Tenjewberrymuds

This excerpt was sent to us by a Friend of The Reef. It's good fun. To get the full effect, this should be read aloud. You will understand what 'tenjewberrymuds' means by the end of the conversation. (And by the way, the Caymanian accent is much easier to understand!)

The following is a telephone exchange between a hotel guest and room-service, at a hotel in Asia, which was recorded and published in the Far East Economic Review:

Room Service (RS): "Morrin. ; Roon sirbees."

Guest (G): "Sorry, I thought I dialed room-service."

RS: "Rye..Roon sirbees..morrin! Jewish to oddor sunteen??"

G: "Uh..yes..I'd like some bacon and eggs."

RS: "Ow July den?"

G: "What??"

RS: "Ow July den?...pryed, boyud, poochd?"

G : "Oh, the eggs! How do I like them? Sorry, scrambled please."

RS: "Ow July dee baykem? Crease?"

G: "Crisp will be fine."

RS : "Hokay. An Sahn toes?"

G: "What?"

RS:"An toes. July Sahn toes?"

G: "I don't think so."

RS: "No? Judo wan sahn toes??"

G: "I feel really bad about this, but I don't know what 'judo wan sahn toes' means."

RS: "Toes! toes!...Why jew don juan toes? Ow bow Anglish moppin we bodder?"

G: "English muffin!! I've got it! You were saying 'Toast.' Fine. Yes, an English muffin will be fine."

RS: "We bodder?"

G: "No...just put the bodder on the side."

RS: "Wad! ?"

G: "I mean butter...just put it on the side."

RS: "Copy?"

G: "Excuse me?"

RS: "Copy..tea...meel?"

G: "Yes. Coffee, please, and that's all."

RS: "One Minnie. Scramah egg, crease baykem, Anglish moppin we bodder on sigh and copy....rye??"

G: "Whatever you say."

RS: "Tenjewberrymuds."

G : "You're very welcome."


ON BEHALF OF ALL THE STAFF OF THE REEF RESORT WE WISH YOU MERRIMENT IN YOUR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AND WE'LL BE BACK WITH MORE FUN AND BLOGGING IN 2006.

ALL THE VERY BEST TO YOU!!!

Giant Iguanas Spotted in East End!

Alright so this guy is looking a bit bloated after his Christmas dinner...

But Giant Iguanas of another kind have been discovered all over Grand Cayman, that culture vultures and nature lovers alike, can appreciate.

The National Trust, National Gallery, and Department of Tourism have organised an extraordinary outdoor art event - never before seen or tried on this island! The Blue Dragon Trail mixes together arts and entertainment in an attempt to conserve the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana.

15 larger-than-life-size sculptures were commissioned and local artists were let loose on them, painting the dragons in all kinds of colours and themes. The diverse and durable works were then 'released' throughout Grand Cayman. Visitors can follow a special trail map from the Department of Tourism or the National Trust. (Note: The closest one to The Reef is in the village of East End and there is another at Rum Point).

(I found this photo amongst a group of anonymous ones that I've gathered from willing victims - if this is you, thank you for the photo - and please stake your claim to fame so I can give you due credit!)

The Grand Cayman Blue Iguana is the most endangered Iguana in the world; It’s estimated that there are as few as 25 of these special blue dragons left living in the wild. A recovery programme has been running here for several years but conservationists are still concerned.

The Blue Iguana Recovery Programme is based at the Queen Elizabeth ll Botanic Park (speak to our concierge for details, email concierge@thereef.com.ky

If you want to help there are several ways of donating: Adopt a blue iguana or help build the new boundary fence that is much needed. There is a website dedicated to the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme. Click here to visit; you can even see an aerial view photo of the park and see the progress that is being made with the fence - at present time they need a lot more help with this project.

