Every year Dave and I set up our tree on the Friday after Thanksgiving. But this year things didn’t go that way. Obviously, Cayman doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving and this change threw off all of our other holiday traditions. Instead, we celebrated Pirate’s Week and wrapped up the festivities by setting up our tree after the fireworks.

In the past, Dave and I have always gotten real trees that are nothing less than stunning. We were fortunate enough that Dave had a connection who owned a landscape company who sold the most beautiful trees in our area. But, here in the Caribbean most Christmas trees are artificial. Just a fancy way of saying fake. In other words, plastic. Oh, and did I mention they’re expensive? Even though they’re plastic and fake? It still blows my mind. When I first went shopping for our first plastic Christmas tree I was thinking they’d be a little more then they were at home, but still within reason. But boy, was I wrong. The average 6 foot plastic Christmas tree here on the island is around $300. It’s insane.

 

 

 

Luckily, I found a suitable fake tree on Ecay which is basically our version of Craig’s List. Wooohoo!! So, after watching the fireworks on the beach Dave and I went back to our apartment and began our holiday festivities. Quincy was running around the living room dressed in his santa suit, the cups of hot cocoa were made, and although it was 80 degrees and sunny earlier in the day, it did help get us into the Christmas spirit. Although it was still a little strange listening to Christmas music and hanging ornaments while looking at palm trees outside our window.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soon after Dave and I had decorated our house we began seeing decorations popping up all over the island. Despite the outrageous cost of electricity everyone else also seemed eager to start preparing for the holidays.

 

 

 

 

 

Our favorite house so far is one that is located near one of the places where we dive. It’s covered from top to bottom in Christmas lights. Literally. The lawn is filled with various fake trees that are covered in lights, the gazebo has a santa, and it’s illuminated so well that you don’t even need a flash on your camera to capture it’s magnificence.

 

 

Looks like cold weather and snow aren’t required for the holiday’s after all! Cheers!

 

 

 

 

I NEVER thought I’d scuba. EVER.

You’d have to be nuts to want to be nearly 100 feet UNDER the water?!?! Right??

WRONG.

I will happily admit that I was wrong about this.

Well, maybe not completely. You do have to be a little crazy to jump into the water and make yourself sink on purpose. But it’s definitely worthwhile! Especially now that I can play with my new underwater camera!

One of Dave’s new clients is Living the Dream Divers here in Cayman. They have been amazing and were part of the reason that Dave and I first decided to try diving. We went on a shore “Discovery” dive to test it out and see what we thought. One dive and we were HOOKED!! Scuba Scott showed us around Hamburger Reef and we had an amazing first dive. We were lucky enough to see a spotted eagle ray and my favorite… a sea turtle!

Next thing you know we’re taking our PADI certification class online and booking our training dives with Living the Dream!

The book stuff was easy. It was applying it that was a little more difficult. Luckily, our instructor Ryan has the patience of a saint and makes you feel relaxed even when you’re doing some crazy stunts. For example, how would you feel about taking your mask OFF at 35 feet down? Wait it gets better. Then you have to replace it while it’s filled with water and try to clear it of all that water by blowing through your nose? Doesn’t sound so easy does it. Lucky for me I got to do it. LOTS.

 

All in all I flooded my mask so much that I swear everything smelled like salt for the next few days! My rational for why this was acceptable is that I’d rather have it happen while I’m being supervised by a professional. That way when I’m down there without him I know what to do in the worst case scenario. And, once I’ve learned it hopefully I won’t need to do it again unless there’s some sort of emergency!

 

 

So, now that the hard part is over and Dave and I have successfully gotten our open water diver certification let the fun begin! Expect LOTS of fishy pictures in the coming weeks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need directions to Stingray City? Well, here’s a few clues…

You can’t drive there.

You can’t fly there.

But, you can take a boat there!

Stingray City is located in the middle of the ocean on a sand bar near the coral reef! Long ago this was a favorite place for fishermen to clean their gear. This also meant it was a good place for a lazy stingray to come grab a snack. Before long there were lots of stingray’s hanging around, and the sand bar got it’s name… Stingray City!

