Trekking Greener Grasses

New Caledonia Day Sept.24th.

2008-09-27T23:46:00.003+11:00

Last Wednesday was a civic holiday, and we were in Noumea bright and early to watch eager locals setting up their booths for a Kanak holiday market. Despite it being a somewhat wet morning, there was a large turnout of vendors.

Carrots seemed to have disappeared from the stores this week, not sure whats with that. These ladies have what appears to be taro and yams to sell. I personally prefer our PEI potatoes.

"Real Black KANAK " shirts

Nathan and I received a weaving lesson before the crowd rolls in. Neat art!

In comes the crowd.

This guy is selling something completely different.

Goodbye Toronto

2008-09-16T16:29:00.004+11:00

It's commonly said that, anticipation is half the fun. Maybe for most of the people some of the time, but not these people this time.

We actually NEEDED to get to downtown Toronto at some point. Have you ever had that "bushed" feeling? Between being in the northern New Caledonian province and our time at the cottage, we were itching! It was time! We stayed about as close as you can get to the CN Tower and enjoyed the fun and festivities of our frendly provincial capital until we ran out of steam.

hanging around! (from a crane no net) double click to enlarge!

Seems I could barely turn my back on Davey and Nathan without them up to their necks in trouble. Well enjoy the shots!

The boys have some fun with their Parkour hero.

I love that I got the shadow mask.

I attempted to match profiles with her twin sister behind her.

Davey borrows the camera to be creative, gets the shot but also gets caught in the act. Luckily she didn't seem to mind.

Before leaving for the west, we got in a little more beach, some bowling, and long teary farewells.

Well Dave, it certainly looks good from here.

Now that hardly looks like sprained ankle therapy.

We are off to Noumea this weekend so the second half of our Canadian holiday will have to wait.

A taste of what's to come!

Edmonton Alberta

An Olympus moment. The E-420 Olympus outdraws a 357. (mind you he had a box of 50 to do it) Never the less I haven't seen another like it with muzzle fire.
Go ahead..enlarge this picture and.."Make My Day!"

The shirt well the Olympus rep at Henry's Camera in Toronto liked our style.

Be back soon!

Giustizia Family Reunion 2008

2008-09-11T19:26:00.043+11:00

Our family back home have yet to see the results of my endless shutterbugging. At this point they have most likely given up on the thought of seeing them anytime soon.
So for their benefit please humour me in presenting a not so brief post of our 2008 family reunion.

HOLIDAY 2008, It could not have been better!!

A quiet calm night in Noumea awaiting an early morning flight.

A clear view of the Canadian Rockies as we head east to Toronto.

Home again! Ready for a short catch up and a holiday of new exciting memories.

Fortunately most of the Giustizia posse was able to hold up with us on a large 150 acre Ponderosa property for a week.

Some seemed to be more night owls than crack of dawners.

Others woke and chose to take a moment and complete their previous night's read.

..or just gather their thoughts.

Although we each relied on our own internal clocks nobody ever missed breakfast.

..mind you some cut it close!

Its fun (and scary) watching our children slowly turn into us.

There were times it appeared as though the inmates were running the asylum, but for the most part our MoJo's were in sync and we made great use of all of our appreciated and needed time together.

With the Olympics being our firecracker we assembled into teams and hosted our own rendition of the 2008 Olympics.

It was only right that MY team perform the "not so" intimidating haka. While I empowered our team through motivational chant, we watched the opposing and less team-like captain suck every last ounce of energy from his troop and use it to elevate himself to a new personal low/height. (mind you Davey seems to be impressed))

Let the games begin!

A tie for the gold of coarse!

A one time sand box evolves into an exciting estuary

For those that had less interest in smelling a morning swamp, well, hanging around until the adults swallow up all their morning supplements seemed to be the thing to do.

..and for one, days were just a little more full than usual

Days were filled with:

Beaching

Hiking

Then the ultimate, hiking and beaching

To make a great week even more perfect we experienced four seasons in seven days.

Of coarse the unforgetable talent show.

Stories from the stockade.

Into the night our show stretched until the final embers were done.

The hit of the show may likely have been supper.

Plenty of great suppers that week.

Of course time was made for that special person or...dogs

Now I would have thought just about any pattern should blend in with that colourfully busy wall. " NOT!"

Some mornings, there was just way to much coffee..

.. and other times not near enough. Damn jetlag!

Weren't you guys too sore for dishes?

Not fair Chris! You have way too much talent.

Big bikes and country roads, need I say more?

There seemed to be a comfortable spot for everyone even Peaches.

Celebrating a year of birthdays.
I don't know Teen, I may have at least handed out some Tic Tac's before I put my face in the middle of that breeze.

Before even waking, Sammy shows Nifty the way.

Teaching himself a lesson!

Angelo takes a moment to do his impression of a deer caught in car headlights.

I of coarse set up shop for all to use.

Bullseye!

Look at the huge mess those slobs left here! Well lets just rest for a moment before going to report them.

It was fun to be minutes from quaint towns, great beaches, and incredible shoreline and country road adventuring. Once again its time to go. I hope you enjoyed the pictures be sure to double click to see them full screen.

Alana entertains with one last hoola before hitting the road.

Saying goodbye. What's that phrase? For everthing else there's Mastercard!

Now for the sales pitch, Breathe Easy, a wonderfully well kept secret, and a well kept cottage. Its rightfully named the "Breathe Easy Cottage." An unheard of privacy and a turn key family resort. Look them up two hours north of Toronto.

"Breathe Easy Cottage, a hop, skip, and a jump to paradise.

Franco Beach

2008-09-10T20:51:00.007+11:00

I have had plenty of reasons to be back between our holiday experiences and our new adventures since, but today’s was unquestionably the day I was waiting for. Imagine the pleasure watching and learning as Nathan and his lady friends show me the how to's in netting countless pails of tasty pan fry fish and gigantic crab beyond the mangroves.

What a thrill to see Nathan quietly do his part. For Nathan and friends this is a day at the beach,today for the first time they brought me along.

From the netting and identifying gender and species to the grilling on their own open fire they each carefully continually reposition their lunch with a fire stick until its hot and tasty while distant watchful eyes sit on the shore cleaning and scaling for the returning still hungry dirty faced cooks.

Life for a day became more simple than one could ever imagine but with fun and fulfillment. Great day thanks Nate!

32 Days and Counting

2008-06-17T20:27:00.007+11:00

Well it appears the boys and I will be missing the severe New Caledonian winter. Winter I expect should be one of the several weeks when we return home to Canada. We are quite anxious at this point. Each day the talk of home starts early and doesn't end until their day does. Its difficult not to make promises fulfilling all their expectations of the upcoming holiday. People to see, places to go, things to get, the list gets longer with each passing hour.

Its really all about family, but its fun to catch up with old friends to stay connected even if your only nine. (Nine, where did the years go?)

Speaking of catching up, Alana will eventually catch up with us, at which time my entire extended family will hold up for a week on a 150 acre country retreat.

The holiday for the most part is about living for free with our siblings. Its a little awkward taking advantage of them when you live in the same area, so this works out well, being so far from our things. I do hope it goes well as we have the potential to really make this work for us financially, providing we never move back, and extend our vacations a little each year.

When I anticipate my holiday I often reflect back to those unforgetable, moments from previous years. Moments like this. Enough said!
(Click on this image and read my mind)

Coeur de Voh

2008-06-16T19:54:00.023+11:00

Wikipedia-It has become famous for the aerial photography known as The Heart of Voh, a large formation of vegetation that resembles a heart seen from above. Photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand contributed to its popularity by using a photograph of the 'heart' as the cover to his books The Earth from the Air and Earth from Above

Now should the Coeur de Voh exist north of the Tropic of Cancer it would be written off to idle teens with a hell of a copter pilot. For some reason this natural phenomenon is a popular brochure cover image, selling this unique island paradise.
I cannot say that it is considered a must see, as it can only be viewed in full from a flying machine or from mountain top.
Now some go all fuzzy with hearts, of any kind; chocolate, red velvet, white satin, silver, gold, toll painted, molded, spun, carved, sewn, even grown. Wood, plastic, metal, fabric, ornamental,heart shaped pools, honeymoon suites, gift wrap, sunglasses, dinner plates, g-strings, and eye patches. You probably get the idea.
Personally I’m not much for them, other than the ones keeping us circulating, and you can’t really include them as they are not heart shaped what so ever nor are they much to look at on their own.
Now don’t get me wrong I have a tremendous respect for these precious, little miracles, especially all those that I have touched, figuratively speaking of course.
Now Alana I believe has a soft spot inside for the symmetrically shaped little love icons. It is clearly apparent by her persistent attempts to excite us into yet another mountain hike. Actually its to fulfill her need to OO-oo and AW over this somewhat famous natural wonder.
This post is for you my dear closet heart lover as was the three hour climb in sweltering heat last Sunday.

Take notice of Alana’s focus and determination in the following pictures. She came well prepared, notice how she constantly references her trusty brochure as to match up the printed with the real thing.
So for Alana and all you heart shape lovers, "THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!"
(Don't forget that clicking the image will full screen the picture.)

OK I'm a reasonable man , lets see we are in search of a piece of land that is difficult to see, and is the shape of a heart.
Holy crap mom! That is one high mountain. This is going to cost you, "BIG!"

