It’s nice to be in the right place at the right time

Mont Orgueil Castle, Gorey, Jersey
Image: Henry Barnes

Just this week we came across an article in “Airmail” about new hot-list vacation spots in Europe. It turns out one of them frequently is on our itinerary—the Channel Islands! Here’s an excerpt:

"While some are searching for the Mediterranean’s last remaining undiscovered gems—such as Sicily’s Egadi Islands or Ponza, off the coast of Lazio—others are opting to forgo the Med altogether in favor of cooler waters, in places like Spain, Portugal, and even the once lowly Channel Islands. (Ferry companies in the Channel Islands have increased their routes this year to meet demand, while airlines have added new flights to the islands of Guernsey and Jersey.)

Last year, The Times of London reported on an influx of the super-rich to the Channel island of Jersey, where tax incentives, white beaches, and quaint beach houses provide a much-needed respite from the crowded shores of Italy, France, and southern Spain. ‘I went to Jersey last week,’ a friend says, ‘and it was heaven.’”

Many of the small seaside towns in Brittany are just as inviting, but “sh-h-h,” don’t tell anybody.

Did you know Guernsey has a Diamond Museum?

It shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, there’s a lot of money sloshing about in the Channel Islands—Monaco-dans-la-Manche (Monaco in the English Channel). But just in case you didn’t know and might be interested…

From the tourist bureau’s website:

Want to know how to spot a quality diamond in the rough? Learn how to choose the perfect stone for you and become a diamond expert from carat to cut; clarity to colour. Nestled safely in the old John Tanns bankers vault, The Guernsey Diamond Museum gives a fascinating insight and practical guide into the sparkling world of diamonds. Find out the gemstones rich history, including mystery, scandal and superstition along with expert tips and information on picking out diamond jewellery

* FWIW: We note that there are also a surprising number of exotic/super cars on prosperous Jersey, an island with a 40mph speed limit. We can only assume the locals don’t want to waste much time going from 0 to 40?

There really are so many unexpected things to see and do in our sailing area. What we lack in coconut palms we more than make up for in rich history, cultural treasures, and fascinating discoveries.