Tag Archives: Ursula Wicker

November 17, 2014 · 5:35 am

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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November 10, 2014 · 5:35 am

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:

Window on the Rocks
Australian Heritage Hotel on Cumberland Street
Initials is the shadow of the Coat Hanger
Campbell’s Cove

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November 5, 2014 · 5:35 am

The Cockles of Sydney’s Heart — Cockle Bay


Darling Harbour in Cockle Bay

Darling Harbour in Cockle Bay

Sydney is one of the great walking cities of the world, in my view.  I absolutely love strolling around every bit of it.  One of nooks and crannies not to be missed is Cockle Bay, site of Darling Harbour and the Australian National Maritime Museum.

Darling Harbour ferry terminal

Darling Harbour ferry terminal

A short walk west from Sydney’s central business district will take you to Cockle Bay, and you can then walk across the bay using the Pyrmont Bridge — a pedestrian swing bridge that was closed off to vehicular traffic in 1981.  Unfortunately the monorail system that traversed the bridge along elevated tracks to connect the central business district with Darling Harbour was decommissioned June of last year and subsequently removed.

Pyrmont Bridge

Pyrmont Bridge

Once you cross the Pyrmont Bridge you’ll arrive at Darling Harbor.

Beneath Pyrmont Bridge on the Darling Harbour side of Cockle Bay

Beneath Pyrmont Bridge on the Darling Harbour side of Cockle Bay

Take a few moments to visit the sights and perhaps even take a tour of the Harbourside Shopping Centre for some interesting shops and fun-looking restaurants.

Harbourside Shopping Centre

Harbourside Shopping Centre

But when you decide to go back, forgo a return trip on the Pyrmont Bridge and instead hoof it around the bay.  It’s not that long a walk, and you’ll see other interesting shops, clubs, bars, and restuarants along the way.

Looking across Cockle Bay from Darling Harbour

Looking across Cockle Bay from Darling Harbour

Strolling along Cockle Bay's eastern shore back toward the business center

Strolling along Cockle Bay’s eastern shore back toward the business center

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