Day 4 - Noumea, New Caledonia

We arrived sometime early in the morning and awoke to see the ship docking into the port from our cabin window. With the warm humid air of the south pacific around us, we made our way down for breakfast to have something to eat. Once we were full and filled with energy to head off, we came down the gangway to be greeted by the hot stifling humidity, at 8.45am.

The first hour or so was spent aimlessly wandering around the town (they call it a city, but lets be honest here and have a think about it – the failure to have any buildings taller than 3 stories does removes any opportunity they have in calling this town a city).

Once we had finally decided that aimlessly wandering in this humidity and heat was waste of one’s energy, we decided on a plan of action (well, I did), and visited the visitor information office to find out how to get to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre. Bus ticket and map in hand, we ventured out to test out the public transport of Noumea. Boarding a non-air-conditioned bus, the French influence certainly became clear. Like the hordes of Renaults, Peugeots and Citroens, the French have also passed on they’re driving and parking skills on to the New Caledonians. I do believe the concept of braking and accelerating smoothly is foreign to the people of Noumea, something that does not provide the most comforting ride on a bus while standing in the aisle.

A 30min bus ride later and we arrived at the Tjibaou cultural centre only to find that like all of New Caledonia’s tourist attractions are closed on a Monday, and guess what? We had arrived on the Monday! So not only was the cultural centre closed, so were the aquarium, museums and the zoo. Thanks to P&O for providing us with so many tourist choices here in Noumea! Instead, we caught the bus right back to the city and wandered down to the supermarket (confusingly called Casino) where we bought some necessities such as coke, water and chocolate… It was then right back on the ship for lunch, finding out that the lunches served in the Palm Court dining room are very nice (we had been eating at the buffet until now).

Another lazy afternoon spent in the cabin resting before making it up onto deck to watch the ship sailaway. While leaving, it brought out the joke usually reserved for Adelaide and changed with a marine twist – “What is the best view of Noumea?” “The view of it as we sail away…”