It’s my first morning in New Caledonia, and I’m stealing a few moments to write while Fafa showers. So far, New Caledonia hasn’t impressed me. It hasn’t swept me off my feet the way Fiji did, but hey, I still have time!
What I find interesting is the mix of people here. The guests at the breakfast buffet are mostly Islanders or other South Pacific travellers, which fascinates me because I rarely saw locals staying as guests at the hotels in Fiji and Samoa. It feels like a small but meaningful difference, and one that already makes New Caledonia feel a little different from its neighbours.
I wonder whether anyone will try to convince me that Nouméa is better than Bali, Fiji or Samoa. Then again, people here seem a little more reserved, so maybe no one will bother. I also feel a bit cut off without good weather to get out and explore. Without sunshine, everything feels more indoors and less spontaneous.
I guess there’s a reason tourist season exists. It’s simply the best time to visit a place. I know I always chase the off-season, and I usually prefer it, but meh… New Caledonia isn’t quite as pretty with the monsoon rain and the rather chilly weather, you know. Lesson noted for next time.
Still, I’m keeping it positive. Things will change, and I have a feeling it will only get more fun from here onwards. My first impression doesn’t define the whole trip, and some of my favourite travel memories came from places that took a little time to grow on me. So for now, I’ll wait for Fafa to get ready and see what New Caledonia has in store for me today.
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