We anchored off the coast and took a water shuttle to St. Peter Port to join our Princess motor coach for an excursion into Guernsey.
Guernsey is part of the Channel Islands and is part of Great Britain. They use British Pounds (GBP) for the currency here; however, they also have their own currency. We were warned that if we make a purchase on the island we were likely to receive our change in Guernsey or Jersey (sister island) currency.
We traveled through the island’s center and viewed scenic villages, stone-built farmhouses and picturesque, narrow country lanes.
First stop: La Valette Museum.
Starting in June 1940, half of Guernsey’s population and most of the school children were evacuated. This Underground museum is owned by twins who have a massive collection of German and civilian artifacts from World War II when the Germans occupied the island. They are housed in some of the old tunnels.
Next, we rode to see a gun battery and the views from there.
We saw Guernsey cows in the fields but never could get a good picture from the bus; however, we did slow down beside a Guernsey golden goat. They are native to the region. Our driver told us that people are concerned that they could become extinct if any disease comes to the area, so they have transferred some to other locations to preserve the species.
The Underground Hospital and Munitions Store is the largest structural reminder of the German Occupation existing in the Channel Islands.
It is made up of a maze of tunnels. The complex contains a maze of tunnels which cover an area of about 75,000 square feet. The hospital was equipped with an operating theatre, kitchen, cinema, staff quarters and wards for 500 patients. In an emergency, the hospital could hold up to 1,000 patients. Wounds did not heal well, however, in the damp conditions. Many German patients ended up being moved in with local families nearby.
We arrived back at the pier with a little time to explore the port areas. Found a Waffle Restaurant in a little converted chapel (Can you convert a chapel?) and enjoyed a waffle cone.
Found a post card and mailed it from here in St Peter Port. Guernsey is part of the Channel Islands and is part of Great Britain. They use British Pounds (GBP) for the currency here; however, they also have their own currency. We were warned that if we make a purchase on the island we were likely to receive our change in Guernsey or Jersey (sister island) currency. That happened just as they said. I won’t be able to spend seven pence anywhere. Suits me fine. It is a pretty cheap souvenir.
Tomorrow – Cork, Ireland
Now that I’ve read your post, I would love to visit Guernsey!
It’s definitely worth a visit. If you enjoy historical fiction, you might enjoy, “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.” I read it just before I came and it gave me a good idea of life in Guernsey during the time of the war.