTcTEsQihJR8wnKjhs9-aEDrkkfNIIFbG43rYTtyJ6ku/s1600/P1040825.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghf8YiP1-smhcoIJI44veGqoQjipZIA3_2VIJFtFUtuM6BIJEdSgQm1jwijR4L-BfN9JcfHMYDaUEB58G0YKBQ7EzcQPVQy5jsxTcTEsQihJR8wnKjhs9-aEDrkkfNIIFbG43rYTtyJ6ku/s320/P1040825.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486657069786411490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">two </span><span style="font-family:arial;">kids and a new tent but we were looked after somewhat by our experienced happy camper friends who'd organised the trip. Three families with young kids was great as the kids did entertain each other (although Max needs to learn that playing does not involve destroying every sandcastle made) and had fun together.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />We went over with <a href="http://www.ilot-tenia.com/">Bout d'Brousse</a>. The company had changed hands since last year but the guy who's bought it was a dude and they still have the fast yellow zodiacs. He was very friendly (and speaks good english) and didn't bat an eyelid at us bringing a 7 month old baby with us. She ate alot of sand. He dropped us off and checked we were good for water at the end of day one and - as expected - it was pretty exciting to be left on the island at the end of the day. Just us, some decent wine and a yummy dinner to cook.<br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dn2zdaD95p8NVWMLAC6y8mMXi8RX9JgblovJw4iGsVCgyNT9GjyunzoQx2m8SMXjemd55RvZMreizrWzwPKZLp0-NSZgrfmrqGKVp6-FA2xJ4BHosEHB8qsQD61UxDOYOQQ2iXChZMg_/s1600/P1040811.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 201px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-dn2zdaD95p8NVWMLAC6y8mMXi8RX9JgblovJw4iGsVCgyNT9GjyunzoQx2m8SMXjemd55RvZMreizrWzwPKZLp0-NSZgrfmrqGKVp6-FA2xJ4BHosEHB8qsQD61UxDOYOQQ2iXChZMg_/s320/P1040811.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486655128847423714" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">We had a great time. Camping with two littlies is not at all relaxing, but the spectacular surroundings make it all worthwhile. It did make me laugh that this beautiful picture of Polly in pink was taken at 5am. She had been very successful at keeping everyone awake for a good part of the night...hmmmm.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJTynE_oC8giaooyNgqi_F4caJlyJc6HifKf63LMguEQgxu1NEeTkW0lySLWTvefKoKFoz_Hxcc7PG38GVTyQKlWr8Ksb2ARzJjb6cCNOPnL3P_9Kqm62OQEMWQXXQXVmUiT_zaqxmsEk/s1600/P1040889.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJTynE_oC8giaooyNgqi_F4caJlyJc6HifKf63LMguEQgxu1NEeTkW0lySLWTvefKoKFoz_Hxcc7PG38GVTyQKlWr8Ksb2ARzJjb6cCNOPnL3P_9Kqm62OQEMWQXXQXVmUiT_zaqxmsEk/s320/P1040889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486655732668194114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><br />If you ever camp on Tenia remember to bring a shovel and brush - within 10 minutes of the tent going up it was filled with sand. Funny for a little while but the joke starts to lose its sparkle when you're trying to sleep with sand up your bum, in your eyes, under your knees and in your hair!<br /><br /><br /></span>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6994686645213129259.post-39850443257350651982010-05-17T15:13:00.004+11:002010-05-17T15:33:38.017+11:00Hotel Banu in La Foa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_uikJBihc31TwLhi0i_hzXyFBImAVDICF5buQNsyyedb7Tumr1WRkhpWoO30UWvyVVfu1x3py9lsUgUhRPY_h1hCqZsWzFqQZ1A6n_54tRq6GBHT9ySrt9ykCMJE0TZzjHr8-WWzxN7C/s1600/P1030953.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_uikJBihc31TwLhi0i_hzXyFBImAVDICF5buQNsyyedb7Tumr1WRkhpWoO30UWvyVVfu1x3py9lsUgUhRPY_h1hCqZsWzFqQZ1A6n_54tRq6GBHT9ySrt9ykCMJE0TZzjHr8-WWzxN7C/s320/P1030953.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472092226315093314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYNmw1msE18i4sSTQ29piZV89xsbYKr2OO7BmdzyIQ86gWpHZrJUz16rzQllvq0NeYaXBbBhdld3HysQ5WbamjZiJE3IJulolb-DXWHnBEYiSkhCGdii901I3t_BpqRBJ_yOetv5nKvTn/s1600/P1030971.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYNmw1msE18i4sSTQ29piZV89xsbYKr2OO7BmdzyIQ86gWpHZrJUz16rzQllvq0NeYaXBbBhdld3HysQ5WbamjZiJE3IJulolb-DXWHnBEYiSkhCGdii901I3t_BpqRBJ_yOetv5nKvTn/s320/P1030971.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472092219904741650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG-kr0JONcVbC28ZqfgePWx4V4L5Yc9ify2j8VhQ-j1i0GEmHOm6IHB92Bu28NuIQsKj0QrWulNToTaioH4mqfoDsQLiSDaiqqfZNKDU-PVNzsrCwHaRTvlHauJinOkfIxx2rwyjf9hab/s1600/P1030966.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKG-kr0JONcVbC28ZqfgePWx4V4L5Yc9ify2j8VhQ-j1i0GEmHOm6IHB92Bu28NuIQsKj0QrWulNToTaioH4mqfoDsQLiSDaiqqfZNKDU-PVNzsrCwHaRTvlHauJinOkfIxx2rwyjf9hab/s320/P1030966.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472092206580009618" /></a><br />This place is just a gem - yummy food, eccentric owners and decoration that was started in the 60s and just added to since then. The <a href="http://www.lafoatourisme.asso.nc/commune.asp?id=7">Hotel Banu</a> has a funny mixture of bungalows and almost dorm-style accommodation and it even has a pool out the back. What I like best about it, is that it's right on the main street and as soon as you walk in, you feel as if you are in the heart of La Foa. The coppers come in for their lunch, the locals, the tourists - everyone. <div> </div><div>The front bar is covered in hats - we added a NZ Defence force one in to the mix. You could spend an hour in there checking out where all these hats have come from. Walk through to the (airconditioned!) restaurant and you come into a mix of 60s/70s/80s kitch that is a little overwhelming and very entertaining. Go out the back and there's a little garden (complete with garden gnomes) and a row of toilets that Max thought was hilarious...</div><div> </div><div>As already mentioned - the food is delicious. And you can stop by for a plate of hot chips for the kids or a delicious slow-cooked stew that will fill you up for the rest of the day. We opted for a classic old roast chicken - copious and yummy.</div><div> </div><div>I think you could go up to many of the people having their lunch in the Banu and have a fascinating chat about the history of New Caledonia, 'Les Evenements' during the 80s and all of the many things that have spiced up this place's history. Everyone here greets you with a smile and I reckon that each wrinkle on their faces comes with a tale. </div><div> </div><div>If you're passing by La Foa, stop at the Banu - even if it's just for a coffee - it's totally worth it. </div>Nickyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12575874224009521268noreply@blogger.com0