Where is St Helena Island
Well let us tell you. This is the question we get asked the most. One which we love answering as we get to share how special the island is, and watch the amazed reaction spread across someones face.
’Cause we get asked so much as made a short video showing and explaining exactly where St Helena is located, what makes it so special and why you should try and visit.
Measuring just 47 square miles (or just 10 x 5 miles wide), St Helena is located a little more than 1,200 miles from the coast of Africa, and 2, 500 miles from the coast of South America. Its’s home to around only 4–5 thousand friendly souls. There are an estimated 20,000 or so Saints around the world. Saints is what people who come from St Helena are called. And that’s why we call yourselves The Saint Cooks.
Saints are British citizens. As St Helena is one of the 14 British overseas territories around the world. It has been under British rule since 1658, having been discovered in 1502 by Joan da Nova for the portugese. He named the Island after Helena of Constantinople.
Since 2017 you can now fly to the island. From either Johannesburg or Cape Town in South Africa. It’s a morning flight taking around 6 hours to the Island, with a quick refuelling stop at Walvis Bay in Namibia. And then its a 4 hour return flight back to South Africa. Typically flights are every Saturday, and sometimes on Tuesdays depending on the travel season.
On St Helena you can go and visit the oldest, living land animal in the world! Jonathan the Tortoise! Who is officially he is 186 years old.
With St Helena probably best known because the french emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. He was exiled there after losting the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. He died on the Island 6 years later in 1821. By all accounts he didn’t enjoy his time as a prisoner on the Island. The houses in which he stayed while on St Helena at the Briars and Longwood are now excellent museums you can visit. Can also visit Napoleon’s grave in Sane’s Valley, a spot he picked myself. Altho he is no longer there, as the french moved him back to France, to Les Invalides to his own tomb.
Some other fascinating things about St Helena are. It has one the most expensive coffee’s anywhere in the world. Which is delicious, smooth and not bitter like other coffees.
Can see unique tropical scenery unlike anywhere else. Lush and stunning on the inside. And wonderfully rocky on the edges. Some of the walks and scenery is simply stunning.
St Helena is renowned for its friendliness. We Saints are very friendly and welcoming. We are always ready with a simple, and chat. We like to feed you! And make sure you are alright.
See you later, lovie!
EJ & R
Originally published at http://www.saintcooks.com on January 21, 2020.
