The Little Chapel: Guernsey

When I was a young whipper-snapper, I loved visiting this Guernsey attraction. Something about it has always fascinated me.

It was built around 1923 by a French monk, as a miniature version of a grotto in Lourdes, France. Decorated in broken china, pebbles and seashells, it is believed to be the smallest consecrated church in the world. 

I think what impressed me as a tinie (and now), is the detail that has gone into the building. The chapel is currently under a bit of reconstruction and bits are falling off the walls, but really, what can you expect from a building that is 90 years old!

A Day on Herm

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside

Oh I do like to be beside the sea

Herm. The smallest of the Channel Islands. At only a mile-and-a-half long and half-a-mile wide, it's impossible to get lost (well, you can, but not for very long!) in this tiny paradise with clean beaches and breath-taking views.

Reaching the island is simple. Just hop onto a boat from St Peter Port in Guernsey and it's only a 15 minute ride away. To me, getting there is half the fun!

Shell Beach, which is where we spent our day, is only a 15-20 minute walk from the harbour and it will always be my favourite beach to visit. It's hard to believe that a beach as beautiful as this one is within a couple of hours reach from the UK!

Herm ice-cream is the best.

Here are some photos that I took on the boat-ride back:





I've only ever done day-trips to Herm, but one day I'd like to spend a night or two there, as I can imagine how quiet and magical the place would be after dark.

An Ode to the Beach

The calming sound of the waves lapping up against the shore,

Stick your feet in and go BRRR! TOO COLD!

Warm sand, so very soft underfoot,

Unexpectedly find it months later in the most random places back at home.

Sat on the dunes eating a nice, cold ice-cream,

Oh look! Here comes Mr. Seagull who wants a bite too!

Perched on a blanket and eating a picnic lunch,

A sudden gust of wind blows and you literally get sand in your sandwiches.

Tanning yourself under the blue, cloudless sky,

What's that in the distance? A black cloud? Quick! Dash! Hasten under cover!

Massaging in that deliciously scented sun-cream,

Wake up the next morning to find finger shaped marks on your shoulder. Whoops! Missed a bit!*

Watching small children building castles made of sand,

Here come a couple of local youths to kick it down.

*sadly I'm not making this up. it happened to me last year. 

In My Ferry Bag

This time tomorrow, I shall be on Guernsey!! YAY!! 

Here is what I like to take on board with me. It's a 3 hour crossing from Poole, which isn't too long really, considering 30 minutes of that is navigating out of Poole Harbour.

IPod - Who can't manage journeys of any length without music? ME.

Passport - For any duty-free purchases of the alcoholic variety.

Purse - For money. Duh. On board there is a duty-free shop and most importantly, there is a Costa Coffee kiosk. 

A book - Probably not this one. I needed a book for the photo and this is the one that I'm currently re-reading.

Bottle of water - For all my hydration and tablet-taking needs.

Notebook & pen - In case I get blogging inspiration.

Carmex & chewing gum - I don't need to explain why these are included.

Seasickness tablets - A necessary precaution when sailing the English Channel. I few years ago, every crossing I went on, to and from Guernsey, the sea conditions were dreadful and I was sick each time. These days, I take tablets just in case.

Phone - Even though there is no phone signal in the middle of the channel or no wi-fi on the ferry, I like to have it with me.

Tissues - Again, I don't need to explain.

We're sailing with Condor Ferries, which happens to have the best safety video ever: