Sea, Sun and Good Times

The sky and the bay below looked just fabulous early this morning, and with a good weather forecast we were sure everyone would have a good day.

We had a traditional breakfast - no croissants though. We had bread and cheese and ham that Vero had left us the night before. The bread is soooo good!  I can never understand why french people aren't the size of houses!  We called in to a boulangerie on the way to school for Baz's absolute necessity in the mornings - a long black.  There were many other delicacies there to tempt the eye....

The kids were all outside the gates with hundreds of others waiting for them to open when we arrived.  They were full of stories of what they'd done the night before and what they'd eaten etc.  Two parents had told Vero that they were concerned that their billets hadn't eaten much.  Two had felt a bit homesick during the evening but I think that the excitement and tiredness after such a long and eventful day had made them a bit susceptible. They certainly ate with the rest of us in the school canteen for our welcome breakfast and they have been happy during the day.

                                                            Arriving at the school gate

                                                                  About to begin our day

                                                                  Yep, we're a bit crazy!

                                Jean Mariotti students walking to where they all line up before class.

                                      A place to escape the sun during break and lunchtimes

                                        Lining up outside the school canteen for breakfast

We had a lovely breakfast and then caught the bus into town to the Melanesian Museum.  They have a fantastic display of artifacts and carvings from all the indiginous people around the Pacific. Michael told us about his time living in Vanuatu which was interesting.

                                                     Queueing up for brekky!

                                                               Am I doing this right??

                                                                   Juice anyone?

                                                      Fresh fruit to cleanse the palate..

                                                                       The kitchen

Two happy campers!

After looking through the museum, we were taught a traditional dance from the island of Lifou - one of the Loyalty islands to the west of Le Grand Terre, which is the biggest island in New Caledonia. The guy who taught the dance this year spoke virtually no English so chatted away in French - at the speed of light I might say, so after interjecting with translations every minute or so I was exhausted after an hour of intense concentration listening to him and relaying meaning to the kids!  (Camille was a definite asset too!) Once again, I so wished I could stay here long enough to become far more proficient in the language!

Loving it!

'

                                                       With Veronique, the french teacher

                                            On the steps of the Jean Mariotti admin block

                                                             

                                                                    Inside the Museum

              Outside a Case, which is a traditional kanak house. The style varies slightly according to which tribe built it.

                             Learning the traditional Yam dance - performed by men when they wanted to date someone!  Guys have it easy these days!  Far easier now to impress a chick!

Performing to the rhythm of the drums.

We then caught the bus from the Museum to Anse Vata beach to supposedly paddleboard but we couldn't even windsurf because it was so windy!  It would have been too difficult for the kids to get the sail up. We decided to try again later in the week so we walked around to Baie des Citrons where it is extremely sheltered.  It was beautiful around there and we spent 2 1/2 hours just swimming and frolicking on the beach - an awesome pastime when you know everyone at home is feeling chilly!  There had been a dolphin in the bay over the weekend and quite a few of the kids saw it, but it was gone this afternoon unfortunately.  We all had an icecream from the absolutely moreish Italian icecream/gelato shop before we walked back to school - a big hit with everyone that's for sure!

                                                          A windy Anse Vata beach

                                                                    Anse Vata

                                              Discovering sea creatures at Baie des Citrons

                   Beach Babes!  Luckily no real french beach babes to explain away this time.....

Getting changed on the beach french style! - no such things as changing sheds here!

The kids had a great day. Jaz said to tell her Mum and Dad that it's just awesome! I'm thrilled to see the quieter kids bubbling away as well.  They ate a range of things last night for dinner although Annie's family had spicy rice she wasn't so keen on.  I'm hoping they all are more confident tonight and greet us happily in the morning before we head off to the Mayoral reception and then Daniel Talon Primary school.

Au revoir from the beautiful french Pacific!

Colleen