I wanted to travel to Lifou to spend some time on that island. There are basically two ways to get there from Grande Terre (if we leave aside for a second the biblical option), one being the airplane, the other the large catamaran „Betico 2“. I chose to take the latter. The disadvantages are theContinue reading “Part the waters. Or take the Betico 2”
Category Archives: New Caledonia
Joseph and the coconut
Several things are not quite accurate about the title of this article. “Joseph” is fine, and so is the word “coconut”. But it should read either „Joseph and the coconuts“, or „Sebastian and his coconut“, or perhaps even „Joseph, the vanilla garden, and the coconut tree“. I don’t know why, but for some reason IContinue reading “Joseph and the coconut”
The hammock
I need a hammock. That’s basically all there is to say. I need a hammock. It’s not about me wanting one, no. It’s essential. A MUST, as they say in French (and I hope you’re getting the pronunciation right here). And don’t get me wrong: I don’t demand palm trees. Or 30 degrees Celsius inContinue reading “The hammock”
Let there be landscape!
Having spent the last ten days or so in New Caledonia, I have managed to travel a bit and to see some corners of the main island, Grande Terre. I guess it’s time to share some classic, old-school landscape shots with you, okay maybe with one or two exceptions. They aren’t in any particular order,Continue reading “Let there be landscape!”
Some New Caledonian birds (part I)
During the first ten days of my stay here on New Caledonia (Grande Terre), I’ve already had the pleasure of seeing a number of different bird species. Some of them are endemic to the archipelago, which means they cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Others, on the other hand, shouldn’t be here atContinue reading “Some New Caledonian birds (part I)”
The heron and the fish
This is the sad story of a fatal encounter between a hungry heron and a fish. Well, sad for fifty percent of the protagonists… All others were quite content, as one can assume. The Pacific reef heron (also known as the Pacific reef egret, Egretta sacra, Riffreiher, Aigrette sacrée) is a very handsome bird. IContinue reading “The heron and the fish”
AAAA
You might know that AA stands for the Automobile Association of Great Britain, the UK’s largest motoring organisation. And then there’s AAA, of course, the American Automobile Association, a federation of motor clubs throughout North America. But AAAA? I admit that, until very recently, I also hadn’t the faintest idea that this could possibly beContinue reading “AAAA”
A change of scenery
After a week in the hills of Sarraméa and Farino, I felt like going to the seaside. So I packed my bags and drove northward along the west coast of Grande Terre. I am at Poé plage now, which belongs to the little town of Bourail. It is still part of the Southern Province ofContinue reading “A change of scenery”
Ariane
It was a privilege and an honour to get to know Ariane over the past few days. And now, equally, it is my pleasure to introduce her to you, my global audience. But who is she? Well, Ariane works at Refuge de Farino, where I spent the last five days, and this is how weContinue reading “Ariane”
Pleased to meet you, SCO
You will now learn how I spent the first 48 hours on Grande Terre, New Caledonia’s main island. At La Tontouta airport I tried in vain to buy a SIM card. It was a few minutes past 5 pm on a Friday – week-end! Almost everything was closed, even the restrooms. Fortunately not the carContinue reading “Pleased to meet you, SCO”
Okay, but why New Caledonia?
Why on earth then did you travel to the other side of the planet, of all places? I hear you ask. Well, I’m glad you asked that question. I admit that it is not entirely without justification, and I have had some time to prepare my answer. Let me start off by telling you thatContinue reading “Okay, but why New Caledonia?”
Bonjour, Nouvelle-Calédonie!
No, don’t worry, I will not continue writing in French… I don’t have much to write yet anyway, having arrived less than 24 hours ago at Tontouta airport. All I can say is that things have been going smoothly so far. And I am looking forward to a first rendezvous this afternoon: the local ornithologistsContinue reading “Bonjour, Nouvelle-Calédonie!”
My Pacific Travel Blog 