Guernsey Island is one of the Channel Islands between France and England. It is independent, not part of the United Kingdom, but is a British Crown Dependency. Although it sits off the coast of Normandy, (France) I was surprised to find a strong British cultural influence.

St Peter Port is a very small but busy port city. It is very charming with its brightly colored houses, lots of potted flowers almost everywhere and idiotic gardens in front of beautifully maintained cottage like homes. Away from the city the island boasts steep, rocky cliffs, expanses of beautiful sandy beaches and remnants of its long military past with France and more recently with Germany.

The “Little Chapel” was an interesting stop out in the countryside. Built in 1914 by a French monk, Brother Deodat, it is tiled with bits of broken ceramic plates and cups. An an early attempt at recycling? It’s purpose was to provide a place of worship during a time of potential religious persecution.

If you ask a local they would say that dairy products from the local Guernsey cows are the best. I’m from the dairy state of Wisconsin and I have to say those Guernsey “girls” did produce some delicious ice cream!