{"id":4961,"date":"2012-08-13T22:54:00","date_gmt":"2012-08-13T22:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/2012\/08\/13\/adventures-in-the-pacific\/"},"modified":"2023-05-10T02:27:43","modified_gmt":"2023-05-10T02:27:43","slug":"adventures-in-the-pacific","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/2012\/08\/13\/adventures-in-the-pacific\/","title":{"rendered":"Adventures in the Pacific"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n

  
\n
\n
\n<\/w:wrap><\/v:imagedata><\/span><\/v:shape>
\n
\n
\n<\/w:wrap><\/v:imagedata><\/span><\/v:shape>On
\nthe little islands of New Caledonia, found north of New Zealand, situated on a
\nhill in Noumea stands a beautiful statue under the title of Notre Dame du
\nPacifique (Our Lady of the Pacific).  <\/span>It
\nwas under her mantle and protection that I entrusted our first senior French
\nclass trip to New Caledonia during the month of May.  <\/span>Two Sisters, our senior French teacher, and four
\npupils embarked on an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime to a place now
\nknown as my \u201cPacific Paradise<\/em>\u201d.  <\/span>The main
\naim and objective of the trip was to fully immerse the teachers and students in
\nthe French language and culture.  <\/span>Our
\nother intention was to sing the proper for the Sunday Masses and the Ascension
\nThursday Mass for the faithful of New Caledonia.  <\/span>We also learnt some polyphonic pieces to sing
\nat the Offertory and Communion.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\nMuch thought,
\npreparation and fundraising went into the organization of this trip.  <\/span>The idea of a trip to a French-speaking
\ncountry is one I have had for quite some time but one which I was not able to
\nwork on due to other commitments and financial constraints.  <\/span>Ideally, I would take the students to France
\nand one day, God willing, I will – but for now this little paradise meets my
\nrequirements for the pupils\u2019 advancement in French.   <\/span>New Caledonia is serviced by our priests
\nhere in New Zealand and is a part of the Asian district. 
\n<\/span>As a priest is scheduled to go every 6 weeks to New Caledonia from New
\nZealand and his passage there for the month of May worked in perfectly with our
\nschool holidays, we were able to get a good deal for flights and the
\nbookings were made.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nThe day before
\ndeparture, as I was hurriedly doing last minute preparations and finishing off
\nbooklets of songs and prayers in French, I encountered difficulties with our
\ncomputer and printer system at the convent and had to make many trips back and
\nforth to the school office to use the computer and printer over there.  <\/span>I was also told that day that I was very
\ncourageous to be taking the girls at that particular time to New Caledonia as
\nthe weather was terrible with continuing storms and rain.  <\/span>I was a little bit perturbed and anxious
\nabout what to expect but I asked Father to offer a Mass for a safe and
\nprosperous trip and fine weather, and from the moment we arrived to the day we
\nleft we had sunshine and fine weather, except on one occasion.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nSetting off on
\nFriday, May 11th<\/span><\/sup> with possibly bigger suitcases and more clothes
\nthan needed (one must remember there were 6 females travelling) we left our
\nfarewell committee of Father, Sisters and parents for a day of
\nsightseeing.  <\/span>We drove the scenic and
\nlonger route to Auckland via Lake Taupo and Rotorua.  <\/span>We arrived in Auckland by 7pm in time for a 3
\ncourse meal provided by the couple who take care of the chapel in Auckland and
\ndiscovered that one of our air mattresses had a hole in it.  <\/span>No matter how many times we pumped it up it
\ncontinued to deflate.  <\/span>The girls arranged
\nthemselves though for the night on the other air mattress and the sofas
\nprovided and our alarms were set for a 4.30am rise.   <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/div>\n
\nWe
\nwere driven to the Auckland airport at 6am the next day and deposited with all
\nof our baggage for the 8.30am flight to Noumea. 
\n<\/span>The line for checking in was quite long and by the time we got through
\nto customs it was time to board the plane. 
\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/a>After a very
\nsmooth flight and landing we disembarked the plane \u2013 we had to walk on the
\ntarmac \u2013 to experience the heat of Noumea, quite a change from the New Zealand
\ntemperatures.  <\/span>Not a drop of rain or a
\ncloud was in sight.  <\/span>As we cleared
\nairport control and collected our baggage we met with our hosts and collected
\nour rental cars.  <\/span>We loaded
\ninto the vehicles and took in the beautiful scenery which surrounded us.  <\/span>Palm trees, rolling hills and right hand
\ndriving \u2013 it took a little while to get used to driving on the ‘wrong side’ of
\nthe road and using my right hand to change the gears and to keep up with the
\ncar in front –  <\/span>but we managed it.  <\/span>We also remarked that people drive really
\nfast in New Caledonia.  <\/span>It was a lot to
\nget used to all at once.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nUpon arriving at
\nour destination we were treated to the nicest steaks you have
\never seen, served on the biggest plates imaginable. Our host was a retired chef
\nand he certainly knew how to cook and present his food.  <\/span>We were treated like
\nroyalty from day one with the most exquisite French cuisine you can
\nimagine.  <\/span>If you were to look through our photos,
\nyou would find that numerous of them include pictures of food and its presentation.  <\/span>We even went so far as to eat snails, and
\noddly enough, really liked them.  <\/span>  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n<\/w:wrap><\/v:imagedata><\/span><\/v:shape>Our
\nSaturday was spent settling in and on Sunday we were treated to fresh
\ncroissants \u2013 biggest ever seen – and pain au chocolat fresh from the local
\nbakery.  <\/span>Father arrived on Sunday
\nafternoon and Mass was offered at 5.30 that evening.  <\/span>After Mass we felt like Hollywood movie stars
\nwith nearly every member of the parish coming to shake our hands and introducing
\nthemselves.  It was the first time that the majority of them had ever<\/span><\/span><\/span> seen religious sisters before.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n

