Sunshine, Yaaay!

  Sorry I couldn't post this last night or this morning because the internet connection was so bad. I've no idea how they cope with it!

Yes, at last we had a typical tropical day here in Nouméa!

The kids spent three hours in classes and then we spent half an hour in Véro’s classroom because she had no classes this morning. We just chatted about how their stay was going and went over again what strategies to use when feeling homesick at their billet’s house. I always enjoy hearing about the list of similarities and differences they’ve noticed over here. They are many and varied.

Mia is amazed at the fact that her host sister can eat whatever thing she wants when she gets home from school – anything from cereal to macarons to pastries! The larder seems stocked with a wide variety of foods………  look out for the expectations Vanessa! 

 

They were so excited by the time we all headed off for our walk to the beach. It’s only 10-12 minutes away but we were all really feeling the heat when we got there. Earlier in the morning, I had called in and ordered a filled baguette for everyone from a sandwicherie nearby, so we collected them and ate those on the beach.

 

A short walk alongside the petanque courts and a Japanese couple having wedding photos at the beach, brought us to the paddleboard providers. Paul was intrigued with their organisation – they must be amazed and impressed when they visit places like this in NZ.  The kids were all donned in life jackets, collected their kayaks and paddle boards and then we gave them their boundary instructions.  They had an absolute ball!  They each had a turn on a paddleboard and in the double kayaks. There may well be a few sore arms tomorrow!

 

When we’d returned all the gear, we walked around to Baie des Citrons for them to swim and jump off the platform situated off the beach a bit. Baie des Citrons is a beautiful, sheltered beach and the sea was like glass around there. They all had a wonderful time frolicking around in the water except moi!  I know from experience, kids cannot be relied on not to splash so I had to be content standing in the shallows counting heads!  Definitely not ideal! I don’t want to have to face the orthopaedic specialist on Monday with a partially dissolved plaster after I’d promised I would be very careful with my arm and keep it in a sling the whole time, even though that feels like I’ve got my arm wrapt in a blanket sometimes!

 

We needed to be back at school by 3.30 for pickup so they reluctantly got out of the water and we headed back to school – 24 very hot, tired kids who I am sure will sleep well tonight!  They are very excited about the trip to the island of Phare Amédée tomorrow. It is always a highlight of our visit, so here’s hoping for another typical sunny day!