Next Stop — Nouméa, New Caledonia

Nouméa Graffiti

The upper left portion of the above picture gives you our first port of call following the MS Oosterdam’s departure from Sydney, Australia.  Yes, it’s Nouméa, the capital of New Caledonia.

Nouméa

New Caledonia is currently undergoing a transition from French control to total autonomy.  As such, New Caledonia is no longer a French Overseas Collectivity.  Rather, New Caledonia enjoys a unique though temporary designation known as Special Collectivity.

Nouméa Bougainvillea

As for Nouméa, Ursula and I found it to be a colorful destination to say the least.  Even the graffiti is entertaining.

Nouméa Graffiti

We spent much of the day walking around town, and you’ll see more of that on Wednesday.  But as the day grew long and our feet grew tired we hopped a city bus and did headed to areas beyond the city proper.

Nouméa Beach

We rode the bus to the end stop and then took it back into town.  Along the way we got a look at some great beaches.

Nouméa Beach

In town we found sights such as Moselle Bay.

Nouméa

I also enjoyed seeing the various automobiles used by the residents.

Tight Parking

Until Wednesday I’ll leave you with two more shots of that exquisite street art.

Nouméa Graffiti

Nouméa Graffiti