So how many suitcases are you allowed to take with you to Malaysia?
Kip decides to put some distance between himself and trouble which is no easy task with the angle of this trail. The road is actually drivable but I'll take tough over scary.
Kip, watches as Alana slows to locate satelites with the GPS and lock on to the heart of the heart.

This can't be right, we have only climbed 20 percent of the way.

Kip steals a moment to hide from the sun.

Nathan has now negotiated controlling rights to our self administered pension fund.

Kip, being a good sport poses with his best side for the camera.

Davey double times the next hill to catch up to dad.

So I count six other peaks from here, I sure hope this is the right mountain.

Nathan rubs in the fact that his payoff will not be public knowledge and I will just have to wait till Alana returns from KL to see what they agreed on.

I could be wrong mom, but that looks more like a spade from here.

Hey Mom! Could we just be too high to see it?

My new favorite place!

Great hike mom, do think next time dad can bring water instead of these weights?

Nathan On Our Range

2008-06-13T09:43:00.006+11:00

The boys seem to have taken on some of my interst in archery. Both Nathan and Davey now practice regularly in the back yard. The target was no easy find.

I have noticed quite an improvement in the Nathan's degree of consistancy in form as well as the increased strength necessary to hold steadily while focusing on the shot.

Pulling the arrows out uses a different set of muscles, and is a workout itself.

Parkour

2008-06-11T21:27:00.005+11:00

Quote;
Parkour the art of movement is an activity with the aim of moving from one point to another as efficiently and quickly as possible, using principally the abilities of the human body. It is meant to help one overcome obstacles, which can be anything in the surrounding environment—from branches and rocks to rails and concrete walls—and can be practiced in both rural and urban areas. Parkour practitioners are referred to as traceurs, or traceuses for females.

Founded by David Belle in France, parkour focuses on practicing efficient movements to develop one's body and mind to be able to overcome obstacles in an emergency.
Often miscategorized as a sport or an extreme sport, parkour has no set of rules, team work, formal hierarchy, or competitiveness. The physical aspect of parkour is getting over all the obstacles in your path enabling one to utilizte the quickest exit, a straight line.
An important characteristic of parkour is efficiency. Practitioners move not only as fast as they can, but also in the most direct and efficient way possible, this characteristic distinguishes it from the similar practice of free running, which places more emphasis on freedom of movements, such as acrobatics. Efficiency also involves avoiding injuries, short and long-term, part of why parkour's unofficial motto is être et durer (to be and to last).

This French sport has been of interst to David for at least the last year. It is surprising how popular this sport has become globally.
Davey demostrates this basic move off of our back rail a two meter drop.

I love the concept,although the learning curve frightens me. This is the move and the exact location that cost us two trips to Noumea and cost Nathan three stitches on his knee. Obviously not at all forgiving.

Time To Go

2008-06-04T23:34:00.004+11:00

Remarkable holiday! We can hardly wait to return. Well the flight home was a piece of cake, about as long as it takes for us to drive from Noumea to Kone.

We really lucked out with the boarding. I hate leaving Kip behind and don't often allow it to happen. The boarding kennel was a doggy Fantasy Island on 100 acres. Several huge fenced parks with themed buildings and colourful lawn ornaments scattered busily throughout for the dogs and even a descent river running through them.

Kip was allowed to play in the river in the afternoons, and interact with one other socialable dog at a time. I always know when I pick him up if he was stressed while awaiting our return. I get the feeling it was a walk in the park.

Sydney

2008-06-04T07:32:00.030+11:00

Its been a long time coming. Alana and I have always shared the dream to see Australia. Sydney was my first choice. Alana has been to Brisbane on work related trips on several occasions.

Europe may have emptied there prison's and sent them here but its my guess many of their great minds went along for the ride.

This thought always scared me. Left driving is not the issue. Looking the wrong way when crossing the street is. Luckily I'm not alone on that one.

Daveys dream car, job and co-pilot.

Nathan counters with his first choice.

First stop, Olympic Park for my 400M free Gold Metal want-to-be's

A complex that has it all. This skate park also has huge half pipes for the pro's.

I was told to check off weapons next time I attempt to bring my archery equipment through customs. Talk about being the black sheep. the standard range wear is all white, I couldn't have been more wrong.

Nathan leads the way as we take our bikes on the mogul course.

I attempted to relight the flame for you.

No stay in Sydney is complete without a meatpie with mushy peas from Harry's. Quite a reputation and history.

We couldn't have made it more convienent, as we are staying across the street in the famous Wooloomooloo area.

Breakfast brain food for Nathan and I.

A walk through the business section, to the Market

The market is a great place to pick up your Syndey souviners and forgotten warm clothes. We worked up an appetite searching for deals.

Well we certainly lucked out! Our first Sunday in Sydney was also the main street party celebration for the yearly Italian festival. I was surprised at the incredible turnout. I understand that the Italians are the third largest ethnic group in Australia. Great place to end the day complete with quality entertainment, and a homemade authentic meal which I can persnonally vouch for to be as good as it gets.

Another day, a very special adventure. Nathan has been waiting months to visit the famous Taronga Sydney Zoo.

I cannot even begin to convey the wonder of this magnificant zoo. I will perhaps dedicate a separate post to display some unique and fun pictures.

The Zoo is now only a ferry cruise and a cable car ride away. Nathan waits anxiously for the experience.

We are ready to spend the next eight hours wandering around the world. Nathan leads the way.

Last but not least the Kangaroo's

Time to take this tired little Roo home to bed.

UP AND AT IT!! Bondi Beach, Sydney's most famous strip. Backpacker accomodations on every corner.

These kids sure make it look easy. Davey points out that they are closer to my age than his.

This picture does not do this public pool justice. The waves actually crash over the break wall to make the outside lane an ocean swim.

The water was a little cool for these old bones but for some reason I just couldn't resist.

The end to yet another perfect day.

Darling Harbour is a one stop spend the day, without breaking your wallet experience, plenty to do and see.

I guess it only makes sense that a city this big should boast the worlds largest IMAX (eight stories high) I am a sucker for 3D.

..and a world class museum which we toured for the better part of a day.

DAD! It is morning and I am awake, right! This feels very much like an extension of last nights dinosaur dream.

Deep into the city on route to tour the most recognizable complex in all of Australia, the Sydney Opera House.

The harbour view alone is worth the 30 minute walk from our hotel. We actually moved out of the Waldorff apt. in Wooloomooloo Bay to be downtown for the remainder of our holiday. It was a tough choice to give up the apartment for a hotel room but it worked out for the best. A change of scenery, which worked well with our marathon day hikes. We actually have become comfortable to venture out without a map.

The Sydney Harbour Bridge built in 1932. It is the worlds largest single arch single span bridge. It was then referred to as Sydney's iron lung (during the depression) as it kept many working.

We returned that night after the best pizza in years to the Opera House for the premere showing of Edward Scissorhands. It truly was enchanting. My attention was torn between the show and Nathan enjoying the show.

Nathan and I hit the streets in search of the newly released Olympus e 420 SLR camera.

I have been awaiting the release of the new Olympus which is now the smallest and lightest SLR on the world market. We found it in this gorgeous downtown mall. Its been some time since I have used anything other than a point and shoot digicam.

Enlarging this picture (click on it) helps appreciate the new technology. So far so good!

Trading souviners

Alana chooses a reputable gem cutter and a trusting face to purchase an Australian opal before packing for home.

Out all Night

2008-06-03T20:19:00.007+11:00

THIS POST IS FROM MAY 18TH, BUT UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT GET POSTED.

Wish me luck! Its 7:30 pm, in 2 hours I head out in a 4 meter boat for the entire night. A little scary! I should be looking for 40 winks but don't know if I can. Getting to the other side of the reef is no easy task by day as the reef is usually just below the surface making it barely visible. It certainly helps to know where it breaks. By night it is necessary that there is a full moon to illuminate the reef's edge. My new friends speak as little English as I speak French, so it will be a quiet night. I have been waiting to view the night sky without mosquitoes eating me alive. We have mosquitoes from dusk on, so it makes it difficult to lie out. Alana translated a story told by my captain for tonight about catching a shark, reeling him in ,and having to cut the line. I guess the shark swam away and then returned pissed and started to ram the boat. Yikes! He snorkels down 15 meters for 50 to 100 lb fish that he spears. I have seen pictures of him standing beside the cut off head of a hammer head shark that is literally up to his chest, just the head, I wasn't able to get the story behind that one. My new friends live half their life out at sea, and went the extra mile for me. We got back at 9:30am over 12 hours in the water. It went something like this.

Nearly a full moon night, 24C, on rough yet manageable water, and very alone. The first hour I was spent with my last three meals cycling between my stomach and mouth. The second hour the water went calm, the fishing was excellent. No rods just a glove and a line in your hand. Just as I started to get comfortable catching, my friends wife pulled up a smaller blue fin and as she attempted to clear the boat with it a huge Barracuda chomped the entire body away leaving only a very sad looking head.

I can't do this! I need sleep! Ok, what’s the short version.

They ate the bait! Not the fish my friends ate the bait, which of course was very fresh fish, but not my night for sushi. I brought BP& J but it’s still sitting in the 6 ft cooler that is super full of fish. Not a minute of sleep but I stood, sat and lay on the bottom of the boat gazing at the night sky with a line in a gloved hand. Amazing shooting stars and night sky.
It was scary, the only time you can see the reef at night is in the moon light, as it shines a thin silvery line across the water. The reef is miles out, the waters are shark invested around the reef and dangerously shallow but no land. We later fished with rope and foot long bait in 300 ft deep waters. By 3am the temp. dropped to 15.

