Chocolate and Farewells

Ahhh! How lovely to have yesterday's blog just flick off as it should do a couple of minutes ago! a parent told me tonight that Casa del Sol where we were staying is notorious for it's bad internet connection.  Le Pacifique seems far better.
The bus collected us at 7.30 in the sunshine this morning and took us into town to visit the Morand chocolate shop. If you like chocolate, it is THE most divine establishment! The owner's children go to Mariotti and a son came to NZ with them a couple of years ago. Since then, he has invited us to his shop to explain to the kids all about his craft.  He creates the most beautiful chocolates and cakes with each one being a work of art in it's own right. He is reputedly the best in New Caledonia and is always trying for new taste sensations to include in his chocolates.

 

We then walked down to the Melanesian Museum which was really interesting. They have superb displays explaining about their huts, tools for hunting and fishing, and their clothing. We were taught a dance by a man from the Loyalty Islands and we then performed our waiata and haka for them. It was really nice to be able to share some of our culture with them. The staff all came out and watched the kids perform.  They get better and better with each performance and the boys should be going on tour with their haka when we return!

 

 

 

After a quick trip to the markets over the road, the bus collected us and we went back to Anse Vata Bay. The wind was still too high today for either of our watersports so it was another walk around to Baie des Citrons for swimming and snorkelling.  Nobody complained that we had already done that yesterday!

 

Nobody complained about filled baguettes for lunch again either!

 

We walked up to Mariotti at 5.15 for the farewell gathering. It was lovely to meet the billet families and for them also, it was nice to meet Alex and I, especially those with questions about their trip out in October.  They were all tired by the time we got back to the hotel. They've had long days and needed an early night. We had a quick meal then up to bed. I told them that there would be no snorkelling or shopping for those I heard talking after lights out at 9pm!  Not a sound escaped from any room so they should feel a little more refreshed in the morning - me too as we are not leaving our rooms until 8.30am!

 

Au revoir!