Our stop yesterday was on one of the islands of New Caledonia.

New Caledonia was first settled by the Austronesian-speaking Lapita people around 1,500 BCE. Their descendants, the Kanak people, developed a distinct Melanesian culture based on clan-based societies, agriculture, and extensive trade networks.  In 1853 France annexed New Caledonia under Emperor Napoleon III, making it a penal colony. Thousands of French convicts and political prisoners (including Communards from the Paris Commune) were sent there. In 1946 New Caledonia became an overseas territory of France. Kanaks were granted French citizenship, but economic and social inequalities remained In 1980s: The Kanak independence movement, led by the Front de Libération Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), gained momentum, leading to violent conflicts (the “Events” of 1984–1988).  Three referendums (2018, 2020, 2021) were held, with voters choosing to remain part of France, though the 2021 vote was boycotted by the independence movement Political tensions continue between pro-France loyalists and Kanak nationalists, with discussions about New Caledonia’s future ongoing.

Our course Nana once we got off the ship, headed right towards the cathedral.  It was St. Josepth’s Cathedral where she said some prayers for Joe.  We then headed of on the local train.  You know Papa can’t resist a train.  While this was a road train it was still a great way to see the city and learn about the culture.  We saw some great views and learned about the island.

We then embarked on a second excursion to Duck Island Marine Reserve.  We had a short van ride from the ship to a zodiac where it whisked us away to a small island that has been designated as a marine reserve.  There we went snorkeling and some colorful coral as well as many varieties of fishes and marine life.  They even had a “snorkeling path” that you could take to see different sights.  Nana really enjoyed her snorkeling and Papa had a great time too.  The island had a restaurant and bar on it but not much was happening other than people from the ship.

We now have 2 sea days and then Sydney where we will have two days and will be staying overnight in the harbor.