Posh Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
The Grand Cayman of the Cayman Islands was by far the richest island we visited of all the ports in our itinerary. Unlike in previous ports, there were no touts offering their services to cruise ship tourists setting foot in the island. It just seemed calm and peaceful there.
Here I am shortly after getting off the tender. Our ship had to berth a few miles away since the waters were quite shallow and could not accommodate big vessels like the one we were traveling on.
Marc in the Grand Cayman
We didn't sign up for a guided tour here unlike in Ocho Rios in Jamaica. We had read prior to the cruise that there was a bus that we could take to go to the different sights in town. As soon as we set foot on land, there was a cab we were able to hire together with a French family of four. I believe we paid the driver a very nominal fee which at this point I can no longer recall given that I am writing this post 13 years after we visited the island. He drove us around and we actually got to stop in certain parts of the town for some photo ops.
First of the stops was the Shell House.
Believe it or not, this house decorated with shells is one of the island's tourist destinations. Marc and I actually got off the van to take pictures while the French family we were with opted to sit it out inside the van.
In front of the Shell House
The Government House where Cayman Island's Governor resides
Next destination during our tour was the Turtle Bay Farm. We stayed here for quite some time while our cab driver/tour guide waited for us outside the premises. I believe he gave us a certain amount of time to spend here then we just all met up when the time was up.
Marc may be smiling here but it seems to me he wasn't enjoying the experience thoroughly. He must have been thinking, "Eew, a turtle!" He actually dropped this one back into the water as quickly as he picked it up.
This was absolutely Hell. Yes folks, that's what the place is called. Hell. One fellow traveler from Chicago bought a HELL postcard and sent it back to his mom. He signed it in his deceased dad's name. In it he wrote, "Hello dear, I'm here in Hell!"
A view of Hell
