Woohoo, today we get to go ashore! Noumea, I am sure that many people are as excited to see you as Sam and I are. Once ashore we bought tickets for a tourist train ride to various sites. Standing in live waiting for the departure time there was a group of two families beside us. One young Mum was stating quite loudly, oblivious to those around her, that she didn’t want to have to sit with her children because she couldn’t stand to listen to their whinging. Honestly??? If you, their mother, found it difficult to put up with how do you think the rest of us feel? I’ve no doubt the children do indeed misbehave a little as the tantrum that you are throwing is the example they have of acceptable behaviour… We sneak quietly away from that row to the one at the rear of the carriage!

We saw some lovely sites and Richard, our tour guide, was entertaining and informative. Noumea reminded me in many ways of Nadi, Fiji. The areas where the expats live are quite opulent with beautiful housing and many magnificent yachts and boats. In some of the original areas of town the beautiful old colonial buildings still survived.

On the drive through town we spotted a patisserie. Once deposited back at the terminal we decided to take a stroll back and sample some of their treats. After some pointing and sign language we ordered coffee and scrumptious sweet food. The street art was quite beautiful. Such talented people and what a lovely way to beautify an otherwise boring blank wall.

Back aboard the ship we decide it is time for lunch and then a swim. Watching a movie from the pool… such decadence. Oh and of course, a cocktail or two for me. Sam is not feeling so great, the diving trip is not looking so promising.

I have my choice of the NRL or AFL knockout finals. I decide that the Cats v Swans will be my choice. Sam goes off to bed and venture down to the Marquee. There is a magicians show on before the game. Very entertaining, with cards appearing inside the fly of mens trousers, or down the front of womens blouses. The footy game was rather interesting. Sitting among very vocal supporters of both teams became a little overwhelming… those refs really do get the blame for everything!!! I was a little out of place as I am not quite so passionate about my footy. It was lovely to see my nephew, Andrew Mackie play in yet another finals series with Geelong anyway, even though they were sorely beaten on the night.

The silence of the cabin was most welcome after the noise of the footy. Sleep will be very welcome.

Day 4 done and dusted….