Monday, July 16, 2012

Grand Cayman: part one

The beginning of a lot of vacation posts. Tyler & I went to Grand Cayman for our good friends Lexi & Gabe's wedding. The weather was hot hot hot, & the humidity was brutal but also made my hair and skin feel awesome.  Grand Cayman is officially the first stamp in my passport. I feel like a world traveler now...


Seven Mile Beach - one of the most famous beaches in the world, and rightfully so. The sand is white & the water is the clearest I've ever seen. So clear I forgot I was in the ocean and opened my eyes underwater. #FAIL


I was so excited to try out all of the native Caribbean food. When we got to the beach we were starving. While in line at the Tiki Bar (where all the cruise ship patrons hang out) I spotted a taco truck! It looked promising so we ran over there. A very nice (and very sweaty) Jamaican woman was running the place. This is gonna be good! I ordered the grilled fish skewer. "We're out." Okay, how about some marinated conch? I'm feeling adventurous. "Oh yes, that is very good. I will make it good for you. What I thought would essentially be a grilled fish taco turned out to be raw, smothered in ketchup & served on saltines. 

I knew dessert would be better. There was a lady selling "ice cold" coconut water straight from the coconut! I somehow thought there would be a pina colada inside. It was more lukewarm and I cursed the trend of coconut water. I poured most of it out so the lady would cut it in half for me & I could eat the rest of the coconut. The flavor was okay, but the texture was like cold gravy. You guys, where are all the delicious coconuts everyone is freaking out about?


We made a couple stops on our way to the resort...

The Blow Holes





Wreck of the Ten Sail


We didn't see much (I think a lot of it was wiped out during the hurricane in 2008), but the story is amazing. Legend has it in 1794 the Caymanians (?) saved a bunch of people from British merchant ships that had wrecked into the reef surrounding the island. Apparently that's why Grand Cayman is tax free.  You're welcome for this lesson.
  
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The next morning we went snorkeling and to Stingray City! Lexi's dad chartered a boat for the wedding party to go. Thanks Paul! 

It was amazing. 

Just look at these pictures.


This dolphin swam next to our boat forever (five minutes)! According to locals he got stuck inside the reef and is the only dolphin in there.


There is a huge sandbar just out in the middle of the ocean. The water was only about 3-4 feet deep. 
So beautiful!


Somehow I wasn't scared of the stingrays at all. I let them slurp squid out of my hand, I held them and let our guide put one on my back. They were like puppies!






Next stop, Coral Gardens: 



Is this water not insane? 




And, just in case you were starting to think I should be a snorkeling model... 


What a perfect morning. Pure bliss. 

Next up, the wedding! 



8 comments:

  1. JetBlue just announced we'll be flying to Grand Cayman starting in November, so I can fly there for free! Can't wait, it looks amazing. Great pics!

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    1. oh my gosh how fun! I think I'm working at the wrong place...

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  2. Oh my goodness this looks incredible! Also girl you are in some amazing shape!

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  3. Wow, these look unreal! The rays look adorable, in their own little way. I always like petting them at aquariums.

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  4. WOW what a dream! that water looks absolutely amazing! So clear! I am very jealous of your body aha. Just discovered your blog and it's lovely :) x

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  5. So beautiful!!!! Looks like so much fun :)

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  6. Beautiful pictures! Looks like a great time!

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    www.kacieskloset.blogspot.com

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  7. hot mama right here. you are absolutely gorgeous, girl!
    and these pictures are making me just a LITTLE jealous. wanting a vacation and to be at the beach immediately! just perfect!
    xo TJ

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You're so sweet to leave me a li'l message.