New Caledonia is located in the Coral Sea between Fiji and Australia.
Got off the ship and went over to "Le Marche", the colorful market on the
waterfront where fishermen unload their catch. There is also a large
selection of fruit, vegetables, flowers, fresh baked breads and French
pastries. Since one wants to immerse themselves in a culture I just had to
have a taste of one of the delicious pastries! There were also stalls with
souvenirs and arts and crafts items - was planning to browse here when I got
back from the hills, but did not make it back in time since the market and
stalls here close mid-day. I am sure there is nothing I needed to buy.
Walked over to Place des Cocotiers, a park located in the heart of the city
with a band rotunda that dates back to the 1880s. This is also where the
night market is held with a theme that changes each week.
Decided to get some exercise and hike to the next stop and take in the
sights along the way. When close, but not yet at my destination, we were
given a ride by a very nice Frenchman by the name of Horst. He was a retired
English and history teacher and treated us to hidden gem - a lookout that
was not on any map, with 360 degree views.
Arrived our destination, the Parc Zoological and Forestier and spent several
hours walking along the paths through the gardens, viewing the animals and
birds that reside here and stopping to enjoy the viewpoints. I have never
seen so many peacocks roaming around in one place. I was treated to a show
by one male peacock as he began his courting dance - unfortunately for him,
the female peacock was not as impressed as I was and walked off!
Began the trek back down the hill and after going through a maze of
stairways and a shortcut though a local school playground (the mistress took
pity on us), we made it to St. Joseph's Cathedral. This church was built in
1888 using convict labor with lovely stained glass windows and can be seen
from the harbor.
After a long day and more than 15 miles, time to get back on the ship!
