Guernsey lies in the bay of St Malo in the English Channel, about 30 miles from the north coast of France and 70 miles from the south coast of England.
We are just a 45 minute flight away from Gatwick, but what a world of difference.
Life in Guernsey is very laid back. It reminds me a little of Cape Town on a relaxing Sunday afternoon. The locals in Guernsey are very welcoming and friendly. It has a small village feeling but with a mini cosmopolitan city. The Guernsey community support the local tradesman as much as possible. The traditional industries of flower growing, fishing and dairy farming still play an important role, contributing both to the varied economy and to the island’s character. Guernsey also has its own stamps and currency, and while British pounds can be used on the island, Guernsey pounds cannot be used in the UK. Guernsey is a tax-free island.
The total population is 60 000 of which 800 are South Africans.
Shopping in St Peter Port (Guernsey’s capital) is an unmissable experience; electronic and photographic equipment, jewellery and perfume are all good, low duty buys, along with wines, spirits and tobacco and of course the famous Guernsey jumper.
Guernsey has virtually no crime, no pollution, friendly people, good healthy and fresh local food and everything is only a few minutes drive away.
