Being an archipelago, New Caledonia (or Kanaky, if you prefer) is much characterised by the Pacific Ocean in various shapes and forms. One such form is the lagoon of Ouvéa. Those of you with a good memory will recall that I spent several days on this little island last December in search of , amongContinue reading “Staring at the sea”
Category Archives: December
Wobbly mattresses
Full title of this article: Wobbly mattresses and other things to keep you busy on your first day of the school holidays. Main protagonists of the story:the aforementioned wobbly mattresses (two),a broom,a door,a curtain,a wall,little boys (three),an unimpressed dog,(a photographer). It’s the first day of “les vacances”on the island of Lifou. Well, strictly speaking, schoolContinue reading “Wobbly mattresses”
The ghost of the forest
For some strange reason, I have earned myself the reputation of being the German gentleman who likes to play it safe. (If you really, really want to have all the background info, just watch Kane Williams’ travel video). Now, there is indeed no denying the fact that ‘no risk, no fun’ isn’t really my lifeContinue reading “The ghost of the forest”
Christmas in the lagoon
We have already established two important facts with regard to Christmas 2019 in New Caledonia: Firstly, yes, they do know it’s Christmas. And secondly, I had the huge privilege to spend a wonderful Christmas Eve among complete strangers (now friends). But that’s not even the whole story! More miracles were to happen. Ever since myContinue reading “Christmas in the lagoon”
Friends old and new (part 1)
One evening, a few days before Christmas, I happened to wander around Noumea’s Place des Cocotiers. I had met with Kane (my fellow traveller) and another guy called Jérémy to eat a falafel (slow and expensive, but delicious). Afterwards Kane was searching for some yoga friends in the crowded square, and I kind of followedContinue reading “Friends old and new (part 1)”
Lunar landscapes
It was one of my last days in New Caledonia. Kane (he of Fellow Travellers fame) and I had gone to the wonderful Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue in the south of Grande Terre – he for some hiking and sightseeing, I mainly for the remarkable bird life there. The park closed its gatesContinue reading “Lunar landscapes”
Hilltop hikes
While I was staying with them in Nelson for four days, my friends Yulia and Yarek took me to a number of really interesting spots in the northwestern part of South Island. We went for lovely walks amid breathtaking scenery (let’s say they were moderate hikes), and some decent birds were also seen. On theContinue reading “Hilltop hikes”
Tiritiri matangi
A man is an island. No, wait a second. A man VISITED an island. Yes, that’s it. (Hang on, I think I got it all wrong anyway. NO man is an island. Well, let’s better forget about this…) Anyway, so on my first (and in fact, only) full day in Auckland I went on aContinue reading “Tiritiri matangi”
Kia ora!
I’m ready for the next chapter! So much yet to be written about my previous destinations, though. I wonder how I’m gonna cope with that… My hostel in downtown Auckland may look like the least glamorous abode from the outside, but it’s really nice inside. Plus, I have a great view from my window! TheContinue reading “Kia ora!”
Do they know it´s Christmas?
They sure do! There is simply no escape from Christmas. Not that that had been my intention when I set off to far-off destinations six weeks ago. Of course I was prepared to see Christmas celebrated in the south Pacific too. But the sheer scale of it certainly exceeds my expectations… First some impressions fromContinue reading “Do they know it´s Christmas?”
Particular parrots
In Germany, not many people will know the meaning of the words ‘endemism’ or ‘endemic species’. Well, not unless they’re biologists or at least interested in natural history. I guess the same applies to the rest of Europe as well. An endemic species is one which only occurs in a particular restricted area, e.g. anContinue reading “Particular parrots”
Ouvéa landscapes
Like Lifou (and some other islands), the New Caledonian island of Ouvéa is part of the Iles Loyauté which lie in the south Pacific east of Grande Terre. It shares many of their characterics such as the origin of an atoll based on corals, a very flat relief and plenty of access to the sea.Continue reading “Ouvéa landscapes”
_OTAL
On my first evening on Ouvéa this week I took my photo equipment and went to the beach to take pictures of the sunset. Well, not the sunset as such, but rather the lagoon and the beach after the sun had gone. I thought it looked rather beautiful. However, the more interesting stuff was yetContinue reading “_OTAL”
What´s in a name?
I have a new name now. Call me ouah-ouah. Last week, as you know, I spent a couple of days on Lifou island. I stayed with Ferdinand and his family (they merit an article of their own, yet to be written; so please be patient). They speak a wonderful mixture of Drehu (their local vernacularContinue reading “What´s in a name?”
Nolly´s birthday
Last Saturday (last week, i.e. before my trip to Lifou island) I was invited to a birthday party. My friend Larissa, whom I got to know back in June 2014 and with whom I’ve kept contact ever since, organised a party for her son Nolly’s fifth birthday. All the family and many friends from theContinue reading “Nolly´s birthday”
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