Fish Feeding on the Dock

Feeding the fish is a fun, new activity here at The Reef. This project was started by John Peart (one of the gardeners), Michel (one of our F & B servers), and John Eden (one of our concierges). It usually draws quite a crowd!! The photos do not give the proper visual, but the fish swarm in to the food, whether it is squid, bread or lettuce. Fun to watch!! We get tarpon, as well as a variety of smaller fish enjoying the leftover goodies….
So, whenever you get here, and you hear a whistle blowing in the afternoon, fear not, as that would be the call for anyone interested in watching/feeding the fish, to head out to the dock!! Make sure you find yourself there at least one afternoon!! It’s a show NOT to be missed.

Happy Holiday!! :o)

Castro's Christmas Speech

As I look back over these past 12 months, actually, it feels more like a year, I know that it has been about as full a time as I can remember.

The year started off looking like it was going to be an Annus Horribilis, to quote the Queen, and I don’t mean Elton John. I began the year away from my beloved home, The Reef Resort, as the staff here kept their noses to the grindstone, their shoulders to the wheel and their ears to the ground – the chiropractors made a fortune – and everyone rallied together toward the common goal of re-opening the resort post-Ivan
I have said this many a time with guests – and many of you know only too well from your own experience -- that team work and human support in times of need is a powerful thing. As my grandfather said, birds of a feather stick together, just like nose-hairs, not that I’ve got any. That reminds me, it’s about time for my shower.

The speed of recovery and being among the first to re-open was a real achievement, but it also seemed to evoke something more lasting and profound – a new hurricane proof beach bar for me to look at…oh, and a sense of belonging and pride in our resort.

Fortified by far more nuts and crackers than is good for my physique, and the support you have given me throughout the last 12 months, which has meant so much to me, I look forward to the New Year. I look forward to facing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and to continuing to serve you to the best of my ability each and every day. And on a more personal level, I look forward to finally finding love and commitment, but only for one night.

I’ve always said that if you can fake sincerity you’ve got it made, so – Have a Great Year. No, I really mean it…Honestly…Trust me…
A Happy Christmas to you all.

* * * * * * * *

The Staff at The Reef send you festive wishes and tidings of joy at this wonderful time of year.
If you're already here at The Reef - we wish you a very happy holiday with us.

PS/ If you missed our Holiday Edition of Ripples from The Reef you can read it here
And if you enjoyed the read, sign up for future newsletters here

Vacation Chill Pills!!

Everyone is in the Christmas Spirit!! Here is Annette, who works at the Front Desk, displaying her “Chill Pills”!! These were a great hit with the guests (and the staff as well). The bowl was full, and was emptied within an hour or so!!! Most of you know these "Chill Pills" as Christmas Coloured M & M’s!! Great way to decorate the desk, and satisfy chocolate cravings at the same time!! Happy Holidays Everyone!!

Keith is currently out of the office.....

What a drag, having to slip on a pair of shorts, pick up your laptop and walk straight out of your Ocean Front Condo, across the beach and onto the dock to catch up on the latest slew of emails.

Reef guest Keith Orchard wasn't complaining yesterday morning when he was spotted doing just this - emailing those back home has never been so picturesque!



As you can see, Wireless service at The Reef is not only available in our lobby, but also at The Beach Bar, on the dock, and many parts of the beach.

The service is currently free as it doesn't cover the whole resort and as with any new baby, there have been some teething problems. (i.e. If you've got important work to bring with you please don't rely solely on the wireless service to help you complete your mission, it is wise to have a plan B for communications. Bring vital work on a disc so that you can use the high-speed service at the Thirsty Surfer, our on-site liquor-store and internet cafe.)

HEALTH BENEFIT WARNING: The Reef Resort may harm your ability to concentrate on anything other than Pure Beach Relaxation.

Enjoy the Scenery!

Driving along Breakers around 6pm has been an even more enjoyable ride in the past few weeks. For once the roads are nice and smooth, but also you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets.

Have you thought about hiring a car to explore the island yourself? If you would like some assistance with your car rental arrangments make sure you let our concierge team know. There are many beautiful hidden spots you may not know about yet :)

Cayman Gets a Smooth Ride

The Government Minister of Works has declared a 'pothole blitz' on Grand Cayman.
National Roads Authority crews are working to patch all the potholes they can before Christmas. The crews are also clearing bushes from the sides of the roads.

