…yeez know already how grateful this ol’ Jurassic is in having such wunnerful Guest Post contributors on a regular basis… my friend, Cathy Ryan writes a respected book reviewer blog, Between the Lines… always worth a follow :
https://betweenthelinesbookblog.wordpress.com
…however, today, in a departure from her usual review off’rings, Cathy gives yeez a terrific panoramic trip around the island…
Living On A (very small) Island
Jersey to be precise. Although the UK is technically an island, it doesn’t have that ‘feel.’ You can drive for hours in the UK without sight of the sea, in Jersey there aren’t many places that don’t afford a glimpse and all roads lead there, literally. It’s impossible to get lost. For such a small place, only nine miles by five, there’s quite a bit of diverse scenery. From the sometimes wild, west facing North Atlantic coast to the prettier, calmer and more sheltered east.
The TV show Bergerac prompted my initial interest in the island – the scenery, the beaches, it all looked stunning. And, in actuality, it is.
I loved living there (X marks the spot!) even if it was only for a few short years. It has, or had when we were there, more to keep us amused than you might think. A wealth of fantastic restaurants (half a dozen within walking distance), lots of beautiful beaches, amazing coastal and country walks, a lovely town with some high end shops and theatres. Yes, theatres, plural! There were numerous attractions, although sadly I believe quite a few have closed down now. The yearly Battle of Flowers and Battle of Britain Air Display were sights to behold. Of course, it wasn’t always idyllic. When the sea fog rolled in it could be dense, like walking through a curtain of moisture, and caused the most horrendous bad hair days!
I spent many happy hours walking with my dog on the fabulous St Ouen’s beach on the west coast which, in the main, was very quiet, the tourists usually heading for the more child friendly beaches on the other side of the island. This is the surfer’s beach and the waves can reach a fair height. In the far distance you can just make out Corbière point and the lighthouse, one of my favourite places to spend some quiet time, looking out to sea while the waves pounded the rocks.
The countryside in the middle of the island has a completely different atmosphere, with the narrow lanes meandering through wooded valleys and rolling hills. The overriding sense though, was of being ‘abroad’ with all the comfort and familiarity of home. English speaking, currency I could understand and brands I knew. On the other hand, the French road names, hearing some of the old locals speaking Jèrriais, the Jersey patois, and the cosmopolitan air all added to the ambience. The other side of the coin is Jersey’s rather dark but fascinating history. From Viking raids and being exposed to constant attacks throughout the centuries, the tensions between Britain and France up until the occupation by the invading German forces during WW2. The fortifications built by the Germans still stand as stark reminders, along the length and breath of the island. The most formidable structure for me was, and still would be I think, the Underground Hospital.
Walking through the bone chilling tunnels the first time I visited gave me a feeling of dread to accompany the cold shivers, with the realisation of the lives lost during the construction and the conditions and hardships the forced labourers had to endure. The mock ups of scenarios with scarily life-like figures and the eerie half finished tunnels, left just as they were, as though work could commence again at any moment.
The most impressive structure would have to be Mont Orgueil Castle, overlooking Gorey harbour. The castle has had a chequered history since construction began in the early 1200s, having been used initially for defence, a prison, garrison accommodation and later for hosting royal ceremonies.
Who remembers Gilbert O’Sullivan? Alone Again and Clair among many other tracks. Yes I know, that dates me somewhat 😉 Anyway, I thought I’d include this video clip because there are good aerial views of the Martello Towers, part of the island’s fortifications utilised by the Germans during the occupation, Mont Orgueil and Corbiére.
Jersey has undoubtedly changed since we returned to the mainland but I’ve so enjoyed this nostalgic look back. Many thanks, Seumas, for inviting me over.
…I bet yeez enjoyed that!…thanks again, m’Lady, Cathy…
…see yeez later LUV YEEZ…
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Loved the post, but for some reason I can’t see the pics 😦
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…think it’s ok now … had a n issue with pics transfer from an email to the blog .:):)
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Oh how beautiful. Thank you so much. I travel through these blogs and am thrilled to see and learn about new places.
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mwaaah 🙂
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Reblogged this on Oxtapus *blueAction.
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Reblogged this on and commented:
Many thanks to Seumas Gallagher for inviting me over to his fabulous blog 🙂
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cheeeeers 🙂
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Thanks again, Seumas 🙂 Reblogged on my site
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Beautiful and it looks so peaceful. 🙂
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I’ve always wanted to go but have not got organised yet. I must do it….
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Reblogged this on theowlladyblog.
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Nice appreciation of my home island Cathy!
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Cathy, this is a wonderful tour of Jersey. Your photos show what a gorgeous island it is.
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