beach, sun and diving

i arrived in the Cayman Islands to perfectly turquoise water and hot sunny weather. This is my first place on a big backpack, roughing it trip, but i am staying in my own room, right on the waters edge at my friend Ellen's place, and eating too well. so nice - may never be able to leave....

Cayman Islands is a Caribbean island of only 50000 people - half expats and half caymanians. and there is not much to do but laze on the beach, go scuba diving, and drink. so in true cayman spirit that's just what i have been doing.

the diving here is great with so many fish and beautiful coral. there is a wall drop-off that is alive and so colourful. saw stingrays, turtles, moray eels, tarpon (massive fish!), crabs, .....

Ellen, Rachel, Naina and I had a great day out on the Monx - a boat with 2 DJs, a bar that ran out of vodka and lots of dancing.

we went out to Stingray City where massive stingrays will come right up to you in the hope of being fed squid. So beer in one hand and squid in other i ventured into the water. The stingray feels soft and squishy and sucked the food right out of my hand. Supposedly no one has been stung here. ? 

You spend many a day here at the beach. In between the tropical storms that is when you run for cover. Rumpoint is a beautiful area with the perfect white sandy beach and turquoise water. where you can get a cocktail whilst lying in the hammock. mmm

I stayed in the Caymans for 4 days then went to Cuba then came back for another 5 days. Hurricane Dean hit here whilst i was in Cuba (fortunately for me). Ellen was evacuated from her home, had to pack up all possessions and go to a shelter as the waves would flood it, and many expats took the next plane for home or miami. Crazy! whereas Cuba received no hurricane where i was.

next stop from caymans is mexico!