We awoke this morning to blue sunny skies and a wonderful refreshing breeze. After breakfast (not a speedy process at out hotel!), we boarded buses for a ride around town. We began with a the market visit. The market was very clean and neat, unlike some that one sees abroad.

On our way to the aquarium, we stopped at a scenic overlook for photos and a view of the city skyline. We then made a quick visit to the little aquarium.

We walked down the beach and had lunch at Le Faré du Palm Beach. We enjoyed a delicious Croque Monsier and local beer.

After lunch we walked back up the beach to our hotel. Water sports are very popular here and we have been watching the amazing Ski Jumpers.

This afternoon we visited a cultural center and enjoyed canapes while we were touring. We also visited a local Kanak village and met the chief. Rob and Bob presented him with some gifts from National Geographic.

NOTES:The Jean-Marie Tjibaou Cultural Centre (French: Centre culturel Tjibaou), on the narrow Tinu Peninsula, approximately 5 miles Northeast of the capital of New Caledoni celebrates the vernacular Kanak culture, the indigenous culture of New Caledonia, amidst much political controversy over the independent status sought by some Kanaks from French rule. It opened in June 1998 and was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and named after Jean-Marie Tjibaou, the leader of the independence movement who was assassinated in 1989 and had had a vision of establishing a cultural centre which blended the linguistic and artistic heritage of the Kanak people. The Kanak building traditions and the resources of modern international architecture were blended by Piano. The formal curved axial layout, 820 ft long on the top of the ridge, contains ten large conical cases or pavilions (all of different dimensions) patterned on the traditional Kanak Grand Hut design. The building is surrounded by landscaping, which is also inspired by traditional Kanak design elements. Marie Claude Tjibaou, widow of Jean Marie Tjibaou and current leader of the Agency for the development of Kanak Culture, observed: “We, the Kanaks, see it as a culmination of a long struggle for the recognition of our identity; on the French Government’s part it is a powerful gesture of restitution.

We had dinner at Le Roof with Nick, Don & Jeanane. Le Roof is a unique over water restaurant with a menu of French and Caledonian specialties. The meal was delicious and we enjoyed watching the Dolphins, eel, grouper and sea urchin in the waters below our table.

Upon our return from dinner we found a chocolate birthday cake from NG staff in our room. We enjoyed the cake with the gifted champagne from the airplane crew. What a great 2nd Birthday!!