This morning at six was the best time. The flying fish where travelling above the water for ten seconds without submerging. Manta rays and large predator fish were clearly visible looking and waiting for me too fall from the boat.
The boat ride back took the better part of an hour even at full throttle. It was so choppy I thought that as I bounced up off the cooler lid the boat would disappear from under me. It felt as though each pounding wave was driving my neck further into my body, until my head sat neck less on my shoulders. Even with that, this was the experience I would not have been able to live without. I will remember last night forever.

Come Back Soon!

2008-06-02T21:20:00.001+11:00

Well we have been living again. Hope to show you where and how within a day or so.

Beaching Lifou

2008-05-05T11:42:00.006+11:00

Coming in from a swim.

Nathan posing for next years calendar

No comment!

Living the life of Riley

Lifou Island

2008-05-05T06:36:00.000+11:00

Welcome back oh faithful ones. I left as though I was being hunted, one minute here next minute gone, quick like a bunny, I high tailed it out of Dodge.
Speaking of tail, I'm back with mine between my legs. My exit was quite a Forrest Gumpish thing to do. I simply wasn’t feeling like I had anything left to say. I half heartedly attempted to run a few more yards in Febuary and post a few house pics. but it just never happened.
Well at this point I have no interest in filling in the blanks. It would definitely be no fun and that goes against the reason this silly blog exists.

So…sometime Tuesday April 29th, I decide that I should do something with the boys as Nathan was heading into ANOTHER 5 day weekend. Unfortunately Davey insisted on staying behind to complete a project. There will be a next time! By 5pm Tuesday I booked a non refundable flight for Nathan and I to a nearby remote island, the problem being I had to be in Noumea for 5am. It was a good deal at $330. for both of us on residency rates. Our flight was to leave at 6am out of Noumea and our check in was 5:15. By 1:30am Nathan and I had packed in the dark, and were off to the Loyalty Island of Lifou, a tropical island paradise.

We boarded at 6am with a hatchet strapped to one of our two huge 60 litre packs and pocket knives on our belts. They took my morning milk but said nothing of the weapons which I would have checked if necessary.

7am Wed. morning we arrived in Lifou, rented a car and were off exploring. Knowing me, it’s not necessary to explain how we ended up with the chief of the west district (as Nathan and I refer to it as), Noel Pia drinking Kava, but we did. Kava by the way is a life sentence where you become very relaxed and find pleasure in frequenting these Kava huts and allowing life to just pass you by. You can actually see a physical change in the users over time.

I now know it was luck in finding Noel and it could not have worked out better.

Nathan and I pitched our tent on his property and explored the remarkable jewel of an Island over the next four days. Very few non-residents, no shopping, no internet, no cell coverage. The village names are on the asphalt if it exists, but being tribal it was of little use. We made some cool friends that we happened to cross paths with. An Oceanographer,(and when you catch up this blog, send me a backpacking picture of you as I would like to insert it Thanks!) a French drill sergent Nordine and his wife Camille who Nathan seems to be be smittin with as well as another Kone resident who I will no doubt meet up with while doing my groceries at the Mobil gas station at home and his girl friend Emily. All french and somewhat bilingual who either were visiting or residing on New Cal.

The seven of us got together each night at our camp to chat about our life and travel experiences. Nathan was in heaven. He laughed at the funny stories and cultural differences, we all did! The only day time we share together was when we first met. We all shared a boat ride swimming with giant turtles, some the size of garbage can lids. We snorkeled down as far as each of us could go in an underwater canyon that Cousteau could have devoted an entire show to.

Someday when we return we will bring our underwater camera. The few places we used our camera in the past were challenging and required luck to end up with anything at all. That would not be the case here. I cannot begin to explain the clarity ,and diversity of the sea.

The lagoons were endless with sand that is actually true white and 100 percent void of a single stone. The bottom was as though it had been meticulously vacuumed, absolutely clean.

To see coral or Nathan beside or beneath me was as though there was no water what so ever. We have been swimming corral for 6 months. Up to now the coral we are familiar with has certain common sizes and shapes such as those that resemble a broccoli or a very large broach shape . The coral we swam in Lifou varied in countless shapes but a typical stem looking plant that we would recognize from home averaging about the size of a coffee table figurine here was found to be more the size of an enormous moose rack or mushroom shaped cluster the size of a VW.

Huge hills and valleys of corral that I would lose Nathan in as he chased down an exotic fish into an underwater grotto of fluorescent coral. In the past that thought would lend itself to a dark cold world feeling, but this was not. It was brilliant full of sun rays penetrating the clear glass like water and electrifying everything beneath the surface to where it felt like a more perfect day than it even was.

These waters are Gods finest works, as were the beaches the foliage and the people.

Buy it here, or go without!

Trucks with rags stuffedd in the gas tank, being pushed down the road, always more riders in the box than the cab and everyone carries a knife. (even if your in diapers)

Making camp

View through the trees,waiting for the turtles. They arrive each afternoon sticking their pipe like necks out of the water to say hello.

Searching the beach for unfriendly night crawlers.
Goodness me! I believe I've found one.

Starting from ash, my little man takes on the challenge and wins.

The chief's camp

Happiness is camping.

Closer to Tarzan with each passing day.

A quiet native comes to warm his bones by the morning fire

Starting a new day with a swim.

Catamiran and hut

This picture expanded gives you a idea of how cystal clear the water is.

Vacumned waters, not a stone to be found.

Another of the six beaches we found.

Divers back from exploring the under sea world.

A first for me! Vanilla beans, brought them home to grow.

Being a responsible father.

Best birthday gift ever! Nathan turns 9 in 3 days!

Another member of the Koniambo team and his girl friend Emily enjoy the sun, snorkling, turtle sea life, and entire Lifou experience.

To view these magnificant creatures from below the water only feet away is a life long dream and a perminent memory for us all.

The well travelled Camille! By day a super dedicated marketing proffessional with a savey for business. Beneath a female Indiana Jones with a French African accent and an attitude.

Chefferie Noel our accomodating tribal chief

Our new friends Camille and Nordine
Farewell Lifou, until we again come to play on your beaches and swim with the turtles.

Awaitng a hungry man meal.

To tired to travel so its a Best Western bed for the night.

Sunday morning regatta in Noumea

Catch of the day!

.
Time for a quick bite before heading back to Kone.

A perfect ending to a perfect week

Rondez vous with mom returning from Malaysia
Nathan switches vehicles to talk her ear off for the next 3 hours.

Old friends reunite at home.

"GONE FISHIN"

2008-02-20T00:25:00.000+11:00

Well, not really! I am attempting to get settled in Kone. Nathan starts full french immersion on Thursday morning, and we are presently living out of the Koniambo Hotel. I hope to be in the house Monday or at least thats when the furniture arrives. I watched the poles go up for my internet line today which will allow us to be here more often and to facilitate Davey's online schooling. Tomorrow I will have some pictures for you. (finally!)
In Novemer we recieved a small air freight shipment of bikes, sports equipment, clothes etc. The remainder of our freight arrived in December via sea freight and is being container stored in Noumea which will be delivered monday morning 8am to Kone. Actually the house is in Pouembout 10km south of Kone for those that utilize Google earth.
It is after midnight, so I am off to bed. Good to be back!

Prealert Lifted

2008-02-04T05:54:00.000+11:00

CYCLONE GENE passes to the east heading south of New Caledonia, and is no longer a threat.

Islands Get Hit Hard By Cyclone Gene

2008-02-02T11:09:00.000+11:00

APCEDI Alert SP/Fj 15P Gene #7-2008: Cyclone Gene Pounds Southern Vanuatu and Causes Serious Damage on Futuna, but Begins to Move Away
The RSMC-Nadi Tropical Cyclone Centre, the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre continue to issue guidance on Tropical Cyclone Gene that is now moving away from Vanuatu after pounding the southernmost islands.

The centre of Cyclone Gene is located 75 km east-northeast of the southernmost Vanuatu island of Anatom at 5 PM this evening Vanuatu time with the centre of the storm likely to sideswipe the island to the southeast before moving away from Vanuatu. Gene is maintaining a slow forward speed to the south-southwest at 4 km/hr. Cyclone Gene continues to maintain strength and has again formed a clear eye feature.

The current forecast map shows Gene continuing to recurve towards the south and will begin to move away from Vanuatu this evening. Southern recurvature now looks strong enough to avoid a direct hit on New Caledonia.

Cyclone Gene is currently at a strong Category 2 strength on the Saffir Simpson Scale. This equates to a Category 3 on the Australia Scale and will remain at this strength as it begins to move away to the south and into the open South Pacific Ocean.

Cyclone Warnings remain in place for all of Tafea Province of Southern Vanuatu including the islands of Erromango, Tanna, Anatom, Aniwa and Futuna and all adjacent small islands. A Cyclone warning has now been discontinued for Shefa Province of Central Vanuatu.

Here is an island by island breakdown for Tafea Province.

