Holiday sketches and snaps - Noumea

The sketches are my way of observing a new place - a quiet appreciation. It also took my mind off the humidity and heat in the hottest part of the day.

Collection of sketches, flowers and palms

On every walk, I kept an eye out for Hibiscus and Frangipani. For different colours and scents. I could probably have given directions by Hibiscus colours! I took photos for texture, colour and pattern. I would stop suddenly and look up to find a bold pattern of green against the truest blue.

collage of photographs, Hibiscus, palm trees and blue water

In our second week near the beach (our first week was in Centre Ville Noumea) stopping to watch the sunset was full of colour, energy and life. As the day cooled down, families came out to gather for an evening meal, to swim, or, for those with a lot of stamina, watersports. I was content to watch and practice with my Moment lenses, capturing close-ups and distant shots.

collage of photos, beaches, water and boats

New Caledonia is beautiful, and people are kind and friendly. My photographs depict an idyllic paradise, but it can't be; there is no such thing, and no place is so simple.

For more context, my partner has written a few pieces on Substack about our visit.

Calidonia dreaming I suppose it’s the perennial tourist’s tension between the idea and the reality.

Days of a life imagined Wandering and wondering in a town that's not entirely accessible