Noumea – My first time!
I wrote most of this in the plane on the 16th of September but did not have a chance to upload it until now!
So I’ve been in New Caledonia now for 11 months and had not gone to the capital city Noumea yet! The closest I’ve been to Noumea is the airport, which is just over half an hour away. Took the opportunity to go there before flying home.
First thing I had to do, shave.
I kept the moustache for a day. Why? For lols. I cut the rest off just before leaving.
It was five of us going down to Noumea. Josh, Ray, Boon, Nic and myself. This is the trip, in pictures Here is us leaving site.
Had to fill up petrol, Boon was wearing some cool shorts. Nic took the opportunity for a smoke. Had to keep telling him that he can’t smoke at a petrol station!
At the halfway-stop, we came across the bus-load going to the airport. Boon stopped for some nems and we saw William and Scott there!
It was a long drive to Noumea, over 3.5 hours I think. Ray was tired.
Went to the airport to pick up another car
I went inside and saw William again!
He came to join us for a moment outside.
From the airport to Noumea, I saw a lot of construction.
and also saw Boon overtaking.
As Noumea came closer to us, I saw famous landmarks, such as SLN.
and then it felt as if we entered a city.
Right by the water.
First we went to Le Meridien where Nic and Josh would stay.
Mirror shot while waiting to get into the lift.
Mirror shot again inside the lift.
Inside the room, there was a nice welcome snack.
Nic was demonstrating that it was possible for three guys to share 2 beds.
The bathroom had an interest feature… a window!
Look inside the window!
And then another mirror selfie, with my Qantas consolation prize (ie. when they misplaced my baggage)
Nice hotel!
Then Ray, Boon and I checked into our hotel, Nouvata Pacifique.
Not as fancy as Le Meridien, but I can smile at the money I saved,
We went out to get a snack.
Went to a Pizza and Pasta place, which was quite expensive. Then realised what people were talking about – it’s expensive in Noumea. They must be used to Japanese tourists because we were offered Japanese menus.
We sat outside, under red light.
I had a pizza.
Ray had pasta.
Then we went to Nic’s hotel.
and they ate Japanese food. I was too full, so I took photos of them instead.
Then we went up to the hotel room.
Nice view outside.
and they had some to drink.
Then we went to the Casino as Nic wanted to try his luck. We were in and out within 15 minutes. Nic won about $100 and we walked out.
I saw a big icecream.
Then we went to poplight, a nice place on the water. There was a Jukebox Champions show on. Not my preferred kind of music, but entertaining nonetheless.
You can see, I wear earplugs to protect my ears.
Boon was having a good time.
This is what poplight looks like from outside.
It was cool, standing on the outside, you could see fish and seasnake swimming underneath.
Then we left, to go to MV Lounge. We walked there. I jogged, but Boon (Mr Fitness) refused to jog!
We got there and saw Aurelie.
Nic used his casino winnings to buy Champaign.
Then we left and walked home. Boon drank too much.
Ray and Nic helped him walk.
He wanted to give up.
But we encouraged him.
Ray helped Boon get the alcohol out of his system, then I went to bed after 4am. Later I woke up, and could still hear Boon clearing his system.
In the morning, I got up and by 8:30am, I was out, walking.
This is poplight by day!
I walked up the hill at Ouen Toro, and enjoyed the view
Stayed up there for a while, then made my way down.
I went to the supermarket, bought some water and baguettes and headed back to the room.
Got back to the room at 11:30, Ray and Boon were still in bed. I ate a whole baguette, and then Ray got up. Then Nic came over and we went to get more food, while Boon stayed in bed (the whole day).
Ray had a chicken.
I had a burger.
and an awesome banana thickshake.
After this, we went to Duck Island.
and then went snorkelling.
The fish would swim all around us!
Then we relaxed at the beach.
We went back to the hotel, Nic and Josh went back to site.
Then we went out for dinner. Stone grill.
Boon was still recovering.
I went for another banana thickshake.
Then we brought Boon to the airport, as he was flying to Korea.
The next morning, Ray and I went out for breakfast.
At a place called Malongo.
I had a brunch set.
When checking out, we were standing at the reception, the receptionist lady saw us and said “Konnichiwa!” We thought she was talking to the other man walking past, until she kept looking at us, then Ray asked “are you talking to us??”. It was funny! hor… hor hor!!
Then we got to the airport, went into the lounge to relax for a bit.
Then into the plane.