A noticeable improvement for guests of The Reef (and their bottoms) can be experienced on the stretch between Pease Bay and Breakers (near the Lighthouse Restaurant).

Only a couple of weeks ago this road could have been a contender for being the worst on the island in terms of missing content! Not any more.. and now we can all enjoy the beautiful coastal views without having to dodge the holes.

Christmas Recipe

In preparation for Christmas gorging, here is a recipe for the healthy, refreshing and nutricious Sorrel Drink that is popular in the Caribbean at this time of year. Sorrel is said to contain large amounts of vitamins, antioxidants and can help in weight loss (which is unusual for Holiday food!)

Sorrel is native to Jamaica and is also grown here in Grand Cayman. This dark red drink can be found at the fresh juice counters in our supermarkets; why not have a try at making your own. (A great addition to a party for the designated drivers to sup on).



Recipe: (taken from RecipeCottage.com)

1/4 pound sorrel sepals
strip of dried orange peel
cinnamon stick
a few whole cloves
1 gill of rum (1/2 cup American or 1/4 pint Imperial)
1 gallon boiling water
2-3 pounds sugar
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon powdered cloves

Put the dried sorrel, orange peel, cinnamon stick and whole cloves in a gallon jar, pouring the water over. When cool, cover and leave the mixture to steep for 2 days. Then strain off the liquid, add sugar to taste rather sweet, add rum, powdered or ground spices and let it stand for another 2 days before serving chilled or with crushed ice.

If you don't have time to make this before Christmas, try it for a New Year's party. It is an 'acquired taste' but full of vitamin C and calcium and could give you just the healthy boost you need to set you on the right foot for your New Year Resolutions.

Out Of Space

Peter Ponzo, one of our dedicated owners, did some research on the web before coming back to The Reef tomorrow to enjoy his Holidays with us.

Have a look at these great satellite pictures of Grand Cayman and The Reef.

Thank you Peter, it is nice to know that our owners and guests remember The Reef even when not on island :) We are looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.

Safe Trip!

Christmas Postcard from Paradise

This water-colour painting by Leona Baker, Activities Director at The Reef, is now available as a free electronic postcard on our website. It's simple, click here and fill in the details.

It only takes a minute of your time but can warm someone's entire day!

TIP: If you don't have time to buy, write and post Christmas cards amidst all the other chaos - use Leona's original e-postcard as an alternative. You can send as many of these as you like, in a fraction of the time.

Little Reefians

Kids have a great time at The Reef Resort - pure, clean fun that is healthy too (UV protection required!)

Here are some great shots sent in by the Hagstroms. Gunner enjoying himself on our dock and below, writing a message home (photo taken from their third floor suite).










And if this festive cuteness doesn't bring a smile to your face I don't know what will. Kathy Baumann sent this photo, of her Grandaughter Jalynn.



Kathy says, "Jalynn's expression says how much we all loved being in the Caymans".

Smoke-free followers

Word is that Grand Cayman's Westin Casuarina Resort is turning smoke-free in February 2006.

Yet again we have a case of The Reef being the Pied Piper and other resorts being the rats - in a metaphorical sense of course ;)

An article in the Caymanian Compass on this 'new' development quotes our Director Tom McCallum (blogger TomCayman):

"I believe that the great majority of of tourist customers do not smoke, in fact research done on this shows that about 90 percent of the market is non-smoking".


Our restaurant and all suites are non-smoking but we remain smoker friendly with the provision of ashtrays on the patios of the suites and the restaurant has a smoking/cigar terrace overlooking the ocean.

All imitators...Put that in your pipe and smoke it!!

Cuban Refugees Discovered at The Reef

Yesterday posed an emotional and challenging time for many of the staff and guests at The Reef Resort.

As the sun rose yesterday morning, people could see from our beach that a boat carrying 12 men was marooned on the reef that protects the resort. Urgent help was summoned, especially as two men had fallen off the boat, into the ocean and were in distress.

