July 25, Guernsey Island

ST Peter Port on Guernsey Island is our stop in the Channel Islands. After a great nights rest Lilly and I are up and head to shore around 8am for a short day in this small historic town. Steve and Susan hit shore around 7am.

The island dates back to the Vikings in the first century and have gone back and forth between Britain and France. The island was occupied by the Germans for 5 years during WWII. There is an interesting fortress an underground tunnel system of 75,000 square feet, a beautiful garden, churches and shopping. Its a beautiful harbor.

Steve and Susan enjoy the garden, a coffee shop and stroll the tour the fortress. Lilly and I head to the old quarter for shopping- she is on a treasure hunt- I am on a craft and fabric hunt. We find a coffee shop with a lovely old catholic priest and older lady- we ask directions and later return for additional directions. At our second visit the priest informs us it is St James Day and asks us to join him in prayer, which we do, pretty special. We find a square with 4 individuals selling their wares. I strike up conversation with a seamstress and buy a Guernsey Puffin embroidered washcloth- Lilly finds some great vintage jewelry. We explore a bit more then part ways as treasure and fabric are not in the same places.

 

As directed I head to the appropriate shop and to the top floor. No fabric but a cafe with a great view and I enjoy a cup of tea and take the video. There are two such establishments and I need the other- so back UP the hill I go to find this “big” fabric store. I think its how Lilly felt at the first charity shop- all 25 bolts of fabric and I were not a match- I wonder how anyone sews with a limited selection and think about how they would react to the Missouri Quilt Company 6 stores in Hamilton!

I stroll down the street and find an amazing bus system and consider taking it to one of the attractions but am concerned about getting back given our limited time and decide to save it for another trip. I return to the ship and look over the potential tours at upcoming shops.

Lilly returns and shares her many treasures- lace and beautiful crystal pieces. She struck gold and had a great conversation with an antique shop owner. We head to lunch and run into Steve and Susan who share their day. We laugh and talk for a couple of hours before heading our separate ways.