Life Through My Eyes: Day 3 Guernsey Island

Our ship anchored outside the island of Guernsey which is located about 8 miles off the coast of France. Even though the island is close to France it has been apart of the Channel Islands that have been apart of England since the Norman Conquest. The ship was not able to port so we tendered to shore.

The island is known for the Guernsey cows, Victor Hugo (who wrote his famous works while in exile on the island), and Renoir painted a few of his masterpieces from Pleinmont Point. Guernsey was the only English Territory that was occupied by the Nazi during the WWII.

As we reached the port we waited for our guide in the cold wind, no rain. We didn't know what the plan was, so we stood there with eagerness to get started on our day. Once our guide showed up we walked around the marina to the other side to visit the Castle Cornet, which rested on the edge of the harbor with a view of St. Peters Port.

Castle Cornet was more of a battle station with air raid bunkers. Each of the air raid bunkers had a female name assigned so the soldiers knew which one they were to run to in emergency. There were different gardens throughout the castle. I missed a lot of the history that the guide was sharing with us due to the wind blowing. When I was not able to understand what was being said I would roam around taking pictures and soaking up the surroundings. With knowing that I have a possibility of going blind I take everything in as much as I can. I don't just capture the image in my mind but through all my senses. I want to be able to recall the beauty of the world in my mind when the world is dark to me...I don't want to lose that. I can stand in one spot and stare at something that we may pass by with a quick glance not thinking twice about it. I try to see everything with an open mind, taking in the details of the building, the old stones used to build the castle, how many stones used, what the history is written within the walls, the sea breeze through my hair, crisp air with a hint of dust from the castle grounds and I make a mental image to last from that day forward.

As we finished our tour we were given time to roam free and check out the different museums that were placed throughout. I was so cold that I headed to the cafe and enjoyed a delicious hazelnut latte.

Below is the link to Castle Cornet:

http://www.visitguernsey.com/castle-cornet

The Little Chapel

As we loaded up on the coach out guide told us more about Guernsey Island and how it is known for their cows and that they have their own currency. The island doesn't import any cows, meat or dairy outside of their island. Yes, their cows are adorable and such a pretty golden brown color. I wanted to hug one so I got a mini stuffed animal of one. I may be 30 years old, but I don't care! The cows are cute!

We went to see the Little Chapel which was built by Brother Déodat. He started in March 1914 as he wanted to built a smaller version of the famous grotto and basilica that is located in France. The version of the chapel I saw was his third attempt. The first attempt was criticized, which made him demolish it overnight, and in July 1914 the second one was completed and blessed. The second attempt lasted until September 1923 only to be demolished for being too small for Bishop of Portsmouth to fit through the doorway. He demolished within that month and started his third attempt.

Please visit the site to see a better picture since there were scaffolding around the chapel for the restoration period. The scaffolding were set up allowing the doorway of the chapel to be clear for access. It was hard to get a good picture of the whole chapel. The site has a beautiful shot.

Brother Déodat collect pebbles and broken china for the exterior and interior design of the chapel. Only about four people were able to enter at one time and have limited room to get around comfortably. While I was in there, more than four people came in the chapel causing it to be cramped and difficult to walk around in. I got anxiety from too many people in a small space and I was trying to maneuver with my cane without hitting the walls. I didn't want to cause any damage. Regardless, I was in awe of the work and I was glad we had the opportunity to visit there.

Below is the site to The Little Chapel:

http://www.visitguernsey.com/the-little-chapel