Le Nickel

A few more thoughts and impressions of New Caledonia. As we have said on our blogsite we are continuing to enjoy our stay here. Although there are some frustrations!! The marina is similar to Whangarei in that it is right in town and everything incl. the daily food market within easy walking distance. Costs of food in particular are about one third more than in NZ but we're accepting that - not that we have much choice!! Marina fees very much on a par with the NZ average although the showers are free as is power (all included). Laundry though is very expensive as one has to leave it at one of two places - one can't do one's own laundry and that has sent the washerwoman into something of a decline!!! Never mind - she'll be able to satisfy her desires once we get to Vanuatu!  Having said that, she is doing daily washing on board so isn't declining too much!!! The first lot cost us the equivalent of NZD38 although it was 3 loads.

There's a great Traiteur (deli) and a Patisserie (bakery) also within walking distance so we will need to leave soon otherwise will become quite rotund!! Still, the walking counteracts that to some extent.

Generally, New Cal is very busy and prosperous. There are 2 brand new nickel processing plants under construction right now - one in the north and the other south. When they are on stream NC will be the No. 1 nickel producer in the world. All very well now while the demand from China continues but if that declined substantially there would be a corresponding decline here. And with the current commercial turmoil on world markets who knows what will happen? One thing for sure, France will not let this place go any time soon - it's really just a huge lump of nickel poking up above the surrounding ocean which is very deep close in on each side  down to 4000 metres in places. They say it doesn't matter where you dig; there is nickel everywhere. And now they've discovered cobalt in the lagoon which is very disturbing because that would be an ecological disaster - especially knowing the French disregard for such concerns! However, there is a very strong lobby against any lagoon mining so that's encouraging. NC's lagoon rivals Australia's Barrier Reef in area so is very significant.

Politically, things seem fairly stable but there was a clash between airline strikers and another group against on one of the Loyalty Is. (Mahe) last weekend and 4 people were shot dead!! And some others wounded. So, tensions are not far below the surface. Saw a local Kanak woman being arrested at the market this morning by 4 police but not sure why. Maybe just some shoplifting?

Abslolutely beautiful morning here again. The marina is glassy calm and sun shining. Temperature in low 20's and at night about 18. Well, must go now and organise some accommodation up the island for the weekend - if we don't want to sleep in the car!!! Chloe at Noumea Yacht Services will hopefully look after that.

Hope all well with everyone

Cheers,

Jim and Gina