Captain Joey from Ecoventures was one of the first on the scene - he reacted very quickly and took it upon himself to single-handedly rescue the two men that were in danger of drowning. Joey headed out through the East End Channel in his boat and pulled the two men to safety.

Meanwhile other staff at the resort realised what was happening and began preparing food and drink for the men, understanding that whatever the nature of this event, the men would need food and water upon rescue.

It soon became apparent that the men were Cuban Nationals. A member of our Ground Staff, Papi, a Cuban ex-pat who has lived in Grand Cayman for ten years, served as translator and relayed the message that the men were would-be refugees, not intending to land on Cayman but in fact heading for Honduras.



In her article in the Miami Herald earlier this year, Nancy San Martin described the dangerous escape route that Cubans are now taking in their search for asylum in the US. The men could have taken the shorter and safer trip from Cuba's northwestern coast to South Florida but would then risk being intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard who returned some 1500 Cubans to the communist-ruled country in 2004.

The new route is much longer - 700 miles by sea to Honduras (passing Grand Cayman) and then 3,000 more by land to El Norte.

The journey towards Honduras usually begins somewhere along the southern coast of Cuba's eastern province of Camaguey. A source says that if a stop is made in the Cayman Islands, authorities may encourage Cubans to keep going, but only in the vessel in which they arrived or another of Cuban origin.

Unfortunately the landing on the reef for these men meant that their boat was damaged and the shaft was broken, letting water inside the vessel. Officials at the scene waited to see what could be done for the men as East End locals rushed off to get boat parts and other supplies. Simon Boxall and camera crew from Cayman27 News were at the scene and interviewed Morritt's guest Jackie Wilcox about what he had seen.



Eventually the decision was made to take the Cuban men into custody rather than let them continue the dangerous journey in a faulty vessel - attempts of local help in fixing the boat appeared to be disallowed at this stage.


Joey and Mr.Claire spent the rest of the day bailing and pumping water out of the empty boat as the water flooded in. It was taken away by instruction of the Department of Environment later that day with assistance from Mo at Ocean Frontiers driving Nauticat.













It was reported in the news this morning that the men will be sent back to Cuba and repatriated.

This was a situation where we were ultimately helpless - but not for want of trying.

On behalf of the resort, special recognition for effort is given to Joey, Papi, Mr. Claire, John Eden, Monica Wilson, Carol, Glendon and Clive who all worked extremely hard as individuals and as a team.

Grocery Store and so much more!!

We are all excited here at The Reef, as the hopes and dreams of having a supermarket out on this end again is fast becoming a reality. The Morrits plans on having the structure completed within the next 3 months, but we are all hoping that Fosters Food Fair will at least come out sooner. It is also rumored that there will be a Pizza Place, a Car Rental agency, as well as a souvenir shop, amongst other stores. This strip mall is a great addition to the district!! Will keep you updated as the names of the stores are confirmed.

Have a great day!!

It's 5 O'clock Somewhere

Happy Hour at the (yes hurricane proof!) Beach Bar is ever popular. (Every day 5 'til 7pm)



Linda Locke (pictured here receiving star staff member award from Castro's Hideaway Manager Phil Maguire) is your Friday Happy Hour Hostess/Photographer - not only does she make a mean mudslide, she takes a mean mugshot too.

Our photo gallery now has all the Friday Happy Hour snapshots from October and November on display. Visit the gallery here

Linda is already gathering up the next round - available for viewing soon.

PS/ If you have any photos taken here at The Reef or in Cayman in general that you'd like to share with the world, send them in (you can email me by clicking on my 'profile') and we'll display them in our Guest Gallery.

It's not bragging if it's true, is it?

You can't see it, but we're blushing.

A very kind Reef Guest has written a glowing review of their stay during Thanksgiving (on the 'tripadvisor' website).

There's an old Arabian proverb that says, 'Insults should be written in sand and praises carved in stone'.

The Reef has 1600 feet of sand and well... less stone than that - so it is only fair that we get our moment of glory somehow and where better to do it than our trusty blog?

If you're interested in someone blowing our own trumpet, visit tripadvisor

A Spongeface Encounter

Jeff and Lisa emailed me from their site 'Life on Conch Pointe', a blog they created during their time living in Grand Cayman.

