Jersey (UK)

Jersey

United Kingdom

September 24-25, 2018

• OMG, these people are so damn pleasant.
• They don't make beers that I like.
• There are not enough taxis on this small island.  I had to wait 45 minutes to get a taxi from the ferry harbor.
• I finally, finally got to go to the Jersey Zoo.
• I saw an advertisement about Jersey cows and I always thought Jersey cows were New Jersey cows.
• This is a very clean place. People take pride in their tiny country.
• It's a kind environment.
• Our taxi drive told me there is no crime here.  People want to engage in conversation with you.  Everyone says hello.  No one honks a horn. People are polite when they drive.  There is no road rage. And she was right.
• I tried to give my taxi driver a tip and she gave it right back to me. "Love, we don't tip here," she told me.  Then she took my elbow and guided me to my hotel and told me to have a lovely holiday.
• This morning, I had trouble getting the waitress' attention because she and an older couple were so engaged in each other's stories that she forgot about her job.  I listened in admiration as each seemed more interested in listen to the other's story rather than try and tell their story.  We don't show that much interest in each other here in the USA.
• It seems as if everyone on the island has run in to Gerald Durrell or his wife at some time or another.
• I really wanted to go to the War Hospital Tunnels but I just didn't have enough time. I will just have to come back.
• I have about 8 of  Durrell's paperback books.  I mentioned to one of the volunteers that I had some old books I would like to donate.  She translated that to "I have some 1st editions books I would like to donate to you."  This was just great news that three different people were summoned to meet me and I tried to tell each and every one of them that these books were not 1st editions.  But this news feel on deaf ears.  They want the books to be 1st editions and now I am a little embarrassed.  So I told the two people at the front desk to defend my honor when the books arrive from overseas.
• As we were just about to arrive at the airport, I made a comment that I thought I would see more Jersey cows. "You know, I was just going to point out all of the cows on this farm but I don't see any today, the taxi driver told me.  "I just cant' believe it." We drove pass a few more fields and the lack of cows was driving him crazy.  "OK, what time is your flight?  Do we have a few extra minutes.  I know where cows are."  And he drove me to a particular farm and we just walked up tot he barn and saw two baby cows. "OK, there are your Jersey cows," he said.  We both laughed and got back in the taxi and headed to the airport.
• I had breakfast today with a lovely woman who now lives in Florida.  She is originally from England and on her way to see her home from 70 years ago.  She reminded me so much of my grandmother (also from England) as she was so engaging in conversation.  At one point, she sadly and casually mentioned that she has buried 5 of her 7 children.  She teared up and worked so hard to regain her composure.  I was speechless. And I am going to try to reduce my complaining about every little damn things.
• i just converted the last of my sterling pounds - 25.  I am coming home with $27.  And I didn't use my credit card the whole time.