St. Saviour: The Tranquil Heart of Guernsey

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
• 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 vwar luh mahn-yoo, 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 seh-koo]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-pay-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-pay-lay uh may-deh-sahn]
• 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 ah-sheh-tay]
• 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 shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay oon ur]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees ur ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tan]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swah]
• YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
• 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
  [nurf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est le/la...?
  [oo ay luh/lah]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay lah-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)?
  [kohn ay luh proh-shan (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

St. Saviour Parish in Guernsey was founded in the 12th century, its name derived from the dedication to Jesus Christ, the 'Saviour.' The parish church, St. Saviour's Church, was established around this time and has been a central part of the community ever since. Built on the site of an earlier chapel, the church has undergone various renovations and expansions over the centuries.

During the medieval period, St. Saviour was predominantly an agricultural parish. The fertile land and moderate climate made it ideal for farming. The landscape was dotted with small farms that produced a variety of crops including wheat, barley, and vegetables. Livestock farming was also a crucial part of the local economy, with cattle, sheep, and pigs being raised.

Guernsey's proximity to France has significantly influenced St. Saviour's culture and history. During the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453), the island was frequently caught between English and French control. This period saw the construction of defensive structures and the reinforcement of the parish church as a sanctuary for the locals.

The 16th century Reformation brought significant religious and social changes to St. Saviour. The island, including St. Saviour Parish, transitioned from Catholicism to Protestantism under the influence of the English Crown. The parish church, which had been a Roman Catholic institution, became a Protestant place of worship. This change was marked by the removal of Catholic iconography and the introduction of English services.

During the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), Guernsey, including St. Saviour, became strategically important due to its location. The British fortified the island to protect against potential French invasion. Martello towers and other defensive structures were erected to bolster the island's defenses. These fortifications, some of which still stand today, are a testament to the island's military significance during this period.

One of the most significant events in St. Saviour's history was the German occupation during World War II (1940-1945). Guernsey was occupied by German forces, and St. Saviour, like the rest of the island, saw the construction of bunkers, anti-tank walls, and other military installations. The occupation period had a profound impact on the local population, with many enduring hardships and forced labor.

Following the liberation in 1945, St. Saviour, along with the rest of Guernsey, underwent a period of recovery and rebuilding. The post-war era saw the modernization of infrastructure and the revitalization of the local economy. Today, St. Saviour is a vibrant parish that blends its rich historical heritage with modern amenities, attracting visitors from around the world.

St. Saviour is located in the western part of Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands. The nearest airport is Guernsey Airport (GCI), which has regular flights from the UK and other European destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a local bus to St. Saviour. Alternatively, you can reach Guernsey by ferry from the UK or France, arriving at St. Peter Port, the island's main harbor. From there, it's a short drive or bus ride to St. Saviour.

Public transportation in St. Saviour is efficient and reliable, with buses running frequently to various parts of the island. Renting a car or a bicycle is also a popular option for exploring the area at your own pace. Taxis are available but can be expensive, so it's advisable to book in advance. Walking is another great way to explore St. Saviour, as it is a relatively small area with well-marked trails and paths.

The official currency in Guernsey is the Guernsey Pound (GGP), which is on par with the British Pound (GBP). Both currencies are accepted interchangeably on the island. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are available throughout St. Saviour, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and for use in rural areas.

St. Saviour is generally very safe for tourists. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Petty crime is rare, but it can happen, so stay vigilant. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it's always best to remain aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 999 or 112 for immediate assistance. The local police and medical services are efficient and well-equipped. There is a medical center in St. Saviour and a hospital in St. Peter Port. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available for minor health issues, and many medicines are available over the counter.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs. Churches are open to visitors, but always behave respectfully and dress modestly. Public Transport: Do have the exact fare for buses as drivers may not provide change. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes such as Guernsey Gâche and Bean Jar. Don't refuse a meal invitation from locals, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience St. Saviour like a local, visit the local markets and farm shops for fresh produce and homemade goods. Engage with the locals, who are known for their friendliness and willingness to share stories about the area. Don't miss the chance to explore the beautiful countryside and coastal paths. For a unique experience, visit the Little Chapel, one of Guernsey’s most famous landmarks, which is located nearby.