It turns out that in April 2004, Jeff and Lisa encountered the real SpongeBob (Ref. yesterday's blog post - see below) for themselves on their 'East End Adventure'.

Follow this link to read their colourful account: (Seasoned East-Enders will see some familiar sights here - enjoy!)


http://jeffandlisa.net/comments.php?id=P170_0_1_0_C

Spongebob JazzHands

Cayman's own Jazz Festival starts this evening.
Despite this being only the second year of the event, international ticket sales for this year's jazz fest are said to be already double those of last year.



The opening night event is a small, intimate concert at the Westin, with more on Friday night at various locations and then a cultural family day on Saturday with arts, crafts, cassava cake and food, thatch making and a visit from SpongeBob SquarePants.

What is it with Bob? The yellow Spongey one certainly seems to be making an impression in Cayman at the moment as he has been painted onto one of the Cayman Airways airplanes and the Department of Tourism even held a 'Cayman Islands Sea School' with Spongebob this summer where kids attended a weekly presentation on marine life, the environment, Cayman's seafaring past and the legendary shipwrecks just off our shores; and of course they also got to create SquarePants arts and crafts.



Sorry Bob, we know the original spongeman of East End and you're not a patch on a real life encounter with this fella! (Photo courtesy of Ocean Frontiers).

Payment for blogging ?

Cha, I wish :) !

Seriously though, lots of blogs and websites are now chock full of google ads and other banners etc.

Don't think we will ever go that route with this blog, but today I had the very pleasant experience of receiving a special delivery of Enstrom's toffee from the Bulls, some welcome visitors from Colorado and fans of the Blog.

Some of it was quickly devoured by the "Blog squad", with Sandrita being particulary ravenous in her lust for toffee ! The rest goes home to SWMBO to score me some brownie points !

Payment by toffee seems to be a successful form of motivation for blogging... and I think it all came from this blog post back in June.

Hmm.... now, what shall I blog about next ? Hmm... I really love the Porsche 911 Carrera RSR, you know, the lightweight limited edition version from about 1973.... well, I can dare to dream, can't I !

Meanwhile, I think we'll do some more targetted marketing to Colorado... that toffee sure went down well.

Castro, The Muse's Muse

Walking through the lobby this lunchtime I spotted 10 year old guest of The Reef, Noah Cameron, practicing his photography skills with some smart looking gear.



Castro was flattered to be the subject of more paparazzi attention and now thinks he has mastered the art of looking nonchalant (no Castro, that is not a synonym for ignorant).

NY Times comes to The Reef

Although we only got a tiny mention (about our new Hurricane proof beach bar) and this picture showing progress on the next phase of Castaways' Cove, the condos at The Reef Resort, we did work extensively with their journalist, Michelle Higgins, as she put together her piece, published today.

You can see it here at the NY Times website. They do require registration, but it is free, and it is a great website, so we do recommend registering with them.

The article gives a good feel for the recovery of Cayman, although I was disappointed that the journalist only recommended the Westin or the Hyatt... hmm... wonder if they advertise with the Times ? :)

Mandarin Oriental - Grand Cayman announcement

Mandarin Oriental hotels now have their previously announced Grand Cayman luxury resort listed on their website here.

Mandarin Oriental, Grand Cayman (Opening 2007)

Mandarin Oriental, Grand Cayman will be an intimate hideaway, set on an unspoiled 10-acre site that features a 950-foot stretch of pristine white sand, known as Barefoot Beach. All of the resort's 114 lavish guest rooms and suites will feature expansive outdoor terraces and balconies providing panoramic ocean views. Included in the development will be 37 private residences providing an opportunity for ownership in this unparalleled island retreat.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so we are indeed flattered that a world class hotel company is building an "All Beachfront Luxury Suite" resort two miles away from us.

This will be really exciting, as this new resort will be very much at the luxury end of things... and add luxury dining and spa options to the East End.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Even though the Cayman Islands do not celebrate Thanksgiving with a bank holiday a lot of the residents will have a feast tomorrow nevertheless.

