Thanksgiving'14: Cayman Islands (I went to Cayman and I didn't open a bank account)

We try to travel as much as we can during holidays. Well, traveling during those days it's more expensive but there's no such thing as a free lunch. 

Flying over Fort Laudardale

Caribbean islands are the perfect destination for a short gateway during winter time. I wouldn't spend more than 4 days in any of those islands for 2 reasons: there are few attractions and they are pricey. Cuba probably deserves more time (BTW, it's on my list). 

George Town's Port

Weather wasn't great but... When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. We took this quote seriously and we took advantage of  this to explore the unexplored. If you are interested in Cayman's off - the - beaten - track keep reading. On the other hand, if you are looking for pictures of myself hugging or kissing dolphins... You still have time to get out of here!

7 Mile Beach

We stayed at Marriot (check online deals and packages, it won't be a bargain but at least you can get some discount) in 7 Mile Beach, close to George Town. 

The hotel is fine and it's located in a gorgeous area. As I said before, weather wasn't great so we didn't spend much time enjoying hotel's amenities.

7 Mile Beach

George Town doesn't have much to see or do. It's overdeveloped in a really bad way. The fort was demolished back in the 70's by an angry developer (!!!). 2 cannons in an intersection across tons of jewelry and crappy souvenir shops is what is left.  It's so bizarre that it took us several days to realize that it was the fort that we were looking for...

There you won't find local cuisine. 

George Town's Oldest House

To experience the true essence of the Cayman Islands we had to go off - the - beaten - track. At this point you guys already got that packaged tours are not my type of thing, right?! 

While I'm traveling I like to move around like locals do and I want to eat where locals eat. I run away from menus that try to accommodate western's palates. Those adjustments change the authenticity of local food. 

Island's Architecture Style

We traveled everywhere by bus and by foot. 

We crossed from one point of the island to the other by bus. 

Public transportation is not cheap or reliable in Cayman (well, it sounds like public transportation in DC...) but in the end it worked out well for us. Generally speaking drivers are honest and polite.

Travelling in style

The Bakers National Park is tough to visit, there is no visitor center, maps or signs along the trail. We started in Conch Point and we walked all the way to Palmetto Point. We stopped to see some kite surfers jumping incredible high in the air. This area is so windy that it was impossible for us to walk along the beach... That and tons of garbage everywhere.

Kite Surfers

Palmetto Point is beautiful but the garbage is being driven by sea currents and it's ending up there. It's heartbreaking and it shows that Cayman Islands is not fully aware of the side effects of massive tourism. In many places in the island they still use plastic cups, straws and containers made from polystyrene with no restrictions. 

Palmetto Point

Coming back wasn't easy either. With no info and no clues about the exit we had to cross private lands and risk our lives (I'm just adding some excitement to the story). And our smartphone played a big role on this. Otherwise we would had taken even more time to find our way.

We walked a total of almost 10 kms (the equivalent to almost 7 miles, Americans need to change their measuring system) on the park.

Canals with passages to nowhere

We visited some sites (nothing to write home about) and walked many kilometers - miles and we got the sense of the island. Maybe in a few years all the island will be like George Town. And the few local places that we saw will vanish. Tourism and banking (let's agree, there's no need to talk about money laundering, tax schemes and UK's hypocrisy) are the big source of income. Beside that there is nothing else.

Vivine's Kitchen, East End

I enjoyed the Cayman but it's not among my favorite Caribbean islands. So far St John USVI is unbeatable.  Let's see if my next destination changes my feelings...