Futuna, population 400; Futuna, Vanuatu's easternmost island, has received the worst impact from the storm having been battered for nearly 18 hours by the intense centre part of this slow moving cyclone. Severe and widespread damage is being reported throughout the island including the damage or complete loss of many homes, and the island's churches and schools and other buildings. However, the 400 residents have so far been reported safe riding out the storm in stronger shelters. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcano slopes continues to be a severe threat. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding. Futuna will likely need immediate and long-term relief assistance as soon as possible given the widespread destruction to buildings and crops.

Anatom (Anietyum), population 800; Anatom, Vanuatu's southernmost island, is also taking a strong pounding from the storm and will continue to experience very bad conditions for some 6-10 more hours as Cyclone Gene passes to the southeast. Little information has been heard from Anatom as communications are down, but similar type damage as that experienced on Futuna is likely. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcanic slopes could be severe. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding. The extent of the damage will depend on how close the storm moves past the island as it begins to recurve away. Anatom will also likely need immediate and long-term relief assistance as soon as possible given the likelihood of widespread destruction to buildings and crops.

Tanna, population 26,000; Tanna, the island with the Province's largest population, has escaped the brunt of the storm. However widespread minor to moderate damage is being reported from around the island particularly on south and east sides. Communication has been lost with many villages, but it is likely that lots of trees are down, crops damaged and some damage to structures. No one has been reported injured so far. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcano slopes could be severe. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding. This assessment also applies to the small island of Aniwa, population 400, which lies off the northeast coast of Tanna and which has lost all communication to Vila.

Erromango, population 1,500; The northernmost island escaped the full brunt of Cyclone Gene but did experience some destructive gale force winds, very rough seas and heavy rains. Damage has been widespread but mostly minor and limited to trees and powerlines down although many villages on the south and east coast have lost communication. Given the rough, steep volcanic terrain, flash flooding off the volcano slopes could be severe. Seas will be phenomenal and likely to cause severe coastal erosion and tidal flooding.

New Caledonia remains on Cyclone Alert but the threat to the territory has been reduced as the cyclone looks like it will recurve tot he south. Nonetheless heavy rains, and very high seas will occur in some area. The New Caledonian islands of Lifou, Maré and Ouvéa should be particularly watchful as the storm passes to the east of these islands.

All residents and interests in Southern Vanuatu and New Caledonia should monitor the progress of the storm and follow all cyclone advice that the Government issues. Cyclone Gene continues to be a strong and dangerous storm capable of considerable widespread and severe damage on any islands near to where the centre of the storm passes.

GENE Misses New Caledonia

2008-02-01T20:03:00.000+11:00

WE ARE SAFE!

New Caledonia is still on "prealert" (only)

Gene Slow Coming

2008-02-01T09:57:00.000+11:00

GENE is slow in coming yet his intensity remains the same 200km/hr inside, 150 km outside.

It appears he is now 50 km east of Mare heading toward I'lles Des Pins.

Not expected to reach N.Cal. before Saturday sometime. Noumea may be north of Gene's direct path, yet the eye of the storm is as large as New Caledonia from what I see on the weather reports. Time will tell!

Cyclone Changes Direction and Strengthens

2008-01-31T13:12:00.000+11:00

My island friends are quite concerned as the cyclone is intensifying, but slowing in speed. This means it will not hit until early Saturday. There does not seem to be much chance it will not hit as it is heading straight for Noumea,
We will keep you posted. Time to tape the windows!

Cyclone Warning Update

2008-01-31T00:32:00.000+11:00

Cyclone Season

2008-01-30T21:41:00.000+11:00

SUVA, Fiji, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Emergency officials in Fiji said Cyclone Gene had killed at least six people Tuesday with 90 mph winds that flattened buildings, Radio New Zealand reported.

Spokesman Pajiliai Dobui of the National Disaster Management Office told the broadcaster half of the country's population of more than 900,000 had been affected by a loss of water or electricity.

Fiji's Meteorological Service said the storm was likely to intensify as it moved west toward Vanuatu over the next 36 hours.

Yikes! This is the second this week. Cyclone Funa moved East to Fiji from Vanuatu on Monday. (which is away from N.C.) Fiji is almost due west of Vanuatu which we are just south of. Fortunately, Noumea is at least on the south end of the island.

Now I understand the steel shutters. I am glad we have not yet moved north. I knew something was up even before hearing. The boys and I noticed a dozen or so ships of all kinds in the harbours. We seem to have a few more critters than usual visiting with us. I am not sure if that has anything to do with it.

God willing we will all be together if it hits. I may need to coax Alana home from up north. I am afraid that may be like trying to hold back the storm.

Like the mail doesn't take long enough!

2008-01-29T23:06:00.000+11:00

Manta Ray

2008-01-21T15:32:00.000+11:00

This is a Manta Ray, not the one that freightened the air from my lungs this morning snorkelling in the bay, actually the one above is a picture from december. The similar Ray that sailed several feet below me was larger that a garbage can lid, very much the size of a snow sledding round saucer that kids ride on. Huge for a Ray!It's tail must have been 6 feet long. It is my guess the storm blew it in as there were also jellies and other nonresident fish in our bay. Just before I saw it I had noticed that my goggles seem to be fogging which they never do,so perhaps the waters were colder and mixed with beyond reef seas.

I didn't enjoy my swim as much with the changed waters, I got a pretty bad jelly sting on my lip before I made it back to shore, but the Manta Ray certainly was an experience.

It was a windy night with torrential rains but Hurricane Funa did not come. The hurricane passed over the northern islands of Vanuatu, and continued in an easterly direction towards the islands of Fiji. By late afternoon Sunday, the skies were clearing and we even had a pretty sunset! Today we woke to a PERFECT day.

Just returned from Kone

2008-01-16T12:39:00.000+11:00

Following yesterday's grass cutting

Older picture from the spring

Reminants of a tree house on the back of the shed

The shed

Well we started the renovations on Monday of our home in Kone.
MUCH TO DO!
The first job was to slash our way in. We have a good idea of what the priorities are, so once we receive a few quotes and empty the contents we will have the contractor ripping out infested ceilings and fumigate. The house is presently a zoo/Avery for just about everything that needed a home in the spring. The house was without soffits for a couple months and you can imagine how inviting that was. Here are a few pictures of the present situation.

hall

bedroom 1 of 3

bath

office

laundry

I will be in Kone most week days but with my laptop and camera so perhaps you can follow our new adventure. I returned to Noumea for the remainder of this week and will head north again early Monday morning.

Beach Closed!

2008-01-10T22:35:00.000+11:00

One of our popular beaches, actually our beach was closed for two days as there were sharks in the bay. I just heard that a dying sea turtle attracted the sharks and precationary measures were taken until today when they made their way back out to sea. Front page!

Needless to say we swam closer to shore this afternoon. Nathan has no knowledge of this so keep it under your hat!

Now For The Real Thing

2008-01-05T15:32:00.001+11:00

Wow , what fun.
Davey completed his lifeguarding in Oakville, now he need only wait until he is 16 to be tested. It works for me as I feel like we are a team in the waters. The fish got a liitle to big to swim with so we will be back to try something a lot safer and completely different .

OK this one is for hire!
34 foot. 2006 model. We will be back on a sunny day.

HELLO AGAIN, ITS A PERFECT DAY AND WE ARE OFF TO HUNT DOWN THE SHARK THAT TRIED TO GOBBLE US UP!
(Nathan's idea)

Well this is the boat and back to the reef's door about 25km south.

Serge and his son Vince made this day possible, so we will owe them one actually two as they talked us into the New Years Day Island trip.

Dad, Nathan might fit in this cooler , but there is no way that Mr. Shark will.

Don't you worry Daddy'O,
I'll bag him, you fry him!

Dad we just lured in his little brother.
Nathan may have been right, its not easy to see, but there is a shark in that water!
You may need a crisp, bright monitor to find him. CHALLENGE; expand the image above and find the outline of the Mr. Shark.

The shark followed our foot long Rapella for three more casts, then gone.
Now that seem to wake the sleeping giant. Davey casts that line non-stop for the next couple of hours.
Other than a Manta Ray we didn't see much else big enough for our lures.

Dad , I just want to mention I'm not going near the water until he's on our Barbecue.

Davey gets skunked, but enjoys a great ride home.

Baguettes

2008-01-03T08:38:00.000+11:00

Baguettes…I had a marvelous post in mind where by using images I would illustrate how comical a site it is to see the frequency and variety that baguettes are seen through the course of even a single day in Noumea.
If I leave the confines of our building and take a drive towards downtown at even 6 am I will surely see no less than a dozen baguettes being toted in bunches or singularly. Forty years ago you may have seen a comparable amount of less say milk bottles on door steps or newspapers in front yards. Baguettes in the back of trucks, being bent and folded in packsacks, shopping bags, and baskets. Nothing gets eaten more in stores by hungry hard working men on the way home from work, pretty thin French ladies that cave from missing their lunch on their way home from the office, teary eyed youngsters with grumbling bellies and the likes of me, who just need to eat something every ten minutes.
Well despite my good intentions I have none of those pictures for you. Instead without even chasing my topic I was able to find in my acquired pics. a rack of baguettes, a fish feeding frenzy of baguettes and a wild boar processing what is no longer fit for consumption dinner of baguettes.
Sorry for the copout!
I owe you one!

Entertainment on Phare Amedee (The next posting should be first)

2008-01-02T07:52:00.000+11:00

The trip assisted in overcoming our fear of snakes as the Tricot Rayee were underfoot throughout the pathways and tree roots.

