Dawn broke on Day 44 of the voyage as the MS Vista approached Guernsey Island, UK. Our hero and his lovely sidekick breakfasted that morning anticipating their last full-day of this outstanding journey. They had visited many new places over the last several weeks and Guernsey was another example of a port not often on the itinerary of most travellers. They anchored off St. Peters Port and tendered into the capital for a 4-hour walking tour.
Having already stopped at Jersey Island just two weeks before, Gym generally knew what the vibe was like in the Channel Islands. He also understood that there was a friendly rivalry between the two bailiwicks or self governing Crown dependencies. There are many differences between the two jurisdictions, chief of which is size. Guernsey is smaller in terms of area and population. It is two-thirds the size of Jersey in both respects.
What else is different?
1. They each developed their own language. English is universally used in both places but Guernsey has a distinct dialect called Guernsesiais and Jersey has Jerriais. As both places are much closer to France than to England these languages are mostly influenced by Norman French. Jersey has tried to preserve its dialect but unfortunately Guernsey's is considered endangered;
2. Guernsey has no McDonalds but you can get a Big Mac in Jersey. And if you like staying at bigger hotels, you won't find them on Guernsey, where there are only boutique inns and B&Bs. Generally, Guernsey is much quieter and less commercialized. There is no nightlife in Guernsey compared to Jersey;
3. Jerseymen are known as 'toads' to the folks in Guernsey, who themselves are known as 'donkeys' to Jerseymen.
4. Guernsey and Jersey dairy cows actually originated from the two namesake dependencies. Both breeds produce high butterfat milk which makes good ice cream. Jersey cows are a much more popular breed throughout the world due to their greater tolerance of both hot and cold climates.
Nev Johan was the local guider that day. He met Mr. and Mrs. G at the tender dock and led them on a tour of the charming waterfront of St. Peter's Port. They then hiked out onto Castle Pier and walked the entire length of it to Castle Cornet. At the castle, Nev provided a very comprehensive and enjoyable tour of this historic site which included being able to watch the firing of the noon gun.
That evening, the ship would steam back across the English Channel to dock at Portsmouth and our intrepid travellers would disembark the next morning. They hired a car to drive them and all their luggage to Heathrow and would return to Calgary on Westjet. Another classic trip was in the books. Kudos to Oceania and their beautiful brand-new ship, Vista.
JKM
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| St. Peter's Port, Guernsey Islands |
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| The flag of Guernsey features the golden Norman Cross inside the English Cross of St. George |
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| Market Hill at St. Peter's Port |
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| Victor Hugo in Bronze - he spent 15 years in Guernsey when he was exiled from France and wrote Les Miserable there |
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| Pillar Post Box are mostly blue in Guernsey |
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| Nev the guide in his sensible shoes |
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| Town Church in the capital |
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| Castle Pier linking St. Peter's Port to Castle Cornet |
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| Portcullis at Castle Cornet |
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| Castle garden built to memorialize the 80th anniversary of the end of WW2 |
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| Fortifications that have survived many battles and wars including the most recent Nazi occupation in WW2. |
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| St. Peter's Port harbour from Castle Cornet |
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| The firing of the noon gun |
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| Nice greenscaping on the seaside battlement of Castle Cornet |
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| Off in the distance is the Vista, waiting for Mr. and Mrs. G to return for one last evening |
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