\nOur weekend
\nactivities included a visit to the local fish and produce market – to teach the girls how to ‘purchase’ in French.  <\/span>Being a seafood lover, I found this very
\ninteresting as they have a very different variety of fish in New Caledonia and
\nfresh seafood in abundance.  <\/span>It was
\nrather fascinating looking at the different sorts of fruit and vegetables that
\ncan be purchased and comparing the prices with those of New Zealand.  <\/span>It was very difficult to get used to the new
\ncurrency too and to make the conversion in your head.  <\/span>The girls had great fun buying jewellery and
\nsouvenirs for their friends and relations and just seeing what was on
\noffer.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n\ufeff\ufeff<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Glorious oceanic views in this Pacific Paradise<\/span><\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n


\n
\n
\n<\/w:wrap><\/v:imagedata><\/span><\/v:shape>We
\nspent Monday in Noumea visiting the Cathedral of St Joseph and the statue of
\nOur Lady of the Pacific. After lunch, Father drove us to a private swimming
\nhole, which turned out to be most calm and peaceful.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n<\/a>On
\nTuesday we spent a day with a family from the parish. They live half an hour
\nfrom the chapel in a private estate. 
\n<\/span>They practically have their own beach as only those residing in the
\nestate have access to it.  <\/span>The girls had
\ngreat fun swimming out to see the coral and swimming amongst the tropical
\nfish.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/a>It was a dream come true for one
\nof the girls and it was her favourite day over all.  <\/span>The only disadvantage was the cuts and grazes
\nthe girls had to their arms, feet and legs from the direct contact with the
\ncoral.  <\/span>There were a few trips to the
\ndoctor on our return to New Zealand for<\/span><\/span> antibiotics but everyone
\nwould do it again, only avoiding contact with the coral next time.<\/span><\/span>                               <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\nOn
\nWednesday we went to the aquarium and zoo in Noumea.  <\/span>The girls had their first experience of
\nordering food in French.  <\/span>Next door to
\nthe aquarium was the fast food chain called \u201cQuick\u201d, opposition of McDonalds
\nbut with more reasonable prices.  <\/span>I gave
\nthe girls 1000CPF to spend on lunch. 
\n<\/span>They were all rather scared, but the experience was great for them as
\nthey used their basic French to order and everyone was able to make themselves
\nunderstood.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
“I learnt many new words,” wrote one of the pupils,
\n“and after 3-4 days, I began to think in French!”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Ascension
\nThursday was a very busy day with a very early rise.  <\/span>We had to drive three hours for Father to
\noffer Mass at Houailou.  <\/span>After
\nbreakfast we set off in two vehicles. One and a
\nhalf hours later we discovered that the tyre on the rental car was flat.  <\/span>Father and Allan, our senior French teacher, tried to change the wheel
\nbut to no avail – one of the bolts was
\ntoo tight to budge.  <\/span>The road-help was
\nphoned and in the meantime two natives drove in to give us a hand.  <\/span>Within <\/span>10 minutes they had the tyre off and the spare put on and then we waited
\naround for the road help who had apparently come in a 4WD but found that it was
\nfixed and so left again without informing us who they were.  <\/span>We then drove to the nearest petrol station
\nand had the tyre repaired and replaced and sped off again for the chapel.      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\n<\/a><\/a>We were two hours late for Mass but
\nfortunately had the priest with us<\/em>. 
\n<\/span>Lunch was served at 3pm.  <\/span>A
\nsplendid feast had been prepared for us and faithful from all corners of New
\nCaledonia had come to assist at Mass and partake in the festivities.  <\/span>We were told that it was the 30th<\/span><\/sup>
\nanniversary of the first Mass offered in New Caledonia, but Fr Laisney who said
\nthe first Mass, told us on our return that it was only 29 years – as he celebrates
\n30 years of ordination this June.  <\/span>It was
\nworth celebrating anyway.  <\/span>We could not
\nstay long with the tribe as Father was scheduled to say Mass at the Noumea
\nchapel as well, in the evening.  <\/span>We had to
\nsing the evening Mass too, so we set off again at 4pm and got back just in
\ntime for Mass to begin.  <\/span>Dinner was
\nvery late that night and so was lights out, but it was a day to remember.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