Nathan volunteered me to climb a coconut tree; my inner thighs will be paying for the remainder of the week. Nathan thought it was worth the chaffing from the descent, he proudly informed me as I lay in the sand that I climbed the tree the highest and he knew I could do it.

The glass bottom boat was more than close enough for Alana and the boys, but I spent the entire time swimming. The waters were thick with a multitude of fish in every shape colour and size, so thick that my heart raced as I plunged into the warm waters with my snorkeling gear as I could feel myself landing on them below, some seriously as big as Nathan.

Later, we all snorkeled off shore for the remainder of the afternoon, in an unbelievable reef , fields of fish filled coral. Spectacular florescent rainbow coloured fish inches from your face, yet many did not seem to even recognize us being there. Every few minutes a school of fish swam between us each time being a more peculiar looking fish than the last.
I have been told that New Caledonia is one of the least frequented by tourists larger south pacific Islands as it is more expensive than perhaps Fiji or Tahiti, yet the tourist that do come are often the well travelled adventure type that have chosen it for its incredible waters.

The entertainment and buffet on the island was a huge surprise. The meal was incredible from the salads and fruit desserts to the hot trays of delicious local meats and seafood. Plenty of wine women and song! What a start to the New Year.

"For Everything Else There is Mastercard" so they say. It was the coconut bra that brought on Nathan's excitement.

New Year's Day

2008-01-02T00:24:00.002+11:00

Well new Years day was definitely an experience we will all remember. Our destination for the day was with friends Serge, Lynn and family to a small island approximately 25 km from Grand Terre which is our mainland (home). It was a gray day with little wind which worked in our favor for the snorkeling.

Although the water did not present the spectacular colors of a sunny day the visibility was excellent with no real wind.

We enjoyed the thrill of feeding the hungry sharks and God knows what else that circled below and devoured everything we threw overboard. (we had an endless supply of stale baguettes and fish parts) The sharks are found just outside the reef so it was a little further out than the Phare Amedee Island. It is quite a sight just to see how defined the reef edge is and to watch the tide break against it.

No.1 (also my 101 posting for 2007)

2007-12-29T21:45:00.001+11:00

I anticipate January rolling in with much too do. Preparing Nathan for school, renovating another house, (take a deep breath David) another move and I must attempt an honest effort at learning french. Blogging will take a back seat is what I'm saying. I did as promised, 101 posts in 6 month. I must say it was more fun than work and I felt very connected. I will promise a weekly update in the New Year.
Thank You for viewing!

David

feel free to e-mail us at;
davidagiu@hotmail.com

No.2

2007-12-29T01:05:00.000+11:00

Kip our dog patiently awaits the Heinz ketchup.
We are not so patiently awaiting Kips arrival the 1st week of March.

Memories of 2007

2007-12-28T01:51:00.000+11:00

New Year's Day picture 2007

March break sking for the day

March break ice fishing week

Nathan's First Communion ( Roberto,Serina)

Nathan's birthday May 7th

Mother's Day

Triathlon Glen Edan

Kelso camping July

Biking Toronto Waterfront West

Wasaga beach long weekend

Wild Water Kingdom August

Exploring New Caledonia

Visiting PEI

First day of School September

Checking out of West Ham Rd.

Checking out of Homewood Suites end of October

Christmas Eve 2007

No.3

2007-12-26T23:02:00.000+11:00

My unforeseen luck in capturing this boy’s flip is in fact fair and inevitable considering how many Kodak (actually my inexpensive Canon) moments are missed each day.
This is truly a life experience filled with breathtaking sites, unforgettable smells and completely unrecognizable sounds of the south pacific.

Happy Holidays To All

David

Xstrata Christmas Party

2007-12-26T17:40:00.000+11:00

Christmas Greeting

2007-12-26T08:53:00.000+11:00

http://www.jibjab.com/sendables/view/ypGyIILsizgcz0TPZHmjpp9O

Click on our link.

No. 4

2007-12-25T20:01:00.000+11:00

No. 5

2007-12-24T23:38:00.001+11:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Only A Sleep Away

2007-12-24T23:20:00.000+11:00

Made it through a toasty warm 6pm(1800 hrs) Christmas mass.
Sure glad I wore that suit! I stuck out like a sore thumb but I thought it important to maintain that tradition not to mention the fact that I brought it 22,000km.

Did the Advent wreath and off to bed.
MERRY CHRISTMASS TO ALL

I told you we only needed two kayaks

2007-12-24T20:38:00.000+11:00

Wow girl that is a hell of a swim! Davey and Nathan in one, and me in the other left Alana having to swim. The water was rough out in the middle. Waves were hitting Nathan above the chest and eveytime one did he would laugh uncontrollably. I guess he felt a little vulnerable sitting out front on the bow. I continually lost sight of Alana each time she was in the trough of a wave. I was just fine riding my kayak alone.

We were happy to get to shore.

...until Nathan fell into some real trouble.

It all worked out in the end, now if only the cook would bring the meat.

Happy Birthday Brother!

2007-12-24T16:56:00.000+11:00

Between all those years where we all headed back home and packed into Mom's house for Christmas week,(I see you at least got the couch) our times together in northern and southern Ontario and Prince Edward Island we only have spend three Christmas's apart in the last fourty eight. Have a great birthday and we will be opening our Christmas presents before your birthday is done, so we will Skype you then.

No. 6 (Mom this one is for you.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2007-12-23T12:12:00.000+11:00

VIDEO, NO EASY TASK!

2007-12-22T23:06:00.000+11:00

I finally managed to upload some film footage from my somewhat slow connection. Video is of course from Thursday evening in the park

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2007-12-22T22:20:00.000+11:00

Christmas only a couple days away shares the party with some very special birthdays even closer. My dear, soon to be 82 year old mother celebrates her birthday tomorrow Dec.23rd. followed by brother Chris on Dec.24th who you may now recognize if you have been following my blog this week. My Christmas born sister Gloria, being neighbours with Santa will I'm sure also enjoy some warming cheer during this very cold north of civilization winter.

Well Mom and Chris, wish we could be at home to share some of the cake and good cheer but we will have to raise our glasses in your honour for this season.
Happy Birthday to "Toute Le Deux"
Davey by the way loves that phrase, it is a strange way to say "both".

PS..Chris, thanks for being such a good sport. I will get you better next year!

No. 7

2007-12-22T00:34:00.000+11:00

Tricot Raye

2007-12-22T00:23:00.000+11:00

Although the Tricot Raye is known more as a logo for children's wear and fine soft and quite expensive towels, the real thing should it bite, would be serious and require immediate medical attention. We have all seen them in the water. It is usually the end of Nathan's swim day when he does. Their mouth is so small it would be difficult for it to attack and generally would only do so as a last resort to a threatening situation.

Early Morning Sunrise

2007-12-21T23:58:00.001+11:00

Early morning on the other side of Noumea. All stands quiet as Noumea opens her eyes to the early dawn of each new day.

No. 8 (Nathan's Fish Chart)

2007-12-21T23:09:00.000+11:00

So where do they keep the food?

2007-12-21T15:40:00.000+11:00

This is one of the newer grocery stores in the greater Noumea area.You can see they are ready for a very Joyeuse Fete, by the range and shear amount of champagne on the shelves.

Champagne is a sparkling wine produced by inducing the in-bottle secondary fermentation of wine to effect carbonation and I am assuming this is responsible for the "POP" when opened. It is produced exclusively within the Champagne region of France, from which it takes its name. While the term "champagne" is used by some makers of sparkling wine in other parts of the world, numerous countries limit the use of the term to only those wines that come from the Champagne region of France.

Believe it or not this all within one grocery store. Nathan certainly gets a kick out of the fact that there are two aisles of wines then one of food, two more aisles of liquor then a few more of food, and on and on...

Another very recognizable difference is that all milk is on the shelf.

Nathan and Chris Give Us A Presidential Greeting

2007-12-21T12:16:00.000+11:00

Hey, not a bad Richard Nixon, but his birthday is not until January 9th.

Your birthday is only 3 days away, December 24th.

Talent Show in The Park

2007-12-21T10:52:00.000+11:00

The busiest little corner of the park at just about anytime is never without some gutsy kid taking a chance on a new spin on his head or a parkour flip from the wall to the stage floor. Its especially fun to watch the 5 and 6 year olds stun crowds with already acquired skills. It helps that it is next to the ice-cream and waffle shop.

Last week was about Christmas and it seemed last night was more a carnival theme. Anyway, good fun as it was the first time for Alana. We showed her our bravery by startly with cones then moving to tandoori chicken and samosa, some tasty curried veal and slurped up shells of coconut water to wash it all down!

No. 9

2007-12-21T08:49:00.000+11:00

FOUR DAYS TO GO!

2007-12-20T11:36:00.000+11:00

OH, I remember this picture! This was your Fantasy Island Holiday you treated yourself too on your last birthday.

Good Idea! Nice little touches there Chris. I like the shoe and the ball thing. I bet that worked out nicely!..not to mention the wounded bird move, your starting out with.

E-mail Chris: cdg@rogers.com

Horrible Shot

2007-12-20T10:00:00.000+11:00

This photo was taken on one of the coral islands very near and quite accessible from the main Noumea beach strip. I happen upon this young girl all alone quietly practicing her pirouette.

