tiger1's Cayman Islands Travelogue / Travel Journal

Recovery from Ivan My wife & I came back for a visit to see the extent of damage to the island caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. We have visited the island at least 5 times prior going back to about 1982 and love to return for what we call relaxing Cayman style. We were quite amazed at the extent of damage to the entire island but also amazed at the tremendous rebuilding going on everywhere. We like to just sit on the beach, read, talk and enjoy the sounds of the tranquil surf. We found our favorite place to stay is a condo on the far end of Seven Mile Beach called the Christopher Columbus. It is a family oriented location and not bothered by the cruise ship crowd. It has all the comforts of being at home but not a hotel or crowded resort. Still, it offers a vast area of beach for the number of condos and is not crowded like the large resort areas.

Things to do??? We normally rent a car (British driving rules), shop local markets and the local fishermen in George Town for fresh fish. Those who have not visited before should see Stingray City, Hell and the Turtle Farm to mention a few locations. The local beer Stingray is very good and available everywhere. Sunsets are a must on the beach with a beverage of your choice (I also prefer a good cigar). The Queens Botanical Park is a good visit as is a drive around the island from West Bay all the way to Rum Point and back. Make sure to stop at the numerous parks along the shoreline and the wreck sites. I cannot dive but do snorkle and enjoy going out to see the variety of marine life. Look but do not touch!! There are plenty of local restaurants and seaside bars to visit. Nightlife is quite active around the GT area.

next visit We are planning on going back soon (sometime in the next several months maybe) and will again stay at the Christopher Columbus. We'll be the two sitting on the beach reading!