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Footprints in the sands of paradise, washed clean each tide by the sea.
Here is our planet in full splendor, calm and beautiful on it's 2009th trip around the sun after the birth of Christ.
Created about 5000 years ago, Paradise Beach was modified, filled, trimmed, shifted here and there, year by year, season by season, tide by tide until finally it presents itself to our awareness, unique and special, existing just this way, just this once, just in time for the footprints to form their long trail of remembering, just in time to be recorded for your appreciation on 360Cities.net and Google Earth.
Frederique and I wish you the most delightful intervals of awareness with our planet in 2010, wherever and whenever you seek them. May these moments nourish your peace of mind through difficult times.
Richard and Frederique Chesher
Visit the official government tourism site for Ouvea, Loyalty Islands...
Ouvea Atoll is the northernmost of the four Loyalty Islands. The eastern side of the atoll was uplifted millions of years ago so the whole eastern side forms one long narrow coral island with one of the world's most spectacular white sand beaches along the proctected lagoon. Ouvea is a 40 minute flight from Noumea, New Caledonia aboard Air Caledonie's new ATR turboprop planes. There is one 4 star Ouvea hotel - the Paradis d'Ouvea - two "Gites" and 6 "tribal stay" accommodation. There are also two managed campsites. Ouvea is popular with visitors - especially Japanese visitors - primarily because of the breathtaking beauty of the beach, but also because of the clear protected waters and coral reefs that offer great diving, interesting walks and annual festivals to attend. Two distinct cultural groups live on Ouvea, the Polynesian speaking people of the northern villages and the Melanesian speaking people of the southern villages. All of them also speak French and are French citizens because New Caledonia is part of France.