Okay, so she is not alone..now I see them! Well they are obviously tourists as no resident would sun bath on a coral beach OUCH!..( it's no wonder they are all standing) In their defence perhaps they are attempting to get rid of their tan lines before going to one of the more common topless soft sand beaches of Noumea. Of course most people do not tote cameras onto the real topless beaches.

No. 10

2007-12-20T08:37:00.000+11:00

I seem to have gathered quite a file of unused photos of which I have personal favourites, they may not be great technical shots, it may be the memory or they are just uniique. I thouht I would put one on each day with my most favourite being on New Years Day.
So here is the first of my ten. I hope you enjoy them, make sure to open them full screen.

SUMMER FLOWERS

2007-12-19T20:51:00.000+11:00

sizzlin HOT

2007-12-18T21:28:00.000+11:00

45 degrees in the shade just after ten AM at zero altitude. Hey! Isn't that sea level? This thing sure is accurate. Not difficult to guess where we are. You got it La Plage!

SO YOU MUST BE GETTING EXCITED, ONLY A WEEK UNTIL YOUR BIRTHDAY.

2007-12-17T21:10:00.000+11:00

One week to go! December 24th.

Chris,please forward some embarrassing pictures for the blog, you know tubby shots that kind of thing, but for heaven sakes make sure I'm not in them!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COUNT DOWN!

cdg@rogers.com

davidagiu@hotmail.com

A Small Difference

2007-12-17T19:46:00.000+11:00

There is always something to capture!

There are not a countless number of traffic light unlike home, as a matter of fact I would say from our touring that most towns are without them completely thanks to the very effective round-abouts. (until they go wrong, which leads to a cartoon pile up)
Unlike ours you pull right up to the traffic light pole, as I am now. The lower lights are your indication of the condition while waiting at the intersection.

Ready for your New Cal. driving test?
I don't think so!

CONFUSED? I just recieved an "I don't get it", complaint.

Pay attention now, the traffic lights are outside my passenger window from which I snapped the picture, so, I obviously have no way of knowing from them what colour they are, and therefore necessary to drop down a lower additional set for the driver who is not approaching but waiting.

SUMMER ARRIVES!

2007-12-17T15:16:00.000+11:00

Although I try desperately to keep at least the truck dash from the afternoon sun, by shortly after lunch it has already reached uncomfortable high temperatures as you can see here.

and this is a sure sign that...

SCHOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!

Alice Cooper’s song should now be blaring from the vehicles cruising the strip. But not being July nor in a city where kids cruise, it’s unlikely you will hear his hardly appropriate lyrics in Noumea. The only reason you find kids on the strip is crossing it to get to some of the best beaches in the world.

Someone has the right idea...That could be you relaxing out on that dock, imagine... all to yourself..I guess its not a blue enough day for it to be crowded. (kidding)

It’s a likely time to start seeing an increase in tourists as many I understand will make the expensive trip to family holiday. The Aussie's and other southern neighbors follow the same school calender.
The children on the island were chomping at the bit for the last weeks as their long vacation is started with Christmas and stretches through most of the real heat until the end of February.
The city facilities open their doors to an endless calendar of summer sports camps at extremely reasonable prices. Davey and Nathan are presently enrolled in 3 days of kayaking immediately followed by a week of wind surfing starting the 4th of January. Of course there are other indoor programs of every sort as well. I am amazed at the top notch sports complexes in Noumea

We recently happened upon a Velodrome and full track complex in our neighborhood that you are not likely to find outside Canadian summer game sites or universities.

A velodrome is a sporting arena for track cycling. You can see it features steeply banked turns called superelevations. It allows riders to keep their bikes relatively perpendicular to the surface while riding a curve at high speed. I'm not real interested to be on the other side of the fence, but Davey seems quite eager. This is the kind of situation that leaves me sore and considerable more than a day older when I'm done. Anyway, too hot for that nonsense at the moment!

Again 50 meter public pools, to many, they are just pools. In Davey's four years of competitive swimming only two meets were hosted in this length. Those are three lucky kids at the far end of that pool,incidentally it costs just about a dollar to swim for the day.

Despite how it appears, those children are wearing swimsuits, but in all french public pools it is forbidden to enter in anything other than Speedo style swimwear.

Nativity In The Park

2007-12-13T23:54:00.000+11:00

Two things to know before playing the video;

First, it is only seconds in length and ends abruptly, which I am truly sorry for, (not very professional of me, but I’m not a professional!) my effort was to provide the flavor of the evening.

Second, you need not ever be concerned with opening any video I post as they will ALWAYS only be uploaded directly from my camera.

Double click the play and wait for the buffering. Thanks

Tis the season, tis the night.

2007-12-13T23:17:00.000+11:00

Should you visit Noumea and stay less than a week, attempt to include a Thursday night in the park, Place Des Cocotiers. This incredibly beautiful park stretches four city blocks and divides Noumea in two. It actually would be more practical if it was situated on either one side or the other of the downtown as all traffic must drive in three directions to get around it. Anyway, this Thursday evening, (this one being The Nativity theme to Christmas) all of Noumea was present. Choirs so harmonious it whisked us into the spirit of Christmas which was surprisingly at all possible in this 80 degree heat. Tonight there were more artisans than we have yet to see in any one place, let’s say a large arena full, so authentic, any one of them would be a shoe in for a “One Of A Kind Show.”

The spirit of Christmas filled the air and our hearts. To look in amazement at their carefully created pieces then look up into their eyes I just knew that a sincere mention of the beauty of their work was as much a compliment as a purchase, ( at least that’s what I told the boys) it certainly took the market feel away, particularly so with the soft sounds of local choir singing French and Melanesian Christmas classics in the background. What a spectacular night. We arrived home quiet, peaceful and extremely tired with a few small envelopes of Christmas gifts for each other. What it didn’t feel like was Christmas shopping.

World Class Kite Surfing

2007-12-11T22:37:00.001+11:00

Each year the best of the best open their kites and mount their boards in an exciting kite surf competition.

We made our way to the beach site several times during the competiton to catch some incredible surf and aerobatic skills. Davey's hooked and is hoping Santa might buy him a few lessons.

I can tell the surf crowd makes it that much more exciting for Davey. Cool young bunch, they seem to actually be from this world unlike the more traditional surf dudes.

Pearls from Tahiti

2007-12-10T22:52:00.000+11:00

These cultured black pearls are quite popular here. Tahitian artisan exhibits can be found throughout Noumea. A single pearl can cost several hundred when clasped with gold or silver. (again...click on to enlarge)

Mitsubishi L200

2007-12-10T21:49:00.000+11:00

Well here it is!

A little less new than when I picked it up but it gave me chance to... as Nathan would say... "Spice it up a little". (Click on to enlarge)

Christmas Radio

2007-12-10T12:22:00.000+11:00

Christmas radio is a must for me. The following site is a result of my search. As you see facebook and similar sites are hoping to assist.

This was my first choice. Paste http://www.xmasradio.ca/ in your browser. On the right side of the Home Page under the heading LISTEN LIVE choose Winamp, Real Player, or Media Player.
Should you have a favourite site, please send a link.

http://www.xmasradio.ca/

Facebook Application in Development
Nov 16th, 2007 by admin
One way I want to promote XmasRadio.ca this year is to use a bit of the viral nature of Facebook Applications. Development of the application has started and will be the first of it’s kind on Facebook.
Users will be able to add the application to their profile and invite others to add it to their profile. The application will show what is currently playing and the basic stats of XmasRadio.ca.
Once the script is done we will most likely make it open source and allow other radio stations to modify the code to have their sites show up in Facebook profiles.

Light Years Away

2007-12-09T13:41:00.000+11:00

The aurora borealis is also called the northern lights, as it is only visible in the North sky from the Northern Hemisphere. The Aurora Borealis most often occurs from September to October and from March to April.

I never had much luck in trying to explain the mesmorizing sight and sounds of the Aurora Borealis. I spent a number of years north of most civilization in Canada, some of that time at the Arctic Circle. The whipping electric light show caught even the attention of the timber wolves.

I just recieved an e-mail with pictures worthy of sharing.

The Northern Lights supposedly have a southern counterpart, Aurora Austrais, with similar properties. From some research I found the scientific explanation which I will not bore you with, but Australis is the Latin word for "of the South". I didn't know that!

Pleased to Eat You!

2007-12-09T10:59:00.000+11:00

Home Again

2007-12-06T18:33:00.000+11:00

Thank you for all the comments. Davey had tons of fun with his birthday wishes. It is now his intention to create a post or two on his own, so stay tuned.

We were up at four this morning and drove back down to Noumea. The trip was a drive through a New Caledonian picture book. The vibrant spring colours,reds and purples like I have never before seen with tones so rich a camera could not possibly capture them. To was quite an experience to negotiate a tight mountain curve and have the sun suddenly appear between two peaks, or clouds so low we could see both above and below them. Imagine hidden mountains with only their peaks in clear site above a cloud. A single lone tree with a incredibly huge flat top canopy sitting half way up a mountain side.
I wish I could actually write well enough to paint a picture that would even touch the breath taking views we enjoyed this morning. We were forced to return today as I planned to intercept the sea freight unloading after clearing customs. My intention was to pull out several cartons prior to the shipping company emptying our container and then recrating into smaller walk in boxes which when filled were sealed and forklifted into storage. It went fairly well, I managed to pull out a PC desk for Davey, our bike rack, several boxes of Christmas decorations, some kitchen stuff tools and my voltage regulators to operate my 110 voltage tools.

