Well, it's been ten days since we returned, and it was straight back to school (for some, anyway). It was a really good experience to live in another culture, where English was not the first language, and where the way of life was different. We were told by the Principal that we would feel homesick (and some did), that we would come up against challenges and obstacles (which we all did), and that we would grow and mature as individuals (which we did). We've made some new friends, learnt a lot about ourselves and others, and would be keen to repeat parts of it again. That would mean, of course, more scratchy boards, more barbeques, more begging for raffle prizes, etc.
We are grateful to our parents and friends who supported us over these last ten months or so, to the Principal and Board of Trustees who allowed us the opportunity to do the trip, and we thank all our fellow travellers for their friendship and companionship.
Au revoir, tout le monde.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
last day
Today was the trip to the Lighthouse on Amedee Island. It was a roughish sort of crossing, and not as hot as it has been in recent days. You can climb the 229 steps to the top of the lighthouse, go in a glass-bottomed boat to see coral and all sorts of fish and sharks, go out towards the reef and feed sharks there - they love bread. There's also a demonstration of coconut tree climbing, and the boys and Paigan also made their way up. Then they demonstrated how to cut open coconuts and grate it ready to eat. During the buffet barbeque lunch, we were treated to local songs and dancing by Pacific Islanders, and they also had a number up trying to copy them too.
Later there was a demonstration of various ways to tie a pareo - we just have to get the weather in Invercargill to be able to wear them!
The swimming and snorkelling was enjoyed by many of the group as well, and the snakes were interesting to see - apparently quite venemous, but not aggressive. We'd been warned about them, so were well prepared to keep bags closed in case they curled into them.
This evening we dined at a creperie, and packing is now in progress - how will it all fit in?
Tomorrow night in Auckland, then to Invercargill on Sunday.
Au revoir.
Later there was a demonstration of various ways to tie a pareo - we just have to get the weather in Invercargill to be able to wear them!
The swimming and snorkelling was enjoyed by many of the group as well, and the snakes were interesting to see - apparently quite venemous, but not aggressive. We'd been warned about them, so were well prepared to keep bags closed in case they curled into them.
This evening we dined at a creperie, and packing is now in progress - how will it all fit in?
Tomorrow night in Auckland, then to Invercargill on Sunday.
Au revoir.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
And now we are all starting to get bitten by mosquitoes! Free day tomorrow - so look out, shops! Actually, not really, because prices are fairly high. It will be the swimming pool at the hotel which will take the hit. May as well make the most of it because we hear the weather's not great at home.
And Lucy managed to get away - 4.00am start for her and Kathryn this morning to get her to the airport, but it was worth being there that bit earlier than the hundreds of others. Hope the rest of her tournament goes well.
all the children
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
last day of school
Well, today was the last morning of school - I taught four classes before 11.30, while Kathryn sorted things out for Lucy, who was due to come back today, but because of a strike at the ariport somewhere (typically French), she has now been rebooked for tomorrow - leaving the hotel here at 5.00am.
We had lunch in the canteen, with a meal that was not quite so appetising as last week, but it was free for us. In the afternoon we went to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre with the host children. The building is architecturally fascinating, and it tells the history of the local Kanak people, but it seemed to be so much hotter today, or maybe we were more tired, so its effect was somewhat reduced unfortunately.
Tomorrow we get on a bus (airconditioned, we hope) to go to Bourail where there is a New Zealanders' cemetery. It's the students' last night with their homestays tonight, and tomorrow morning they will get dropped off at school ready to wheel their bags back to the hotel before we leave for Bourail. Some of them are dropped off at 7.00am, I heard today, so no wonder they are feeling a bit jaded now.
Forgot to bring my camera down to transfer the photos for this, but maybe tomorrow.
We had lunch in the canteen, with a meal that was not quite so appetising as last week, but it was free for us. In the afternoon we went to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre with the host children. The building is architecturally fascinating, and it tells the history of the local Kanak people, but it seemed to be so much hotter today, or maybe we were more tired, so its effect was somewhat reduced unfortunately.
Tomorrow we get on a bus (airconditioned, we hope) to go to Bourail where there is a New Zealanders' cemetery. It's the students' last night with their homestays tonight, and tomorrow morning they will get dropped off at school ready to wheel their bags back to the hotel before we leave for Bourail. Some of them are dropped off at 7.00am, I heard today, so no wonder they are feeling a bit jaded now.
Forgot to bring my camera down to transfer the photos for this, but maybe tomorrow.
