Port Moselle, Noumea, New Caledonia

We have been at Port Moselle marina for a few days and have been enjoying Noumea very much. The voyage from Vanuatu was quite pleasant and the entry to the marina was quite simple. Clearance into New Caledonia was also painless and customs and quarantine and immigration was done on the dock free of fees and very politely. Quite a difference from Vanuatu, fortunately. Vanuatu had a French flavor but Noumea is just like France. More than half the population of 70,000 are French and the town looks just like a provincial French town on the Atlantic coast but with better weather. This is France. in the South Pacific.The roads are not only present but are free of potholes and have drains and curbs. On the day of our arrival President Nicolas Sarkosy was here. We thought perhaps he had come to welcome us but in fact he came to open the Pacific Games which is being held here until September 10th. There are many activities to do and see during the games and we will probably stay here a few more days and then cruise the southern part of New Caledonia. Most excellent stores and food markets here and the weather has so far been superb. Photos to follow.