Tag Archives: R. Doug Wicker

Next Stop — Nouméa, New Caledonia


Nouméa Graffiti

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

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

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

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

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

Nouméa Beach

In town we found sights such as Moselle Bay.

Nouméa

Nouméa

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

Tight Parking

Tight Parking

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

Nouméa Graffiti

Nouméa Graffiti

Nouméa Graffiti

Nouméa Graffiti

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Fun Photo Friday — The Rocks and Birdcages


Is it Street Art . . . ?

Is it Street Art . . . ?

Take a look at the image above.  What do you see?

Are you sure?

. . . or is it Street Stairs?

. . . or is it Street Stairs?

Now for some not-so-optical illusions:

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Bartender — I’ll Have a Sydney on The Rocks


Campbell's Cove

Campbell’s Cove

There is an area in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge known as “The Rocks.”  It lies, more or less, in the area from Circular Quay along the western edge of Sydney Cove to Dawes Point.  It is here that the first settlers from England set up home back on January 26, 1788.

George Street, The Rocks

George Street, The Rocks

Contained within The Rocks area are winding streets, charming façades, and reasonably priced dining establishments (comparatively speaking).  That last item is no small feat in overpriced Sydney, which is now many times more expensive than it was on my previous visits.  One such dining establishment is inside the Harbour View Hotel on the corner of Lower Front and Cumberland Streets.  Make your way upstairs to the third floor for a fun outdoor dining experience (if it’s not raining, as it was on our visit), or sit inside near the bar.  Both Ursula and I had pizzas.  Her toppings included kangaroo — tasty, but a bit on the springy side as it kind of bounced back on you when you chew.  Sorry.  Couldn’t resist that one, but it was on the chewy side.

I hope you enjoy more shots of The Rocks area in today’s photo gallery:

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