Cayman Islands

There are three islands in the Cayman Islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. 

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands and a top diving and watersports destination. The Cayman Islands is a remnant of the British empire and therefore is an autonomous British Overseas Territory. 

I landed in Grand Cayman with a plan to explore another Caribbean country. However, I wasn't really prepared, just like another spontaneous trip.  I mean, I wasn't booked for a place to stay that night, even after I arrived.  I thought it's a tourist place and it would be easy for me to find a hotel.  Apparently, I was wrong because I came during a busy month, and I couldn't find a decent priced hotel.  It was an unexpected journey, but I ended up with fun memories.  

George Town is the capital city of Grand Cayman and hosts the port for Caribbean cruise ships. You can choose various activities, including boat tours, submarine tours, rum distillery tours, duty-free shopping, or visit galleries and museums.  If you are into water challenge (unlike me), you would enjoy snorkeling, parasailing, and diving.

The weather was hot, so after walking to find a place to stay for the night, I found a place to relax and got myself a good lunch with a perfect margarita at Margaritaville. Who is not ready for a margarita in the Caribbean setting?

While I continue my search for a place to stay overnight, I met two Filipinos who are friends. My friendly trait approached them and confidently asked if they could recommend a place for me. They didn't hesitate and called their friend. We checked a few places until we found a vacant one-room apartment. It was not a good one, but most important was I had a bed to sleep on.  We walked together and talked until we ended up having a great time at a Filipino bar, singing karaoke and eating my favorite Filipino food. I had a blast. 

This was one of the best spontaneous, fun nights I've had on my travels.  As many of us know, Filipinos are everywhere. Making new friends from your travels is one of the perks of traveling, solo or not. 

The following day, I was ready to explore the island.

I headed to Pedro St. James' historic site.  It is the first national landmark in the Cayman Islands. Pedro St. James is an authentic Caribbean great house from the 18th century. It is the oldest building in Grand Cayman, and it symbolizes the birthplace of democracy in Cayman. The site has a state-of-the-art multimedia center to view a video of the island's history. There's a tropical beautiful park where you can relax, wherein they also offer this venue for weddings and other social events. So if you are not just into water activities, I suggest including Pedro St. James in your itinerary is a good thing.

It was so dark outside, and the storm was ready to burst.  I heard big thunders like a big ball rolling in the sky.  As expected, the rain poured just right after I finished the tour. Then after a while, it stopped, and everything looked normal again. I went back to George Town, had my lunch, and planned my afternoon adventure.

I took a mini-bus from George town to see the east side of the island. My goal was to see what's there and get off to an interesting spot. Fortunately, my bus ride turned out to be a private tour.  After dropping all his passengers, the bus driver offered to give me a tour of the Maritime Heritage Trail. I took his offer for an inexpensive cost. 

Generally speaking, an outgoing and friendly demeanor may take you to places where you want to go.  It can be scary or risky, but an adventurous heart may give you great experiences and memories.

Maritime Heritage Trail is a driving route through some of Cayman's most scenic areas. Stops are marked with roadside signs. The trail includes lighthouses, shipwrecks, and historic anchorages. This trail is the first maritime trail of its kind in the Caribbean.

Our first stop was the "East End Lighthouse," also known as "Gorling Bluff Light."  It is the first lighthouse in Grand Cayman, constructed and first lit in 1937. More photos and stories about this lighthouse are in my Traveling Lighthouses blog.

The second stop was the "Wreck of the Ten Sail." This area was the site of the famous shipwreck in 1974.  According to history, "the east side of Grand Cayman has long been well known for the treacherous reefs, and in the past known as the graveyard of the Caribbean." The story says that 10 ships were part of a convoy from Jamaica to the United States and Britain. It was unfortunately wrecked on the reef, and only 8 people died miraculously.

Our last stop was the "Blow Holes." This is a scenic spot where water rushes through openings in the rocky shore, creating a blow hole effect.  I was at the moment of approaching the rocks for a photo when the water flowed through the opening.  Hence, it made my perfect image with the blow hole. I was drenched with water, but it was so much fun being at that moment.

That was the end of the trail.  I wish we could drive longer and stop at all the picturesque views. But it's time to go until next time and the next adventure. 

There are many things to do in Grand Cayman alone.  I've learned a lot about its history. On my next visit will be to walk on the "Seven Mile Beach," mingle with stingrays and turtles, and see the two smaller islands. That should fun, too.

Taking tons of photos of beautiful places and myself (of course) is a part of my travel adventures.  But I don't take for granted capturing unique subjects or moments that I see. 

Goodness

Be Good. Live Good. Give Good.

These are great words to live by. A reminder that goodness is around us. We have to see it and do something. Thanks to the goodness of these people I met here. It was indeed a beautiful place and a wonderful trip.