Now a days you won’t find fishermen cleaning their gear here. Instead you will find TONS of tourists! They come to pet, feed, and swim with these gentle giants and to marvel at them in their natural habitat! At first it can be a bit intimidating when you’re looking into the water and these large gray masses are crowding around and pushing their way towards you. But, don’t fear! They won’t hurt you!

Once you’re in the water you can rub their backs and tummies and give them some squid to snack on. Some people are even brave enough to give the stingrays a kiss! I however, am not yet there. But it is true that each time I go to Stingray City I surprise myself with how much more comfortable I am getting around these creatures. Despite their size, they aren’t so scary after all!

Most people seem to freak out about their 30th birthday. I however, am happy to report that I was not one of those people. I mean, really what do I have to be upset about?

I’m married to the most amazing, loving, thoughtful husband.

I live in the Caribbean on an incredibly beautiful island.

I have a job that I love.

And best of all…

I’M HAPPY!!!

So yes, I turned 30. But I’m ok with it!

For my birthday weekend we actually had an amazing staycation here in Cayman. Dave booked us a room at The Reef Resort which is located in East End. The room had a gorgeous ocean view where we could hear the waves crashing on the beach. It was pretty perfect.

The day of my 30th I laid in bed, watched tv, and listened to the waves with my husband. Despite some heavy rain and lots of clouds we did venture out once to try the new underwater camera Dave got me!

The following weekend was for fun and celebrating with friends! My best friend Javier even surprised me by flying in from NY so he could come to my 30th birthday party!! Dave and Javier organized this whole scheme without me knowing. I’m still shocked that he was here in Cayman!

The plan was to have a pool party to celebrate my turning 30. How often can you do that in New York when you’re birthday is in October!?! Unfortunately, mother nature must not have gotten her invitation. The weather leading up to the party was wet, wet, wet. And the day of was gray and overcast. The sun was no where to be found! Needless to say, we did not end up swimming in the pool as planned. However, we did finish off the evening by taking a walk down to the beach for a late night swim in the moonlight!!

So yes, I turned 30. But really, what’s the big deal!?! I had a fun weekend with friends and couldn’t have possibly asked for more!

Here’s an interesting fact: Our new friends in Cayman are originally from: Canada, South Africa, England, Mexico, Ireland, Texas, and Georgia. Incredible isn’t it?

I have found the perfect job.

I work barefoot. I wear sundresses.  I laugh and play in the sand under palm trees. I work with like minded women. I cherish childhood. I take care of a farm yard of animals.

Together we learn. Together we play. Together we grow.

This is my new school. This is an extension of my home.

Everyday the children are provided with the opportunity to partake in a variety of activities.

They help feed the animals, tend the garden, bake our snacks, and play with their friends.

Everything is fun.

Everything is exciting.

Nothing is boring.

Nothing is dull.

Play can be found everywhere!

Our students understand the value of taking turns, helping others, and being a good friend. They aren’t just taught these values, they practice them in everything we do!

As many of you know, Dave and I were fortunate enough to discover a mantra that embodies everything that we were thinking when we first decided to move to Cayman. Thank you to Island Company for saying it so well:

Quit Your Job.

Buy a Ticket.

Get a Tan.

Fall in Love.

Never Return.

In fact, not too long after returning home from our honeymoon we decided to try being “Life Warriors” ourselves and put this mantra to the test. Life was feeling pretty good! We moved to Cayman, I started a blog, a new job, and a new life.

In one of my first blogs I wrote about how inspiring these words were when we first began thinking about what to do next in our lives as a married couple. The best part is, somehow Island Company actually found my blog! Incredible isn’t it? I was so excited when I received a comment from them! My husband actually called me at work to say they were following my blog and had made a post!

Shortly after that, I got in touch with Chris Sim from the Island Company corporate office and he sent me over to our local shop for some free goodies! What girl wouldn’t love that?

They have a delicious smelling line of sunscreen that is for locals right on up to tourists! Too cute! So now, as I work on my tan I can think of Island Company and how crazy it is that we actually live here! Thanks again Chris and the rest of the Island Company staff for the wonderful gift and for getting in touch with me. It means a lot!

