My family and I land at the airport of Cayman Islands — the three tiny specks of land that lie in the shadow of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica in the Caribbean Sea — and are welcomed by Caribbean drum beating. In a while, we drive to Smith Cove, a cosy spot along the seven-mile beach, and spend the day playing and swimming in the shallow and crystal-clear water. The place offers endless options of fun activities.
Snorkelling
Next day, we head to Rum Point, a calm but crowded beach, and just the place for snorkelling! Snorkelling is one of the easiest ways to see the treasures of the underwater world. And the best part — you don't have to be an expert swimmer to snorkel. A mask and fins (available for sale or rent) will do for a glimpse of magic in the deep blue waters — fish, corals, turtles, starfish... And, if you're lucky, even a moray eel.
Swimming with the dolphins
This is one of the most exciting and touching experiences. Even non-swimmers and toddlers can shake fins or receive a kiss or two from the friendly dolphins, in waist-deep waters or on the side of the pool. The most thrilling is the ‘foot push', when these playful mammals push you across the water by your feet. Though there are trainers around, my chest tightens and my feet are stiff. I guess, our dolphin for the task Alligreia senses it, as it refuses to push me. However, the trainer helps me relax, and whoosh!, successful the second time! And, then there's the equally thrilling 'speed ride with the dolphin', as we hold on to the fins.
Close to the dolphin pool is another visitor attraction, the turtle farm, where we greet massive sea turtles, and fondle yearlings at the ‘touch tank'.
Stingray City Sandbar
The third day turns out to be an experience of a lifetime — wild stingrays! ! The Stingray City Sandbar has an interesting story. It was created unwittingly — fishermen returning to port used to anchor in the calm waters to clean their catch, and stingrays who hunt by smell would come looking for food. Today, the sandbars are frequented by 30 to 40 friendly stingrays to dine on the squid provided by the visiting divers and snorkellers. We touch and hand-feed them, standing in water less than four-foot deep in the Caribbean Sea — it's a wow moment! Typically solitary creatures, stringrays have long, whip-like tails with serrated barbs. Stingrays are not aggressive creatures — they use their tails purely for defence.
The coral barrier reef
A little further from the stingray city is the Coral Barrier Reef (our guide tells us this is second only to the Great Barrier Reef of Australia). With the snorkelling gear on, we jump excitedly into the water. As advised by our guide, we remain close to each other, lest we are tempted to go further, lured by the magnificent reef and vibrant-coloured fishes teeming around the reef. This extravagant art work under the sea is a product of millions of years of evolution, and visitors are requested to respect its delicate nature.
Glass-bottomed boat trip
A great opportunity to view Cayman's priceless reef and marine life without getting wet! During the 90-minute boat ride, we get a clear view of the marine life, and even a wrecked ship! As the specially-trained guard (snuba diving — a combo of snorkeling and diving) enters the water and begins to feed, we cry in excitement at the schools of multi- colored fishes swim alongside the huge glass windows.
Souvenirs andrum cakes
The wharf is bustling, as Caribbean cruise ships let off tourists to throng shops for gifts and souvenirs. And, visitors add two things to their shopping list — Tortuga rum cake and Cuban cigar.
Post-Hurricane Ivan
What we are awe-struck the most by is the strength and resilience of the island people, who've braved frequent hurricanes, including Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Though even now some narrate the harrowing experience of living without electricity and proper drinking water (drinking water is by desalination) for almost three months, they've resurged and rebuilt the island, amazingly.
And, my daughter sums up the place after five days — A fusion of Kerala's climate and vegetation (coconut, mango, chikku trees in abundance), Hawaii's white beaches, and the blue waters and opulent luxury of the West.
THE INDIAN CONNECTION
THE INDIAN CONNECTION
Cayman Islands is a trio of tropical islands — the Grand Cayman, the Little Cayman, and the Cayman Brac — referred to as the ‘Sister Islands'. Among the 55,000 population, 30,000 are Caymanians, and the rest, expats. Most Caymanians have their origins in Britain, Africa and Jamaica. The expats are from over 80 countries, including the U.K., the U.S., and Canada. There are over 300 Indian families (many of them doctors, engineers, lawyers, bankers, chefs…). Small wonder, the menu at most restaurants include chicken tikka , samosa and Malabar parotta !
PAST TO PRESENT
Cayman Islands were discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, thanks to a wind that blew his ship off course. The islands were inhabited only by crocodiles, alligators, iguanas and turtles then! (You still see iguanas everywhere — on the road, beaches, park…). Only during 1661-71 were the first settlements recorded — mostly of Jamaicans, slaves, and pirates. Following Jamaica's independence from Britain, Cayman chose to remain British-crown colony, governed by an administrator. In 1972, a new constitution was introduced, under which Cayman is governed by legislative assembly, executive council, but the Governor is appointed by Britain. Georgetown is its capital, central to government, banking and insurance sectors. Off-shore banking and tourism are the main sources of income for this tax-free country.