\n<\/a><\/a>The
\nnext day was spent in the south at La Riviere Bleue with a family from the
\nparish.  <\/span>We were fortunate in that
\neverything was free that day.  <\/span>We were
\nable to catch the bus which took us on the tour and we were able to get off and
\non as we pleased.  <\/span>It did rain quite a
\nbit down there, unfortunately, but we were still able to do some walks and we
\nalso spotted the native bird known as the cagou.  <\/span>It is a bird that has wings but does not
\nfly.  <\/span>It also barks.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
“What impressed me most,” wrote one of the pupils afterwards, “was the beauty of the islands…sunny beaches, rolling hills, green forests… It was beautiful…”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff\ufeff<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
We found a 1,000 year old tree to our immense delight<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n\ufeff\ufeff<\/div>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n<\/w:wrap><\/v:imagedata><\/span><\/v:shape>It
\nwas planned that Saturday would be spent with another family exploring the
\nsouth, especially going to see the Madeleine Waterfalls but it had to be
\ncancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. 
\n<\/span>Nevertheless, the girls had fun shopping all morning at the hypermarche
\nand tasting crepes at the creperie.  <\/span>In
\nthe afternoon we rested, as we were all very tired.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\nMass was earlier
\non the second Sunday. It was also our host\u2019s birthday so many parishioners were
\ninvited to celebrate the occasion – we
\nhad a wonderful time practicing our French with the visitors.  <\/span>The festivities
\nlasted the whole day \u2013 a typical French celebration!<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/a><\/div>\n

<\/a><\/a>Monday was a
\nrestful day with a visit to Noumea to do some last minute souvenir
\nshopping.  <\/span>Tuesday was an early rise as
\nwe were invited to spend the day at Bourail with a lovely couple on their 16
\nhectare property.  <\/span>We visited the NZ
\ncemetery, explored the property from the back of a utility, and went horseback riding.   <\/span>The views of the coastline and mountains were
\nbreathtaking.  <\/span>Wednesday was spent with some
\nladies of the parish, opening presents and enjoying a good laugh and a last
\nminute visit to one of the families for a last peek at the coral whilst the
\ntide was low.  <\/span>We then spent the evening
\nmaking crepes, cleaning and packing.<\/span><\/span>\ufeff<\/p>\n

\n\ufeff<\/div>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
“I think that the cemetery for the New Zealand soldiers from WWII,” wrote one of the girls after the trip,
\n“was well-maintained and shows a deep respect for the soldiers…”<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\nOur
\nfinal day in New Caledonia is one we will never forget.  <\/span>With tears in our eyes, we said goodbye to our
\nhosts and boarded the plane 5 minutes before takeoff as we experienced
\ndifficulties at the check in.  <\/span>Our Fijian
\ndid not have a copy of her ticket and they would not let her check in.  <\/span>Finally, they realized she was a New Zealand
\nresident and it was no longer a problem. 
\n<\/span>We all rushed through to customs and had to quickly fill in our
\ndeparture cards.  <\/span>Then someone set off the beeper.  <\/span>You can imagine my heart rate at this
\npoint.  <\/span>The return trip went smoothly and
\nwe arrived safely in Wanganui in good time for everyone to have a good night\u2019s
\nsleep in preparation for school the next day.<\/em> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\nThe success of this trip has inspired ideas of student exchange between New Zealand and New Caledonia.  At present, we have one young lady visiting for a month and attending our school, with two more coming later this year.  <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Our first young lady from New Caledonia (right) to visit
\nNew Zealand, with one of our pupils.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\nMay the planting of seeds in our first trip continue to bear fruit for the future.  The Dominican friars were some of the first missionaries to the Asian\/Pacific region and we, their little sisters, desire to continue to spread the flame, lighted by our Holy Father, Saint Dominic.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

\nNotre Dame du Pacifique, priez pour nous!<\/em><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\n<\/a><\/div>\n
\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

   On the little islands of New Caledonia, found north of New Zealand, situated on a hill in Noumea stands a beautiful statue under the title of Notre Dame du Pacifique (Our Lady of the Pacific).  It was under her mantle and protection that I entrusted our first senior French class trip to New Caledonia … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4961","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-apostolate","infinite-scroll-item","masonry-post","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4961","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4961"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4961\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5227,"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4961\/revisions\/5227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4961"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4961"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/opsisters.org.nz\/preview\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4961"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}