 

 

Yes. Hamburger Reef is indeed a real place not far from where Dave and I live! We were fortunate enough to stumble upon this reef when our friends Ken and Peggy were here the end of August. Luckily, we can access this amazing reef even though we don’t own a boat! Here’s the secret! Head towards the Burger King that is located on the ocean in Georgetown. Just a few buildings to the east is a public parking. You will find many fishermen hanging out cleaning their catch here and it also happens to be the best spot to safely swim out to Hamburger Reef!

Although the water near the docks is a bit murky and filled with fish guts, it is worth it! Promise! But be prepared! You will spot some HUGE fish in the shallow water trying to catch themselves a tasty snack! Although I know they are not going to hurt me, these gigantic fish still take me by surprise just because of their size! They are massive!

So you’re in the water. You’re ready to see some coral! Truth is, it’s everywhere. But, if you’re looking for the best spot here’s what you need to do. Once you’ve gone past the docks keep swimming and start heading left towards the Burger King. Your goal is to line yourself up with the flags in the Burger King parking lot about 300 feet from shore. This is where you will find our favorite reef, although as I mentioned before this entire spot is loaded with beautiful coral and fish. (However, when swimming in this area please use caution! It’s a busy spot and if you’re not careful you could find yourself stuck in someone’s propeller. Which would most definitely make for an unpleasant experience!)

My favorite thing about this reef must be the sea turtle who lives there! If you’re lucky you might have the opportunity to swim with him too! I’ve been fortunate enough to see him both times that I’ve been to Hamburger Reef! To me, there’s nothing more peaceful then swimming in the reef with all the fish and a sea turtle as your guide. So, next Sunday pack your towel and head down to Burger King in Georgetown. Say hello to the turtle and let him guide you through the amazing reef he calls home!

 

Have you ever watched the movie, “Titanic”? Do you remember the opening scene where the cameras are dropping through the water and suddenly looming over a massive ship at the bottom of the sea? Although the Titanic is not here in Cayman, you can enjoy a similar experience when you visit the USS Kittiwake!

Dave and I were fortunate enough to be able to visit this amazing ship with our friends, Ken and Peggy this past Sunday.

The day began with a beautiful sunrise and a drive out to Ken’s boat in the South Sound. He has an amazing catamaran and offered to let Dave and I tag along on a sailing trip around Cayman. So, off we went. Lunches were packed. The sun was shining. And not a rain cloud in sight! Last time we had been on Ken’s boat was during our honeymoon and I have to be honest… It did not agree with me. My stomach did not appreciate the waves and the constant rocking. So I was feeling extremely grateful that today’s weather was calm and the water was still. Thank goodness!

After a number of bad directions and feeling hopelessly lost we were fortunate enough to finally find someone who could direct us to the USS Kittiwake. Oddly enough, it was marked with giant yellow buoys and not too far from the beach where we live! Once we had the catamaran tied up to the mooring it was time to start exploring.

This is where you need to imagine the movie “Titanic”. Dave and I began swimming the 200 yards until this dark gray shape became visible on the sea floor. We’d found her! Sitting at a depth of just 64 feet the USS Kittiwake was brought to Cayman about a year ago to create an artificial reef. Although the ship has not been under water long, it’s already beginning to feel like home to many different types of fish! We actually saw quite a few different schools of fish swimming along with us while we explored the ship!

Since Dave and I do not have our Scuba licenses yet, we were only able to snorkel the Kittiwake. But it didn’t matter. With the ship being so close to the top of the water you can still see many of the features that make it spectacular. You can swim over the smoke stack and look down into the depths of the ship, or swim past the wheel house and peek inside where the wheel is just begging to be played with!

The most incredible part was an area where you could stand (if that’s possible with flippers on) on the ship and poke your head up out of the water! It was AMAZING.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Ken and Peggy for sharing an amazing day with us, and taking such fun pictures!

If you’d like you can learn more about this incredible ship at: http://www.kittiwakecayman.com

Happy reading!