St. Sampson: Guernsey's Hidden Gem

• HelloSalut
  [sah-LOO]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-VWAH]
• YesOui
  [WEE]
• NoNon
  [NOHN]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh RYEN]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-SEE]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon / Désolé
  [pahr-DOHN / day-zoh-LAY]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mahn sah vah?]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byahn. ay voo?]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-GLAY]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-PROHN pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-DRAY vwahr luh meh-NOO, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah deh vee-AHND]
• 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!À l'aide!
  [ah LEYD]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay vooz ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pley lah poh-LEES]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pley uh mayd-SAN]
• 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-DRAYZ ash-tay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-GAHR juhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-BYAN sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shayr]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo bay-SAY luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell er ay teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun er]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees er ay duh-MEE]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-TAN]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-PRAY mee-DEE]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-YAY]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-DWEE]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-MAN]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

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

The area of St. Sampson has a history that dates back to the Neolithic period, evidenced by the dolmens and menhirs scattered across the landscape. The parish is named after Saint Sampson of Dol, a Welsh saint who is said to have landed on the island in the 6th century. He established a small Christian community, laying the foundations for the area's religious and cultural development.

During the 11th century, the Norman Conquest brought significant changes to Guernsey, including the construction of the original St. Sampson's Church. This church became a focal point for the community, serving both religious and social functions. The Romanesque architecture of the church, with its solid, simple lines, reflects the Norman influence that permeated through the island.

St. Sampson's harbour has been a vital part of the parish's economy and culture since the medieval period. The harbour facilitated maritime trade, connecting Guernsey with mainland Europe and the British Isles. Fishing, shipbuilding, and trade thrived, making St. Sampson a bustling port and a significant contributor to Guernsey's prosperity.

In the 19th century, St. Sampson saw a transformation with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Granite quarrying became a major industry, with the high-quality granite from the local quarries being exported widely. The industry brought economic growth and an influx of workers, shaping the demographic and social structure of the parish.

During World War II, Guernsey, including St. Sampson, was occupied by German forces from 1940 to 1945. The occupation left a lasting impact on the community, with fortifications and bunkers still visible today. The harbour was heavily fortified, and the local population endured significant hardships during this period.

Today, St. Sampson is a vibrant parish that blends its rich historical heritage with modern amenities. The harbour remains a hub of activity, and the community continues to celebrate its historical roots through various events and festivals. The parish is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people, preserving its unique character while embracing the future.

St. Sampson is situated on the island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands. The nearest airport is Guernsey Airport (GCI), located about 6 miles from St. Sampson. Flights are available from several UK cities, including London, Manchester, and Southampton. Alternatively, you can take a ferry to Guernsey from Portsmouth, Poole, or St. Malo in France. From the airport or ferry terminal, you can reach St. Sampson by taxi, car rental, or local bus services.

St. Sampson is well-connected by a reliable public bus network that covers the entire island of Guernsey. Buses are frequent and affordable, making it easy to get around. Taxis are also readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. For those who prefer more flexibility, car rentals are available at Guernsey Airport and in St. Peter Port. Cycling is another popular way to explore the island, with several bike rental shops available.

The official currency in Guernsey is the Guernsey Pound (GGP), which is on par with the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Both currencies are accepted interchangeably. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in shops, restaurants, and hotels. ATMs are available throughout St. Sampson and the rest of the island. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or in case of card issues.

St. Sampson is generally a very safe destination for tourists with low crime rates. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions, such as not leaving belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for immediate assistance. The number connects you to police, fire, and medical services. There is a local police station in St. Sampson, and the Princess Elizabeth Hospital in St. Peter Port provides comprehensive medical care. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Beachwear is acceptable at the beach but not in town. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and avoid eating or drinking on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'good morning/afternoon.' Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like Guernsey Gâche and bean jar. Don't refuse an offer of hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience St. Sampson like a local, visit the Vale Castle, which offers stunning views of the harbor and surrounding areas. Explore the local markets, such as the Farmer's Market, for fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with the locals, who are friendly and often willing to share stories about the area. Don’t miss the chance to walk along the scenic coastal paths and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.