Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, is a city of contrasts. The language and signs are French, but most of the people you see around the streets are Kanak. The "old town" near the port is definitely in need of some urban renewal. The newer suburbs around the resorts are fine. This small bear suggests that you do not try to get a taxi in the old town. It took the Oldies over an hour to literally fight their way into one; the crowds are pushy and the taxi drivers are rude. Forget it unless you have local currency, they will not take Aussie or American dollars. However, there are shops and markets. Mum has been there before and knows the game. With 1 Aussie dollar being 85 South Pacific Francs she always feels like a millionaire when she does the money exchange. One of the fun ways to get around Noumea is on the Chou-chou road trains. They go around all the main tourist stops. We spent the morning (what was left of it after the taxi fiasco) at Anse Vata bay. This is a good swimming spot and has the necessary shops for souvenir browsing and trying real French crepes and coffee. You probably think that the last photo is of a lighthouse, but in fact it is the OPT telecom tower. It had me confused for a while as it would be a great location for a lighthouse. Actually it is on a great lookout spot for views over the port and Noumea.
Labels: boats, cruising, Noumea
# posted by Bart Bear @ 11:34 am
