Back in the fall we began discussing where we might want to go for Christmas and we opted for somewhere warm and tropical. Last year was fun in Colorado - skiing and snow - but this time around let's focus on sun and sand.
We've talked for a while about checking out the Cayman Islands after hearing many great things. So off we went, the four of us plus Holly's parents, for a week of relaxation in Grand Cayman.
The flights were relatively short, each two hours (Chicago to Atlanta and then Grand Cayman). A quick highlight on the journey there included Kari and Grandmo using Kevin's two first class upgrades. They sat two rows in front of the rest of us and enjoyed the pampering experience of first class.
Once we landed it was a 40-mile drive to our residence for the week. In the dark, we quickly learned that roads are not well labeled, and many times you just had to rely on your inner compass to know you were going in the right direction. Holly found a beautiful 3-bedroom, 3-bath house on the beach with its own private pool that the kids would frequent daily. The house was perfect, newly built with nice furnishings and two of the best hammocks ever created. Our house was one of five identical houses that all shared the pool, but created this great little community. We were able to meet so many interesting people throughout the week. Bryce hit the jackpot, having two 7 year old boys throughout the week to play with. One of those families were 15 year Cayman residents by way of Toronto, Canada who came for a stay-cation by for a couple days away from the more hectic life on 7-mile beach.
Gathering and cracking open coconuts was a highlight. Actually drinking the coconut water was not.
One of our outings included a nearby trip to
Crystal Caves. Because the Cayman Islands are created out of limestone and coral reef, natural caverns and caves have formed. Crystal Caves has only been open to the public for 12 months, so we felt pretty lucky to be on this relatively new island experience. Kari and Grandpo particularly liked this tour.
Can you see the mortar and pestle?
Gigantic ficus roots at the entrance of the caves.
The weather was ideal virtually the entire trip, other than some gusty winds the first two days. Every day it was 82-85 degrees and 76-78 at night. Really, it was never too hot or too cold.
A nap in the hammock was on the daily agenda.
The hustle and bustle of 7-mile is where the vast majority of tourists and locals are. The restaurants, hotels, condos and shopping is there, but we wanted to be in a more tranquil setting and found just that.
We were close to a place called Rum Point that offered boating and recreation as well as a nice restaurant. Holly and her dad did a bio-luminescent tour one night loved it. The entire gang got in a glass bottom boat and went our to snorkel and swim with the stingrays. Even Minerva made it in to touch the stingrays!
Grandmo concentrating on the horizon, trying not to get sea sick.
Other highlights included fresh seafood, spending lots of money on groceries (the Cayman dollar was valued equivalent to the Brittish Pound) and learning to drive our little "mini-van" all over the island on the left hand side all the while getting 50-miles per gallon on a whopping 8-gallon tank.
Dinner at Rum Point, only a few miles up the road.
The few lowlights centered around a flu bug that Kevin brought with him and generously passed on to everyone except Bryce and Holly. They, however, were fortunate enough to get it once we returned home.
It was a wonderful week of relaxation and warmth and one the family will remember for a long time!
2015 Winter Park, CO
2016
