THE SOJOURN OF A SEXAGENARIAN

By roman romeo g. nagpala

Lolo Rom was a high school graduate in 1956 from the Laguna Institute (now Laguna College of Business & Arts) in Calamba, Laguna (now a city). That was two scores and seven years ago. Now he is a card-bearing Senior Citizen of the Republic of the Philippines. Hence Lolo Rom, this writer, truly is a genuine sexagenarian.

As a former OFW (overseas Filipino worker) off-and-on since December, 1979, the prospect of a foreign assignment at this age is like the setting sun. Its glimmer of hope is in the twilight chance.

But Lo and Behold! The Lord is always up there to lead the way at the right time.

Waiting for my medical verification requirement in Manila, I received a call from the French Embassy in the Philippines. The message: “We have your approved visa. Tell your employer to pay the 446-peso-visa-fee, present to the embassy your two-way ticket to New Caledonia, and submit your passport for validation.”

Voila, this sexagenarian on the evening of the following day was on board flight QF-020 Manila-Sydney on 5K business class seat. Arriving Sydney Airport 6 am of August 10, 2002. Waiting two hours for the change flight and finally arriving at the Tontouta international airport in New Caledonia noontime (local time). With three-hour difference, it was nine in the morning in the Philippines.

I won’t let you into the details of the business trip, even how exciting it has been. Instead, let us find out a little of this Country-Islands known as New Caledonia, a French overseas territory at the South Pacific.

Welcome

The welcome begins upon departure of the meet-and-greet coach from Tontouta international airport. Astounding endless views of the surrounding mountains, hills and ranges engulfs one on-bound to Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia.

Brochure Information

Imagine a Pacific Island paradise with more than a dash of French European chic and you have New Caledonia, an alluring destination for a holiday that can be both relaxing and exciting. Enjoy the balmy climate, the sandy white beaches and aquamarine lagoons teeming with tropical fish.

Experience the culture – a wonderful blend of French traditions and Melanesian custom. Indulge in the cuisine, choosing from a vast array of exotic international menus and fresh local seafood. Dine at the side cafes, classy restaurants or picnic under a coconut palm.

Discover the island’s unique history or take the outdoor activity options available on both land and water. Spend time exploring the shops, where top European-designer wear is available alongside traditional Melanesian crafts. Whatever your preference, New Caledonia is a place where romance, adventure and dreams can come true.

New Caledonia is the fourth largest South Pacific Country after Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. It is made up of the main island called La Grande Terre, and a number of offshore islands predominantly the Loyalty Islands to the northeast (Lifou, Maré, Ouvéa and Tiga) and the Isle of Pines to the south. The capital city, Noumea, is located on the southeast of La Grande Terre.

History

The great voyaging canoes of the Melanesian people sailed into New Caledonia two or three thousand years ago. But it was Captain Cook who named the land in memory of his beloved Scotland when he discovered it en route to New Zealand in 1774. The land was sighted again, in 1792, by Frenchman d’Entrecasteaux. In September 1853 Admiral Fevrier-Despointes claimed New Caledonia as French Territory.

This opened the floodgates for hundreds of French settlers. Thousands of convicts were also deported to the island and many remnants of that era can still be seen today. In the 1890s migrants from Indonesia and Java arrived, adding another element to the country’s cultural diversity.

Population

New Caledonia has about 200,000 inhabitants, of which more than half live in Noumea. The major ethnic groups include Melanesian, European, Indonesian, Vietnamese, Tahitians and Wallisians.

Climate

The balmy climate is marked by two seasons. September to March is warm and humid with moderate rainfalls and an average temperature of 25.5°C. April to November is too cool and dry with temperatures as low as 20°C and can get even colder in July and August.

Clothing

Normal weather requires lightweight and casual with smarter dress for evenings out (shorts are not recommended for evening dining). Visitors from temperate countries should pack a couple of sweatshirts or similar warm clothes for the cooler evenings. Sturdy shoes are recommended if you plan to walk on island tracks or reefs.

Language

The official language is French. English is not widely spoken and understood. There are also about 30 different Melanesian dialects.

Currency

New Caledonia uses the French Pacific Franc (CFP). Exchange rate is 120-135 CFP to one US dollar.

Customs Requirement

All visitors require a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival and a return or onward ticket. Those travelling on New Zealand, Australian or EEC passports do not need a visa for stays up to three months.

Air terminal transfer

Coach companies, public buses and taxis operate regular transfers between Tontouta international airport and Noumea, a distance of 45km.

Local Transport and Communication

The mainland has regular bus services, and small trading vessels link the mainland with nearby islands. Most places have facilities for mail, telephone and telegrams. New Caledonia has a modern satellite communication system that allows direct overseas phone calls at any time. The domestic airline Air Calédonie operates regular flights from Noumea to the mainland and surrounding islands.

Tipping

Here in New Caledonia, strictly no tipping even in the restaurants.

Sunbathing beauties

Walking, jogging, leisure driving around the beaches is the daily grind for tourists here in the capital Noumea. Beautiful Parisienne ladies abound everywhere. Mid-day walk along the right beaches is a wonderful experience. It exposes one to a free view of lovely ladies sunbathing – some are topless or in their birthday suit.

Urban-landscape

What really takes my breath away in this island paradise is the uniqueness of its urban landscaping and engineering design. Despite the mountainous contour of the place. It must be the French influence. Hotels, commercial establishments are designed and constructed along the surrounding Pacific shores providing panoramic view to visitors. The zoning is utterly magnificent. It separates conveniently the commercial centres from residential districts – all in balance with nature. Infrastructures are sited along coastal plains and the island’s mountainous interiors as well. And the surrounding view is just captivating.

Model in urban planning

New Caledonia, particularly in the capital Noumea, could very well be a model in urban planning. Upon my return to the Philippines in my province Laguna, I would recommend to our Provincial Governor to visit this island paradise with the provincial tourism and environment officials. Such official travel should be coordinated with the national government’s Department of Tourism. The CALABARZON Governors should also be given these opportunities. The experience should help in future urban planning and development of local ecological tourism in their respective provinces.

Along the beach areas, wooden benches are comfortably lined-up placed only a few meters from the surfing sea under the canopies of coconut trees and other indigenous species. During high tide on windy days, waves of the onrushing Pacific spray water to one’s face. One Sunday afternoon I even had a half-hour-nap while lying on one of those benches.

Lighted walking lanes and bicycle paths are provided along the circumferential road system. Safety concerns are definitely built-in.

Bus touring takes you to the grandeur of nature as it presents the greenery of the abounding mountains, hills and ranges. And yonder laze the aquamarine of the Pacific, simply staring at the face. Fascinating.

Goodbye

Before the end of my 45-day visa, I felt rejuvenated. The feeling was simply lovely. It’s wonderful. My only regret: “I am sexagenarian. Why didn’t this opportunity come when I was still a young thorough bred.” I could have tried any of the outdoor activity options available on both land and water. Like distance-running, cycling ala tour de France or mountain climbing. Then there are water sports, i.e., glide sailing, jet skiing, speed boating, parachute water gliding, balloon surfing, and plane beaching. Or just simply enjoy the Frenchy nightlife in New Caledonia.

But thank you Lord, for this sexagenarian is still feeling strong, even only in the mind.

Au revoir!

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