Noumea is a very nice town. Of course it was hot and humid. There were occasional, but brief, showers. But the town is large enough to have amenities while small enough to not be overwhelming. The town is at the southern tip of a 300 mile long by 50 mile wide island. The harbor is surrounded by small islands and the town has many beaches and hills. New Caledonia if French and considering independence.
In the harbor, we were greeted by a fire boat spouting water.
Noumea Morning
At the cruise terminal, there was a group performing traditional music and dances.
Noumea Greeting
Since our excursion wasn’t until mid-morning, Janice and I went out and checked out the daily market where food, flowers, and other local goods were available.
The three of us went on a tour of the town on “Le Petite Train.” (New Caledonia is a French possession, so French is the official language.)
Le Petite Train
First we stopped for refreshment on a tour boat in the harbor because they feared that it would rain on the usual refreshment stop on one of the hills overlooking the town. They served a very nice French cider in addition to soft drinks.
Then we drove around the coast past several bays and beaches.
A Noumea Beach
Another Noumea Beach
Then up onto on of the hills for a panoramic view of another part of the shoreline. It was spectacular.
A Noumea View
On down into the town, past some of the oldest homes, and up to another hill top.
Another Noumea View
Then it was past the main plaza and back to the ship.
After lunch Janice and I went back into town and found free, if slow, Wifi at McDonald’s. Across the street there is a memorial to the USA for its help during the second world war.
Memorial to America
Across the other street is the cultural museum with a statue combining several traditional elements.
Noumea Cultural Centre
Detail
Although the men’s clothing was vary similar to what you might see in the states, the women—particularly older women—could often be seen in a typical dress not unlike the Hawaiian mu mu.
Common Noumea Women
To round out the cultural experience, and since we were at port until midnight, the evening show was the Maeva Tahiti Folkloric show by a local group.
Maeva Tahiti Folkloric Show