Enchanting Castel: Guernsey's Coastal Gem

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwah]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ree-ehn]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi / Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah / deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh muh-new, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh may-suh-dan]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zheh-tey...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhewst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shay]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo be-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel er ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun er]
• Half past (10)Dix et demi
  [dee ay dem-ee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [yair]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [kat]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [set]
• 8Huit
  [wheat]
• 9Neuf
  [nuff]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel ay lad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn ay luh pro-shan (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Castel, one of the ten parishes of Guernsey, has a history that dates back to prehistoric times. The parish is home to several megalithic sites, including the Le Trepied Dolmen, a notable prehistoric burial site. These ancient structures provide a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the island's early inhabitants, who settled in the region long before recorded history.

During the medieval period, Castel played a significant role in the defense of Guernsey. The parish's strategic location made it an ideal spot for fortifications. Ruins of medieval castles, such as the Castel Cornet, stand as a testament to the island's turbulent history of invasions and conflicts, particularly during the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

The Parish Church of St. Marie de Castel is one of the oldest churches in Guernsey, with parts of the structure dating back to the 12th century. The church has been a central figure in the community for centuries, serving not just as a place of worship but also as a social and cultural hub. Its Norman architecture and historical significance make it a must-visit landmark in Castel.

During World War II, Guernsey, including Castel, was occupied by German forces from 1940 to 1945. The occupation left a lasting impact on the parish, with numerous fortifications and bunkers still visible today. The German Underground Hospital, constructed using forced labor, is one of the largest remaining structures from this period and serves as a somber reminder of the island's wartime experiences.

Over the centuries, Castel has evolved culturally, blending its rich history with modern influences. The parish hosts various festivals and events that celebrate its heritage, including the annual Fête d’la Valeur, which showcases local traditions, crafts, and cuisine. The vibrant cultural scene reflects the community's pride in its historical roots while embracing contemporary life.

Castel is located on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. The nearest airport is Guernsey Airport (GCI), situated about 5 kilometers from Castel. Flights to Guernsey are available from various locations in the UK and Europe. Alternatively, you can reach Guernsey by ferry from ports like Poole and Portsmouth in the UK. Once on the island, taxis, buses, and rental cars are available to take you to Castel.

Castel is well-connected by the local bus service, which is efficient and covers most of the island. Buses are affordable and run frequently. Taxis are also available but can be more expensive. If you prefer more flexibility, renting a car is a good option. Cycling is popular, and there are several bike rental shops. Walking is a pleasant way to explore the area, given its scenic beauty and compact size.

The official currency in Guernsey is the Guernsey pound (GGP), which is at par with the British pound (GBP). Both currencies are widely accepted. Credit and debit cards are commonly used in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout Castel, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets.

Castel is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in secluded areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Castel. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the area where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches or historical sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful to other passengers and offer your seat to elderly individuals. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good day'. Handshakes are common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and seafood. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience Castel like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Guernsey goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the historic Vale Castle and the beautiful Saumarez Park. For a unique experience, partake in local events and festivals, which offer a glimpse into the vibrant community life.