Sojourn in the South Pacific Blog: How to Find What You are Looking For

This blog is about life in New Caledonia. I lived there from 2005 to 2007 and wrote about the experience whenever I could. Here you will find information about daily life in Nouméa; visits to Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa and Ile des Pins; and tales of the early childhood of our son, Pablo and the teenage years of his sister, Sophie.

If you are looking for something in particular about New Caledonia here, you can:

• Type keywords into the search box at the top left of your screen; the search will return anything I've written about your topic.
  
• Browse the categories under "Labels" on the left-hand side of your screen.


• Send me an e-mail at julie.harrisguiader@gmail.com.

I am a writer/editor/webber who now lives in Paris, but who would most likely jump at the drop of a hat at the chance to return to Nouméa. We spent two magical years there and would recommend a visit or a move to anyone who has the vaguest interest in trying life on a tiny South Pacific island.

Hoping you enjoy your visit, be it virtual or real. Drop me a line and tell me how it went!

New Caledonia Newcomer's Guide: 2008 edition

If you are looking for good, solid information on moving to and/or living in New Caledonia, I highly suggest the New Caledonia Newcomer's Guide. This free 26-page guide was updated, researched and compiled by a team of local English-speaking expatriate contributors. The guide touches on such topics as:

• Recommended Reading
• Getting Around New Caledonia
• Driver’s Licence
• The Magnificent Mobilis (mobile/cell phones)
• Learning French
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Carte de Sejour
• Finding a Place to Live
• Health Concerns
• Medical Care
• Childcare
• Culture Shock
• How To Handle Culture Shock
• Shopping For Food
• Recommended Pastry Shops
• Shopping For Home
• Shopping For Clothes
• Saving Money
• Local Expressions
• Useful Tips for Tropical Transformation
• Creepy Crawlies and Other Tropical Delights
• Poverty
• Hobbies and Clubs
• Places to Volunteer
• Fun Places to Spend the Day
• Vacations
• Who Succeeds Abroad?

A 1997 Newcomer's Guide also exists, but this 2008 edition is a much-needed addition to the limited information you will find on living in New Caledonia (many thanks to Jo Ann for sharing this!).

Happy reading!

Setting up House in New Caledonia

Are you wondering what it is like to move across the world and set up house on a remote island in the South Pacific?

Do you have specific questions about moving to New Caledonia?

It's been a couple of years since we did it, but our friend David and his family are just now moving in in Noumea, and David is doing a marvelous job describing the process on his blog at Trekking Greener Grasses.

Take a look at his tales and see his photos of market life, hiking in Noumea and the trials and tribulations of transitioning into a life of palm trees, early mornings and things going right - and wrong!

Bienvenue en Nouvelle Caledonie, David and Gang. Welcome to New Caledonia!

Horseback Riding in New Caledonia

Little did we know, one can (and should) go horseriding in New Caledonia. The terrain and the weather are perfect for it - and there are clubs for all levels. Plus, New Caledonia has what is left of the real outback cowboys, or so it seems to me.

Our last weekend in New Caledonia, we indeed went horseback riding - at Yala Ranch in Dumbea, just outside Noumea.

I had been up on a horse once or twice at school when I was younger and had been traumatised (as I am wont to do by anything bigger or faster than myself). Laurent had ridden a few times before.

Yala Ranch turned out to be the perfect place to go. We spent a couple of hours on the horses, riding through the river, climbing a gentle hill, getting a lay of the land. The guides were very friendly and reassuring - and though Laurent was nearly thrown (he loves to tease the horses), I managed to stay on my horse.

There are several options for horseriding in New Caledonia. I would encourage you to give it a try - for those days when it feels a little too cool (under 20 degrees) to go scuba diving.