American Thanksgiving will be celebrated in homes & restaurants island wide and our own Castro's Hideaway is already reporting a sold out Thanksgiving Buffet with the Barefoot Man for tomorrow evening!

We are giving thanks for Cayman's fast recovery and great progress after last year's devastating hurricane and to all who helped speeding up the process. We wish our owners, guests and friends an enjoyable holiday with friends and family and look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Today on the beach...

You don't have to venture far to enjoy your day at The Reef....

Certainly there are many things to do, from kayak tours to nature walks and the must-do trip to Stingray City of course....but what would a vacation in the Caribbean be without (at least) a day at our beautiful beach.....? Let your children build sand castles - or how about a sand castle competition the next time you visit us??

Pirate's Week Pictures

For everybody who joined us for our special Pirate's Week dinner earlier this month (and of course for all who missed it) - you can now view the pictures in our online photo gallery http://www.thereef.com.ky/index/CIDgallery/PGNgallery-start
As you can see, we had a blast :)

GIMME GIMME

GIMISTORY!!!!

There is something special in the November air as Grand Cayman prepares for Gimistory, the unique and inspirational storytelling festival of the Cayman Islands.

Between the 25th of November and 3rd of December storytellers from far and wide, as well as local fablers, will perform by moonlight in the districts of Grand Cayman telling traditional stories, Anansi stories (Jamaican folklore and tales), funny stories, Duppy (ghost) stories and narratives told through mime, dance and music.

Events closest to The Reef Resort are:

Monday 28th November: Millers Yard, North Side
Tuesday 29th November: School Quadrangle, Bodden Town
Friday 2nd December: Public Beach, East End

All start at 7pm. Fish and Fritters and swankie (traditional lemonade) are available after the storytelling.

The venues have been chosen especially for their history and beauty. Admission is free for everyone - a chance for us to appreciate an endangered art-form - and not to be missed!

Remembrance Day

....is celebrated today being a bank holiday in the Cayman Islands.

Sunday, 13 November the Cayman Islands joined nations around the world in the annual tribute to those who defended their countries during times of war. Ceremonies honouring veterans, including those who sacrificed their lives, took place on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac in the annual Remembrance Day services.

Weather report for today's holiday: lots of sunshine with a cooling breeze

Worldly Advice

I received an email today from Reef owner Mary Piretti with some amusing sayings - I thought I'd share some of these with you as well as some old time Cayman sayings to prepare you for your next visit to The Reef. Enjoy.


Cayman advice:

"Spit in the sky, it fall in your eye" (meaning, What goes around comes around)

"If you can't hear, you'll feel" (meaning, If you don't listen to advice, you'll find out anyway)

"Nuh stick yu nose in a eye hole" (meaning, do not give yourself undue responsibilities that you know you can't manage)

One that you may be familiar with...

"Soon Come" (meaning many things: Be Patient, It will happen eventually or it may not happen at all!)


And some thought provoking ideas (as passed on by Mary)

The most precious thing we have is life. Yet it has
absolutely no trade-in value

Everyday I beat my own previous record for
number of consecutive days I've stayed alive.

Isn't having a smoking section in a restaurant like
having a peeing section in a swimming pool?

Sometimes I get the sudden urge to run around
naked. But then I just drink some Windex..
It keeps me from streaking.

Feel free to add your own amusing thoughts - after all - Advice is one of those things it is far more blessed to give than to receive ;)

Congratulations...

...to our newly weds.....

Marsha & Buddy

World Useability Day

Fumbling with a packet of ham or a CD cover has become a daily headache of modern life. And anyone buying electronic goods for Christmas could still be mulling over the instructions long into the New Year.

World Usability Day (today) hopes to draw attention to an often overlooked part of modern industry and one that is responsible for changing the way products are created.

So in the interest of improving the world, we thought you might like the opportunity to tell us about useability of our website. If you have any comments please post them here or click on my profile and email me.

