Sunday, September 28, 2014

Arrival

It is early Monday morning. I have woken at 4am. There is a 2 hour time difference, so I think our bodies are going to need some adjusting time.

We have a full day ahead of us with snorkelling this afternoon, but we finally arrived to warm and cloudy Noumea half an hour after our scheduled time of arrival. The flight struck heavy turbulence, somewhere around halfway. The stewardesses gave up serving drinks - I think they were worried about tea and coffee spilling and burning someone. So we were all rather relieved to spot the beautiful, blue jewelled islands dotted across the ocean as we began the descent into New Caledonia.

Most of the host families were waiting patiently in the airport. As we got off the plane we walked down a glassed corridor where they were waving to us, but we still had to clear customs and collect baggage, and queue at the toilets! I don't think anyone had wanted to go to the toilet on the plane - too  bumpy!

We all cleared customs really easily and walked out to meet the families, who were so lovely and welcoming. One of the families had bought a lei for one of the lucky girls!

The ones that were left, just two girls and the three adults, took the chartered bus into the city. It is about 20 minutes drive from the airport, and we were so thrilled to be here, driving on the wrong side of the road, and taking in all the beautiful scenery. It's very green, and quite mountainous. Little villages and houses dotted along the road - some of the houses are painted very bright colours, and the trees and flowers are beautiful. I can't wait to take some photos of the different foliage.


The harbour in Noumea is so incredibly beautiful. There were lots of families and couples walking along the beach edge. We even saw some swimming.

We arrived at our hotel on the Bay de Citreon, and are getting ready for our full day ahead. Looking forward to hearing how everyone's first night has gone. We hope to take the kids snorkelling out to this little island later today for the snorkel trail.



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