Kathryn and I spent part of Sunday afternoon with the family where Ashleigh is staying, and were jealous of her lifestyle - out of her bedroom into the pool is what she can do each day. We enjoyed afternoon tea in their garden, with tarts made by the mother and Hortense - delicious!
Tonight we have just come home from dinner at the family where Lucy is staying, and it was a delightful evening - these children are so lucky to have had this experience.
Meanwhile, we have had to ask for towels the last three days because they have forgotten to leave us some, and most days, if we don't time it right, we wait a few minutes for the water to come back on in the shower. At least internet is back on. However, the hotel really is ok - it's just so handy to where the school is, it's right over the road from the beach, there's a busstop at the front door and lots of shops and restaurants handy.
One thing we didn't factor into the risk management was the French tradition of a strike - Lucy was supposed to come back tomorrow for a basketball tournament, but the flight was cancelled, as we found out by chance, but hopefully she will get away on Wednesday!
We are having lunch tomorrow in the school canteen and then all the children, including the hosts, are going by bus to the Tjibaou Cultural Centre, which should be quite an experience. And that's it then for school here. The kids have started to really bond well, and it will be hard to leave.
A la prochaine fois donc - till next time then - bonne nuit.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
all is going well
Sorry there have been no posts for the last few days - internet at hotel out! Kathryn and I had paid for an hour ot time each and found it went so quickly, so we got a 24 hour usage for the same cost as four individual hours, and then it broke down - so frustrating.
Anyway, things are going well - homestays are great and everything is laid on for us.
Friday we went to Maritime Museum and then toured a supermarket with a list of questions to answer, then time for a quick McFlurry beofre returning to school. Buses are ok, we thought, until yesterday when Kathryn and I may have been stranded for hours perhaps - a kind lady took us in her car.
No alcohol sold this weekend again - to curb the problems that it causes in the streets by groups of young ones - perhaps the City Council might consider it! Glass everywhere too on the footpaths.
Tomorrow going to another beach, then to the Cultural Centre with host children on tuesday - they are allowed the afternoon off school to accompany them, so that is nice.
Hope to get photos to you tomorrow if we can from hotel.
Anyway, things are going well - homestays are great and everything is laid on for us.
Friday we went to Maritime Museum and then toured a supermarket with a list of questions to answer, then time for a quick McFlurry beofre returning to school. Buses are ok, we thought, until yesterday when Kathryn and I may have been stranded for hours perhaps - a kind lady took us in her car.
No alcohol sold this weekend again - to curb the problems that it causes in the streets by groups of young ones - perhaps the City Council might consider it! Glass everywhere too on the footpaths.
Tomorrow going to another beach, then to the Cultural Centre with host children on tuesday - they are allowed the afternoon off school to accompany them, so that is nice.
Hope to get photos to you tomorrow if we can from hotel.
Friday, October 3, 2008
yay nc
omg at this school i have made heaps of friends even one best friend named romane she is so nice i got really sun burnt yesterday though because i forgot to put on sunscreen whoopsie the caanteen food here is really disgusting as well but we have to eat it i ran out of money the other day so i texted my nana and said i need more money so hopefully she puts more on my card. BYE BYE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Thursday, October 2, 2008
Our Holiday So Far! (Lucy & Ashleigh)
Hi Everyone!
We just thought we would let you know how New Caledonia is going!
Well...We have been getting up really early because school starts reeeeeeeally early!
Today we are going snorkelling at Master Island which will be super fun! We went to Mcdonalds yesterday it was really yummy!Its really hot over here and we are getting a really good tan, bet your all jealous! Tomorrow we are going shopping again we think! We are all having so much fun and eating good food! The ice creams over here are really yumm! Everything is really really really expensive! Lucy is cool and so is Ashleigh!
Hope you are all having a great holiday!
See you very soon!
Lots of love from Ashleigh and Lucy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx =]
We just thought we would let you know how New Caledonia is going!
Well...We have been getting up really early because school starts reeeeeeeally early!
Today we are going snorkelling at Master Island which will be super fun! We went to Mcdonalds yesterday it was really yummy!Its really hot over here and we are getting a really good tan, bet your all jealous! Tomorrow we are going shopping again we think! We are all having so much fun and eating good food! The ice creams over here are really yumm! Everything is really really really expensive! Lucy is cool and so is Ashleigh!
Hope you are all having a great holiday!
See you very soon!
Lots of love from Ashleigh and Lucy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx =]
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
retail therapy
Today was a half day at school, although some students finish at 9.30! Most went back to their families, to play football or go cycling or whatever, but most of the girls went shopping - we found some better ones today, with grateful thanks to Clara, Rowena's host sister.
Much cooler today.
Much cooler today.
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