21 May 2011:

We arrived at a small camping / guesthouse complex in Poignam late at night, after traversing some very small and dark roads. We stopped in Koumac, one of the last towns of the way, to get groceries. and once again, I was shocked at how expensive everything is. Half a head of not-so-fresh looking cabbage was on sale for 500F, or about $5.50 USD. Poignam is the northernmost town on Grand Terre, the main island of NC, although don't bother looking for it on a map, unless it is a very detailed map of NC.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/04/2011-nz-to-sf-day-8.html

21 May 2011:

After thanking Christelle and Hubert for everything, and leaving them a gift of fruit (expensive, not fresh, and imported from NZ), I met up with Sarah, a Couchsurfer who responded to my posts. I also congratulated Christelle and Hubert, as the doctors told them she was pregnant the day I arrived! We zoomed north in a very full car/jeep, with me and three young students. Here is a view of a small portion of the Koniambo mining project near Koné. Too bad I didn't have time to view the Heart of Voh, although I personally don't think it would have been very exciting.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/04/2011-nz-to-sf-day-8.html

20 May 2011:

A small market that Christelle brought me to in the morning. She's never been before, as she was apprehensive of some of the Kanak, and didn't want to go alone, while Hubert is at work. As mentioned before, there is a distinct colonial feel to the place, and there is a definite separation between the Kanak and white people. I regretted eating breakfast, as there was delicious looking food there, music, and all sorts of fruits and vegetables.

Rough notes:
http://mandarinmanmarktravelnotes.blogspot.com/2012/04/2011-nz-to-sf-day-8.html