Great Accommodation / A Summer Escape to Jersey, UK

[Text & Photos / Li Yanqiong]

Seeking relief from the heat, I traveled to Jersey in the southern part of the UK, an island located off the coast of France’s Normandy Peninsula. Although its defense and foreign affairs are managed by the UK, it has its own taxation, legislative system, parliament, and currency—Jersey Pounds.

With an average annual temperature of 22 degrees Celsius (slightly cooler in the mornings and evenings), Jersey is one of Europe’s favorite holiday destinations. The island is well known for its agriculture and livestock farming, with Jersey cattle, flowers, and produce as major exports (you must try its ice cream). Both French and English are official languages here, which gave me the chance to speak up.

The great French writer Victor Hugo was exiled to Jersey in the mid-19th century, showing that this island has a long and storied history. The state of New Jersey in the United States is also named after this island.
Jersey is truly an island of sunshine, sandy beaches, and seagulls. With its azure skies and crystal-clear turquoise waters, walking along the beach feels like living in a movie. Life here is leisurely, especially when the lilac-flowered agapanthus (also known as African lily) blooms all over the city—it’s pure happiness.

The London Olympic Torch Visits the Island

In July 2012, during my first summer trip to Jersey, the early summer breeze was gentle and serene, making the scenery incredibly enchanting. It was only when I arrived in Jersey that I learned the Olympic torch for the London Games in August would be brought to the island. Prince Charles and Camilla would also make an informal visit. I immediately decided I had to capture photos of the torch and shake hands with the royal couple—and loudly tell them: I’m from Taiwan.

Every time I introduce myself during group trips, I always try hard to share the beauty of Taiwan. Whenever people hear “Taiwan,” they become very interested and ask about the island’s beauty and cuisine. That day, after a simple yet grand welcome ceremony, Prince Charles and Camilla stepped down from the stage to shake hands with the public. I squeezed my way to the very front (at that moment, I was so glad I’m petite). Everyone was kind enough to let me through, even clearing a path for me. Finally, Prince Charles approached. I dodged the guards without hesitation, stretched out my hand—and I got so lucky, I actually shook his hand.

I shook hands with Prince Charles and Camilla.

OMG. I actually shook hands with Prince Charles and Camilla. They both have such firm, warm hands. “I come from Taiwan!” I said loudly to Charles. Wow, he heard me. And everyone else heard “Taiwan” too. “Taiwan? OK. Say hello to Taiwan!” I couldn’t believe it. That’s what Charles replied. Everyone clapped enthusiastically for me. Looking around, I was the only Taiwanese there, and they all knew I came from Taiwan.

After Prince Charles left, a young man came up to me and talked about Ang Lee, saying he had seen his film Brokeback Mountain. He also knew about Yung-Jan Chan, the winner of the Wimbledon women’s doubles tennis championship. I was so happy. In this British territory with no formal diplomatic ties, someone recognized the small but strong nation of Taiwan.

I can’t believe it. I somehow ended up among the local Jersey TV reporters and got close-up shots of the torch. At 10 AM, we crowded together, waiting for the torch procession. The British are really polite—seeing how small I was and that I was the only Asian face, they all competed to let me go to the front (though I wasn’t actually blocking anyone behind me).

No fear. Charging forward for the shot.

Finally, I saw the torch. It was being carried by a female swimmer from Jersey who had once swum around the island five times and crossed the English Channel. Without hesitation, I jumped out from the crowd and walked backward in front of the torch to take photos. As the torch was about to be passed to another torch stand, I followed it all the way. Amazingly, I wasn’t chased away by event staff or police—maybe they really thought I was a reporter.

Actually, I had already painted myself into a corner because staff and police on both sides had set up barriers to maintain order. I had no choice but to boldly follow the procession. When we reached the torch stand, I was even guided into a tiny press area next to the stage—just me and another TV cameraman. We crouched down, waiting for the torch to be lit.

The torch was received by Jersey’s President, Sr. Michael Birt. By then, I had taken enough photos. The TV cameraman politely asked me, “Can I take over now?” (because I was occupying his camera spot). I felt a bit guilty for taking so many shots, afraid I’d be found out as an imposter. I felt as free as if I were in a no-man’s land. Looking back now, I still find it unbelievable how bold and brave I was—just wanting to get the shots I needed. When I turned to leave, I found I was surrounded by barriers. I had to ask the police to remove them to let me out. Only then did the police officer ask, “Who are you?” (Ha, I had already taken all the photos I wanted.)

This truly proves the bold saying: “Dare to think, dare to want, dare to achieve.” Yes, nothing is impossible in this world. The bigger your heart, the wider your world. I’m glad that day, I tapped into the fearless instinct of a reporter chasing the perfect shot.

Travel Expert Li Yanqiong
From publishing editor-in-chief, magazine director, newspaper deputy editor-in-chief, TV producer to radio host, I’ve roamed the media world for 30 years. In Germany, I picked up pots and pans again, holding a ladle in one hand and a pen in the other, happily playing the role of a “European charming daughter-in-law,” wandering between words and nature.

[For more exciting content, see HowToTrip HouseFun Magazine, August 2015 issue]
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