I also managed to find a piano minus the stand for Scrroader, and Davey's guitar with stand minus the amp. (which actually works for me. Kidding Dave.)

I am beyond tired and off to bed. Thanks Again All!
Thanks Elaine and everyone else for the comments. Nice to know we are able to share.

2007-12-05T17:24:00.001+11:00

Road Trip!

2007-12-04T03:47:00.000+11:00

Off to Kone for a few days. Back Soon!

A Quick Walk Through A Long Day

2007-12-02T16:23:00.000+11:00

Thursday night we included as Davey’s prebirthday party as it is the festival night in Square Orly, Centre Ville anyway.

Great food, wonderful traditional dance, and street venders as always fill the downtown park.

Each Thursday evening we leave having experienced a sensational dessert new to us or a previously never experienced kabob of wild game, always something.

We usually leave tired, dirty and full with a new jam, honey or spice in hand. Jewelry from shells, woven baskets, flowers, and wonderfully painted sarongs fill the magnificent park square.

Appropriately the Park Christmas Tree was being lit for the first time this festive season.

Did I mention the piglet selling vendors. Davey and I looked at each other then both replied No, a couple of dogs and a roaster with a family are good for now. Kind of a shame as we even had named him. We would call him 98JC

The night ended early as usual as did the light of day.
We then found our truck and called it a day. Davey's First Day'

The party didn't really start until Friday afternoon when we picked up Alana arriving from Malaysia at the Tontouta airport.(about 40 min. outside of Noumea.) Nathan presented Alana with a beautiful flower for her hair which she is proudly wore at dinner that evening.

Saturday started with Davey and I enjoying an early morning kayak to the island beach across for a swim. Little did he know what was in store!

After family breakfast on the patio we dressed for hiking and made our way to Mont Dore to get water. Little did he know what was in store!

Well only …THE BEST GIFT EVER!
A FIVE HOUR HIKE UP THE MOUNTAIN. I guess breakfast was brunch. Luckily no shortage of water with us.

Lots of energy left in us, four hours to go.

Okay! So this the halfway breather, plant your feet on firm ground. Great! Super surprise dad!

Quick, click the camera dad, I can't keep these sewing machines legs still much longer.

Nathan holds his own.

A very gratifying climb. Look at that view! Seriously, we all had the time of our lives. Davey wait till your 16th birthday!

ON TOP OF THE WORLD.

AS IS MY ALTEREGO.

...AND OF COURSE I FOUND A CAKE PAN.

NATHAN'S FIRST POST

2007-11-30T08:07:00.000+11:00

i HOPE YOUR READY FOR A SUPER DAY.

Happy 15th Birthday David

2007-11-29T23:11:00.001+11:00

Happy Birthday David! November 30 1992 (around 4pm)

Being so far from everyone else in our lives is going to make this birthday much quieter than any 15 year old would choose to have it. David expects nothing, yet enjoys every moment of each day. Although he will no doubt check the Google homepage today just to see if perhaps dad hacked in to graffiti their namesake splashing “HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID!”all over for the world to see.
Sorry kid! Not this time. These are my last few minutes in front of the screen today. I have a Labor of Love to do. What a SMART feeling, to be 15 and so alive. Now where can I buy a cake pan?

MY NOVEMBER PICK OF THE MONTH

2007-11-29T09:00:00.000+11:00

This is di. Not sure who the punker is.
di hosts one of my personal favorite blog sites. Have a peek, smart girl!

http://di-dee.blogspot.com/

Auto Shopping Made Easy.

2007-11-28T20:02:00.000+11:00

When its right its right!

I’ve purchased my share of new vehicles and I always take pride in at least attempting to make it an exciting experience for the whole family. From the start it was quite obvious things would be different this time.
The objective comparison shopping with similar vehicles was almost impossible. Most vehicles sold in Oceania are designed for international foreign markets which for some reason excludes North America almost all of the time.
Some of the better choices happen to be diesel which is outside of my knowledge base and again the language barrier coupled with the currency exchange and a much more delicate negotiation style made this way too much like work.

Until... I walked through the doors at Mitsubishi Motors in Ducos. Yorick Dang the General Manager was incredibly professional and outsold every other dealership by miles in my opinion, and this had little to do with the fact that he is completely bilingual.

We brought home the truck tonight thanks to Audrey who made it all happen. Audrey at Mitsubishi helped me with my English never mind my French. With our funds scattered from Noumea to Ontario Audrey assisted getting us out the door.

Now try this on for size... she also helped us out of a tight spot and took the time to translate ten pages of my freight inventory. (Who does that?)
So for all you EXPATS …here is a chance to make life a little easier. Start your vehicle shopping where I guarantee you will be impressed.

Thanks to the team at Mitsubishi Motors Noumea.

Taking Turns For A Time Out

2007-11-26T12:59:00.000+11:00

A HAMMOCK:
"Don't leave home without one!"

Living With The Tides

2007-11-25T06:30:00.000+11:00

In Magenta Bay when the tide rolls out, the locals use the sea bottom as a soccer field. Quite amazing really as its hard enough to not get mud on the ball, yet cushioned like no other surface, perfect for barefoot play. Large area, cool breeze, no traffic, always vacant, with natural borders.

Trading the beach for the water.
Fact: The maximum range of motion our bodies are capable of is at birth. Having fun maintaining that range is something most of us have long given up on.

Ecolier

2007-11-24T23:24:00.000+11:00

Now my memories of those first school day mornings in that dreaded week of September were gray, dark, cold and wet.
This is definately a great start!

Strangely enough my mind was often in places like this, while gazing outside from the back of the classroom.

All Work and No Play Makes Dave a Sad Boy

2007-11-24T22:24:00.000+11:00

First some chores, then start the weekend off with some fun in the sun.
Volleyball at Anse Vata

We have now been here a month and it has not yet rained. (I hope I am not sorry I said that.)

What's To Come

2007-11-23T18:00:00.000+11:00

What’s to Come

OK… we are heading into our weekend and although I have not posted in a few days I am going to take my laptop and camera on an adventurous weekend, (sorry and the boys) on an adventurous weekend.

ALSO..

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE SISTER..Who by the way, celebrated it over forty hours with all the time zone changes, on her return trip from Africa. For those who do not know us. No! We as a family do not have endless disposable income. Her children will now be playing with seed pods and rusty nails on boxing day as she frivolously spent their Christmas money on an all inclusive, “Break Your Heart, Change Your Life, Club Med” Not to mention they will each get a slap in the back of the head, every time they let clean water run down the drain, or scrape their dinner remains into the compost bin.

Love to all, and stay tuned!

Well, maybe not LOVE to all, lets make that, Bon week-end!

David

Canadian Winter Memories

2007-11-20T07:20:00.000+11:00

Canadian winters, after forty something years of them, you think they wouldn't get missed for at least one. Wrong!
Pictures from The Rocky Mountains, Alberta.
Russell’s winter playground!

Winter scrambling in Timmins

School Starts TOMORROW!

2007-11-19T20:56:00.000+11:00

French lessons for breakfast. Scary!
I went through college twice, standing at my desk. I am not much for academics. Now don't get me wrong!
I cannot wait to know French; it’s the learning that frightens me.
Anyway, the three of us are off to school for 9am. Nathan and Davey will breeze through between there sharp young minds and a solid Canadian core French school background.
The poor soul that gets me to work with will be on the road after 10 minutes in the classroom to perhaps the market or helping me purchase some climbing rope at the Outdoor Store.

Who knows there may be room left for one more new trick in this old dog.
Wish us luck!

Fish from the Reef

2007-11-19T09:33:00.000+11:00

At The Mine Site

2007-11-16T04:41:00.000+11:00

MY COMPACT CAMERA DOES NOT CAPTURE THE TRUE UNBELIEVABLE LIGHT OR COLOUR OF OUR COASTLINE TRIP, BUT CLICKING ON THE INDIVIDUAL IMAGES HELPS.

Thursday morning the boys and I drove 3.5 hours north to Kone. Our trip actually took us 9 hours with the stops. Unfortunately I left my uploading cable in Noumea so the pictures will have to wait a few days. Alana will be in Malyasia next week and I am hoping she can find me a reasonably priced waterproof camera enclosure. A foot below me while exploring the coastal waters out our back door last Sunday I encounter my first vibrantly colour Trycot Raye poisonous snake. Alana was able to see it from above while paddling the kayak. Quite a thrill. Nathan Davey and I stopped for a swim on route this afternoon and ended up snorkeling and combing the beach for several hours. I found a perfect conch shell while at sea, we attempted to get it back to shore but it was just to far without a diving bag. Another must get.

What We Have Not Yet Found.

2007-11-11T19:41:00.000+11:00

So Far;

Hot Dogs (only on shelf in a can if you can believe it)
Shortening
Milk other than on the shelf
English magazines
Waffles
Hamburger buns
Instant oatmeal
Kraft Dinner
Sheet sets
Drivers on cell phones
Fast food (other than one McDonalds)
A store that does not sell wine and liquor
Tanning Spas
Snow or rain
Stress

FYI: Due to a formatting error several of my previous entries did not allow comments. Please follow through at this time if you had attempted and were unable. Its always a pleasure!
David

Trying To Fit In

2007-11-10T23:46:00.001+11:00

First Boat Out

2007-11-10T22:34:00.000+11:00

This morning Sue, Alana, the two boys and I made our way with the assistance of a water taxi to Isle de Canard which is a fabulous location to swim in coral and view a multitude of tropic fish and sea life. A pair of two foot thin black water snakes referred to as the “Egg Eating Snake”(how’s that for a bad rap? ) revealed themselves to us as we swam through schools of fish in the shallow coral reef waters. I am including a picture of a fish chart presenting the typical sea life in the island waters.

