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Noumea.
Our final stop yesterday was the island of Grand Terre and the town of noumea, part of New Caledonia.
We had to dock at the working port section of the harbour, because our ship is too long to dock at the main cruise terminal.
Because we were at a working but there was no wandering around allowed once we got off the ship. We had to get straight onto a shuttle bus which would then drive you to, either the town, or to your tour destination.
This port of call is the only one where we had an actual tour booked with Princess.
We were off kayaking! We were on the bus on our way to the kayaking place when, without warning, the bus turned around and drove back to the port.... it turns out we had to return for one late passenger. he was soundly booed and heckled when he got onto the bus and, when he made some lame excuse, he was booed even more!
Once at the kayaking place, it seemed to take an inordinate amount of time to brief everyone about the boats and safety et cetera.
After what seemed like an age, we were finally in the water and kayaking up the beautiful Dumbea river. Dave and I were in a double kayak with Dave at the front and me behind. We did better than either of us expected... even managing to go in a straight line when required.
The river was a bit low in places and, at those spots, we needed to get out and drag the kayak over rocks until the water was deep enough again. After around thirty minutes of kayaking we reached a spot which the guide said was good for swimming. Most of the group, around twenty people, stayed there and swam but a few of us decided that we had paid to kayak and headed off further down the river.
This section was probably the best bit and it was probably because only two people came with us. Really pretty stretch of river and no screaming teenagers trying to tip each other out of their boats lol.
We carried on kayaking with no guide until we thought it was time to head back. I think we both enjoyed it but felt that we could have organised it better without princess.
Once back at port we headed into town. Noumea is a funny place... very French with tons of French ex pats living on the island alongside the native New Caledonians. They can work there with no visa and, with the island setting and gorgeous weather, it's popular.
A lot of the shops were closed for lunch when we got to town and so we had a beer at a cafe before exploring. The further we got from the town the less safe it felt.... there were people skulking in alleys with hoodies up and others covering their faces with their shirts. There were no interesting shops further out of town anyway.... so we headed back.
Whilst parts of what we saw were pretty.... it's not a place I'd rush back to because it lacked the character of some of the other, smaller, islands we have visited.
I think that possibly other towns on Grand Terre would be a lot nicer to visit but, perhaps, not so easily reacted.
On our way back to the ship we noticed a lady struggling and looking like she might pass out. Dave and I helped her to the cafe we had the beer in and they sat her in front of a fan to cool her down. It was very hot....she was really old and we knew she was from the ship, it was worrying really. I saw a lady from the cafe help the old lady into the shuttle bus and Dave and I got on too.
She was right at the front and, from our position at the back of the bus, we could see she was almost slipping sideways from her seat.
Once we reached the port, Dave and I got off one of the rear exits and kept an eye on the lady as she made her way to the ramp leading up to the ship. I saw her knees buckling and We ran over and grabbed her whilst another lady took her bags. We got her to the lift where it turns out she's on floor eleven, the same as us.
Because I'd left my bags with the other woman, I didn't go into the lift but I asked others in there to make sure she got back to her room. Dave and me then grabbed our bags and ran up to floor eleven. We looked down the long corridor where the cabins are and saw the old lady some fifty meters away.... alone again and walking slowly away from us. Suddenly, she buckled again and fell face first against the wall, only her arms wrapped around the handrail keeping her up. Later Dave said that he didn't initially see her go, he just saw me throw my bag down before sprinting down the corridor.
We reached her before she hit the deck and helped her toward her cabin. The lady told us that she cut her leg the other day, it looked nasty, but hadn't seen the ship doctor. She said that she felt really dizzy but just a lay down would help. Because we were so worried about leaving her, once we got her safe in her cabin, Dave and I ran back down the stairs and told customer services. They assured us that they would send the doctor to see her and keep checking on her.
We could both see how the heat can get to someone of the lady's age... it got to us too! Hopefully she's okay now.
The evening was spent in crooners where the pianist arranged a, very funny, Christmas singalong. Little little and pew made their first crooners appearance of the cruise and met their adoring public.
We are now looking forward to two relaxing sea days! ( I'm late writing this.... we are part way through sea day 1)
Ttfn
- comments
Gary We did say that little little was a bad influence and should be kept away from the others. Regarding Noumea, every stop can't be brilliant but it does sound as though the kayaking was good fun. Also, well done with your efforts to help the old lady.