Anything off the beaten track in Cayman

[anonymus]

I'm leaving for Cayman in a month and am hoping to have some insight into activities on the island that are not scuba diving, snorkeling, or laying on the beach. Although I intend to do the beach thing a lot, I'd like to find something that is more involved with native islanders or see what real life on the island is like. Any suggestions?

[anonymus]

A subject near and dear to me !

If you stay on the main Seven Mile Beach area, you will struggle to get what you are looking for, you are much better staying at one of the properties in the quieter Eastern Districts, see www.northcoastcayman.com for a list.

At the risk of sounding commercial, we are very proud of our local cultural activities at The Reef, and in fact are often held up by the Cayman government as an example of how to "do it right" with regard to showing visitors a distinctive Caymanian experience.

As I type this, outside my office our Caymanian activities director is just finishing off teaching some kids how to plait thatch palm leaves, and is about to organise some crab races on the beach....and last night he made up a big batch of gorgeous conch chowder for "Castro's cocktail party" (not the Cuban dictator, Castro is our white cockatoo).

Although it is a bit out of date, I recommend the Bradt travel guide on Cayman, www.bradt-travelguides.com , that or the Cadogan guides....both of these series are focussed on really getting to know the places you visit

[anonymus]

I totally agree with Tom. If you want to get to know the locals and really enjoy GC, head to the East end or North side of the island. On Sundays there is a great BBQ, from 3-7pm at a local bar called the Driftwood on the north side. Go there for the afternoon, talk to the various people, and I know you'll have a good time. Check it out, you won't be sorry!!
Sandy