Living on Sark is a complete world away from my former life. No Netflix (poor wifi); no going to the movies on a whim; instant coffee; Brexit, Brexit and more Brexit; my early morning alarm is now a rooster; and my daily commute to work can be held up by friendly farm dogs.
So, lessons learned from my first week on Planet Sark:
- When being offered a cup of tea on a dairy farm do NOT under any circumstances say that you don’t take milk! – I would have had less of a reaction if I said that I came from Mars.
- Bikes give way to tractors – tractors and tractor drivers are all powerful
- Neither bike, nor tractor gives way to runners.
- Empty vodka & whiskey bottles left outside the neighbor’s door every morning does not necessarily mean they are in need of rehab – the bottles are the island’s equivalent of milk bottles. It appears anything will do.
- When a grisly old gardener tries hard to communicate with a thick Polish accent, and says his name is Yorgi, from some place I couldn’t begin to pronounce, don’t be fooled – turned out he was a Welshman with a sense of humour
- Working six days a week is not really my cup of tea (with milk of course).
I’m learning the hotel ropes and slowly feeling more at home on this beautiful island. When I walk/run/cycle around or look out my attic windows onto the beautiful gardens, I’m reminded why I decided to take this on – the scenery is stunning, the life is quiet and at a much slower pace and it’s all an amazing experience. It takes courage and resilience but so far, I’m up for it. Bring on week 2.
Photos: My ‘new’ bike, a coastal shot, my office and a foggy morning on the way to work.
Jules From New Zealand 
Hi Jules, I love reading your blogs. Sark sounds & looks a piece of paradise. 😘
LikeLike
Thanks Annette. Interesting times.
LikeLike
Hi Jules, it all looks really great! Life would be nothing without its challenges lol. Tess was here today so we had a cuppa & a yarn. She is also following your adventures. What is your role, what keeps you busy all day? Photos are awesome love your office. Take care, Alice xx
LikeLike
Hi Alice. Great to have Tess following. I’m learning the admin ropes but I suspect when guests start arriving late April, I will be going whatever needs to be done. Hope you are well.
LikeLike
Beautiful pics Julie. A journey to be proud off.
LikeLike
Absolutely wonderful Julie. What a wonderful adventure. Libby x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Lib. I hope your track across Ozz is going well.
LikeLike
Hi Alice. Great to have Tess following. I’m learning the admin ropes but I suspect when guests start arriving late April, I will be going whatever needs to be done. Hope you are well.
LikeLike
Oh my, I love your writing. I’m not going to have to read a novel about far away adventures in a dreamy but challenging environment that leads to a love affair with a simplified life, as I have that vicariously right here with you. If a challenge puts me in a position where I should depart these shores I shall follow in your brave footsteps Jules. No pressure! I adore you 😊 PS I love the humourous Welshman. 🤣
LikeLike
Looks and sounds absolutely stunning J. What a way to live! A slow gentle experience.
LikeLike
Love your blog updates on a life sooo different. Go you Jules embracing something so different. Love the road rules, your office looks groovy and the scenery amazing. Methinks you may need to get an espresso machine – could not imagine life with instant coffee!
LikeLike
Well C, that’s one way of putting it! Hope all is well in the slow higher echelons of Govt.
LikeLike