MsAdventures: Cayman Islands

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

From the Heart

I promised quite a long time ago that I would post some of my watercolor sketches of my travels for you, so on this day of Valentine's, I thought perhaps sharing some of the work of my heart and of my hands would be more special for you. So, from my heart to yours, let me share some of my little adventures.

Georgetown, Cayman Islands

The view from the tender as we approached Georgetown is perhaps the most comprehensive view of the town that you can see. The pavilion to the right of the tender -- that's "boat" to non-nautical types -- with the yellow roof is a hospitality area provided by the tourist board. This is the place from which most of the tours depart. The large red roof is Kirk Freeport, a very large retail store selling luxury goods. Directly in front of the tender is the local Tourist Bureau, which also houses the local museum.

The Gift Shop, Hell, Cayman Islands

Hell is an intriguing place... and no, I am not making that up! (Although, for my critics, I can now sincerely state that I've been to Hell and back.) What makes "Hell" into Hell, is a huge area of limestones and dolomite that have been eroded over centuries by algae which eats away the calcium deposits within the rock. As a result, it leaves behind a field of grotesque, pointy rock formations that become stained black by the algae.

There is a gift shop in Hell where one can buy touristy types of things such as a T-shirt that states: "Hell -- wish you were here." It also has it's own post office, so if you go to Hell, be sure to think up some catchy wording so you are fully prepared to send appropriate messages home.