Saturday – December 1, 2018
We just had two days “At Sea” cruising the South Pacific Ocean on the Holland America Cruise Ship: M.S. Amsterdam. They kept us busy with lectures, activities, and entertainment in the Main Stage Theater. We also had plenty of time to relax and enjoy a pampered lifestyle.
Today we arrived in Noumea which is the capital and largest city of the French islands of Nouvelle Caledonie. Noumea is situated on a peninsula in the southern part of New Caledonia’s main island, Grande Terre. The city lies on a protected deep-water harbor and is one of the most industrialized cities in the South Pacific due to the island’s nickel and gold mines.
Although French is the main language on the island, New Caledonia is a unique mix of French and Melanesian cultures. During World War II, Noumea served as the headquarters of the U. S. military in the South Pacific. We found an active market just off the harbor.
Fresh fish and produce were set up in permanent structures. Tents were set up in the back for clothes, beach equipment, souvenirs, tee-shirts, etc.
Two men played island music behind one of the produce stands:
This tropical tree blooms in December all over the South Pacific islands. Someone said they call it their Christmas tree.
There was a downtown with a quiet main street which led into the center of Noumea.
The weather was hot (in the high 80s) and very humid. It didn’t feel like Christmas! We strolled back to the ship and cooled off in our air conditioned cabin.
A cooling breeze blew across the harbor. Later, we watched the sun set over the Pacific while the Amsterdam sailed away from Noumea, Nouvelle Caledonie.