DETOUR

At the moment...I just found myself fooled by the smell of what seemed to be something burning very nearby. I circle our family room sniffing for clues. Ocasionally camp fires are used to cook fresh fish outside our fence at the beach, but not tonight. It took a moment but the same thing happened a few days ago, an oversize beetle is frying in our wall light fixture on the extremely hot bulb.

Five Days Later

2007-11-10T21:25:00.000+11:00

Where do I begin?

The first thing that comes to mind is that our lives no longer feel so much like a vacation.

Contributing to this were the untourist like tasks, such as bank hunting, vehicle shopping, insurance, licencing and chasing down much needed professional services.

None of these are so big a deal unless you factor in the complete language barrier and more importantly 30 degree constant heat.

Its has been cooking hot every day since we have arrived. Despite all the sunscreen we now must attempt to avoid the heat of the afternoon. We are our own worst enemy, as we have spent as many hours in the water as we have in our beds.

The islands we see from our terrace are now more that a curious lure. When we sit out at breakfast they still call to us but now each with a purpose. We have played in their mangroves swam in their coral with the fishies, chased lizards, learned to stand on the kayaks and paddle like gondolas and relax in 80 degree shallow waters. Nathan concluded that most of our local islands look very much like chicken strips or chicken fingers., and that decision has become unanimous.

First Camp. Wish Kip our Dog was with us.

2007-11-06T02:42:00.000+11:00

If the weather permits the boys and I will make a few trips across with supplies to this large island and camp for the night. They are really looking forward to using their bows. The island is again uninhabited, so it should be a great place to play for a day.

Back to Level Ground

2007-11-06T02:10:00.000+11:00

Trust me! These kids did not miss the boat.

2007-11-06T01:32:00.000+11:00

View from the top

2007-11-06T01:23:00.000+11:00

The first pic is Duck Island, amazing coral ansd snorkelling.
N. Cal. is one of the worlds great Kite Surfing cities.

Hiking Noumea

2007-11-06T00:41:00.000+11:00

These dry forests develop in a climate of less than 1100mm of annual rainfall and are found between 0 and 400m above sea level on the west coast of New Caledonia. Dry forest trees are generally less than 15m in height. more thean 400 species have been listed and many only found in this plant formation which provide shelter to a vast number of birds, reptiles and insects. Only a few isolated fragments of the dry forest survive today in the world. These forests are considered as New Caledonia's most endangered ecosystem.

More Market Pictures.

2007-11-06T00:00:00.000+11:00

Those three tuna steaks cost me less than $5.00 CDN. Jo you asked about the exchange; as there is no tax on items only services if I take our 15% CDN tax into consideration the value would be about the same. The tuna cost me under 500 F. The tuna was melt in your mouth.
Having lived many years in PEI we are lobster spoiled.
As Atlantic Canadian Maritimers from Prince Edward Island, where the finest shell fish in the world are from( Its the clean cold Atlantic! ) a lobster from 70degree water just isn't very enticing.

The root veg. is Taro much like a yam, a staple for many here on the island.

Saturday Morning Groceries

2007-11-04T07:07:00.000+11:00

The fruit is hugely expensive but it is a delight to taste them as God made them.

Now living for such along time on Canada's East Coast,
I have a very good idea of what Lobster should look like and this is not it!~

Riding the Early Morning Tide

2007-11-03T08:20:00.000+11:00

Had a decent paddle early this morning out to an island where I met what sounded like Freddie who is camping with his family. I followed him along the shore and we chatted in two languages about how fine the night spear fishing is. Freddie proved his point by motioning over to his family sitting at his make shift table eating fried fish, smoking and drinking coffee. His expression of happiness reminded me of the look my father had when his slow pace got even slower and he could enjoy the finest things in life like a coffee with a shot of brandy, a little sun, something to sink his teeth into and of course a toothpick. It was sort of a proud clenched teeth smile. As he walked he picked up the garbage that somehow materialized on this uninhabited island and tossed it into the tall grasses. By the way these certainly are greener grasses.

Palolo Rises

2007-11-02T01:54:00.000+11:00

November 1st holiday. Well here are the goods. Besides being All Saints Day, it is also the celebration of a traditional sea caviar harvest. New Caledonia has a type of caviar, too. The Pacific caviar is a very special one because common people can afford to eat it (and will eat it in large quantities) and it is not the product of sturgeon fishes but of some … worms. Males and females are very different in aspect: while the males are brown-reddish, the females are green-bluish. Once or twice yearly, when the moon enters in its last quarter, the palolo worms rise to the surface in mass during a maximum of three nights to release their sexual products. Science has still not discovered what makes the worms rise at such a precise timing, but some believe it could be due to a rise of water temperature, the effect of the moon phases and the tides and the duration of moon light. When the worms rise, the people in the villages of the islands; Fiji to Solomon, Cook, Samoa, Tonga, New Caledonia and Vanuatu, men, women and children enter the ocean wading or in canoes. The water is milky with mucous. Once on the surface, the worms get stuck on everything: buckets, hand nets, mosquito nets, basket made of coconut tree leaves, hands. The astonishing phenomenon will last only few hours, and it always starts at 2 a.m. The islanders eat the worms even raw, but they can be boiled, roasted or fried. The worms can be baked into a loaf with coconut milk and onions. In local restaurants, you can find roasted palolo worms. Close to the shore, the islanders dig lovos, a kind of subterranean ovens, in order to cook the palolo. Once cooked, they can be preserved for a week or more. Palolo is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats. Some westerners say about the palolo's taste to be fishy, scratchy, salty, tart, even like a mix of seaweed and ... caviar (!), but it may be also an acquired taste and most westerners hate it.

The rear half of the worms suffer a drastic metamorphosis during which it develops rapidly reproductive organs full of sex cells. This rear part, called epitoke, possesses eyes and paddle-like extremities, getting separated from the rest of the worm and rising to the surface. The rest of the worms keep on living in the reefs. If the epitoke is not caught by humans or predators, their wall bursts, releasing the eggs and sperm cells, and we all no what happens after this casual encounter. Palolo is just the worm eggs and sperm.

I stayed up last night in an effort to experience this occurance. I attempted to upload my video but was unsuccessful as the speed was insufficient and the site repeatedly timed out.
You didn't miss much!
The search for Pacific Caviar continues!

Air Shipment Arrives

2007-11-01T12:41:00.000+11:00

Despite being postponed for a couple days with customs who had to verify that nothing was purchased new prior to shipping for import tax purposes, the transit was smooth and timely. This was a concern for moi as our climbing gear, computers, bikes, sport and camp gear were all tightly packed and the thought of damage or loss would be a nightmare.

Less than a day later and everything has found a home. We did not waste time getting into the rough morning water where we flipped both kayaks at least twice on our way to the island and got caught in sea rain on the way back.

RATED 7 BY DAVEY ON OUR SCARY FUN SCALE 10 BY NATHAN

No sooner did we get them back over the fence and into our yard, did the clouds blow over and the soleil cooked the wettness off our backs.

Today is some kind of N.Cal. holiday so we are off to see what that's all about.

Back shortly!

OUR FIRST FEW DAYS

2007-10-30T08:51:00.000+11:00

Well we made it. We drive around these crazy narrow streets negotiating on coming trucks, experienced French drivers, reckless kids on very quick little scooters, up and down around and around. Davey as co-pilot, Nathan bug eyed and in his glory, watching and feeling the new world zooming by. Driving through sheets hanging low and nervous dogs trying desperately to stay out of the way. (OK maybe no low hanging sheets, but there might as well be!) After parking at the mobile phone store, I jumped back into my Peugeot and forgetting it was a standard while starting. I cranked it without my foot on the clutch and the car nearly lurched over the 100 foot embankment I was parked at the edge of. OOPS!
Alana is digging in at work and is only in Kone for 3 days next week then back.
We love it! The days hit 30 for an hour but stay around 25C. Our apt is high-tech with sensored switches huge glass showers, double pedestal shell basins with shiny fancy Kohler faucets.
Our air freight is stuck in customs for a few more days but we received our visas today. We just got the cable set up, and internet. That was like playing charades.
This city is spectacular! We are at the market early for coffee then onto shopping and before supper the beach. The apt. is almost complete. I can’t understand a damn thing. I smile a lot and the boys are little assistance. They are both learning the language quietly it’s so cool to see. I give a lot of thumbs up,,, The French ladies are so fragrant and poised they leave the ocean smelling like Channel when they parade out.
Everyone is so wonderfully patient and kind. I have to really try to learn this language. Homer Simpson knows more French than me. What the hell happened there?
Runners, bikers and swimmers,there appears to be a tremendous percentage of serious fitness conscious people. Many tri-athletes are in the water at 7am training, and plenty of water walkers for the hour or more of daylight before them.
Love to all
I will work my blog this weekend.
I have some great video so you all come back now you hear!