With thousands of products and services to choose from, ease of use is still a bonus factor rather than a norm - when you visit thereef.com.ky be sure you're getting the bonus you deserve (and I don't mean having a word with your boss).

The world has so far to go in making technology usable - maybe we can help a little.

The Sky at Night

Light pollution is the bane of Astronomers. There is so much artificial light around the areas where most people live (creating an orange glow over cities and towns), that the view of the night sky in it's natural form is inhibited.

The Cayman Islands, especially Cayman Brac, Little Cayman and the East End of Grand Cayman provide a haven from this light pollution - I was reminded of this last night at the East End Heritage celebrations that make up part of the annual Pirates Week festival. The colours are almost blinding when a firework shoots up into the darkness (This photo isn't nearly as good as the real thing but you get the picture).













The festivities went on until after 1.30am this morning with music and a live band, displays of old relics from times gone by (like this newspaper that was brought back to share with others by a sea-faring local man), food stalls, TV crews who spent a lot of time standing near the food stalls, local crafts, a well stocked bar, and the most hearty atmosphere imaginable.

As I leave you for today and head back to the grindstone I can't help wondering if there's another blogger out there who's not getting very far...

Miniature Jim Lads Invade

Guests Lorraine and Frank Maguire brought their little pirates to 'Trick or Treat' us in the Guest Services office yesterday. Luke (on the left) and Scott (on the right) are looking forward to the invasion of 'Nigel the Pirate Puppy' tomorrow evening.

The puppy 'attack' will happen during the complimentary face painting session (with Leona) in the lobby between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. Look out for photos of this coming soon..

I hope you're stocked up on face paint Leona as I have a feeling there may be some big faces there as well as the little ones - Pirate fun for everyone - old sea dogs included (but Leona says please have a shave as paint and hair don't mix well unless it is in a paint-brush/paint-pot relationship).

Halloweeny Pirate Fun

Trick or Treat Team, Lyall and Michelle are ready for some spookiness today (below left).




And here is Lyall and the rest of the Guest Welcome Team (above right) at the Orientation meeting yesterday morning - greeting this week's guests with a ho, ho, ho, a bottle of rum AND for somebody...a couple of free tickets to our Pirates of the Caribbean Buffet on Wednesday evening at Castro's Hideaway.


It's the annual Pirates Week celebration in Cayman, so we're getting into the 'spirit' of things today on Halloween with a themed ghost story to shiver your timbers. We present:

'The Ghost Ship of Captain Sandovate'. (As told by S.E. Schlosser)

When Captain Don Sandovate voyaged from Spain to the New World in search of treasure, he found gold in abundance. But among his crew there were many sailors who did not wish to share the new-found wealth with the monarchs of Spain. On their journey up the Atlantic Coast, the sailors mutinied and imprisoned their captain, tying him to the main mast and refusing to give him food or drink. Day after day, the captain lay exposed to the hot sun of summer, his body drying up as the treacherous sailors worked around him. Finally, his pride broken, Don Sandovate begged: "Water. Please. Give me just one sip of water." The mutineers found this amusing, and started carrying water up to the main mast and holding it just out of reach of their former captain.

In the terrible heat of a dry summer, the captain did not survive long without water. A few days after the mutiny, the captain succumbed to heat and thirst. The new captain, a greedy Spaniard with no compassion in his soul, left Don Sandovate tied to the mast, his body withering away, while the ship turned pirate and plundered its way up the coast. But Providence was watching the ruthless men, and a terrible storm arose and drove the ship deep into the Atlantic, where it sank with all hands, the body of Don Sandovate still tied to the broken mast.

Shortly after the death of the mutineers-turned-pirate, an eerie ghost ship began appearing along the coast, usually in the calm just before a storm. It had the appearance of a Spanish treasure ship, but its mast was broken, its sails torn, and the corpse of a noble-looking Spaniard was tied to the mast. The ship was crewed by skeletons in ragged clothing. As it passed other ships or houses near the shore, the skeletons would stretch out bony hands and cry: "Water. Please. Give us just one sip of water." But none can help them, for they are eternally doomed to roam the Atlantic, suffering from thirst in payment for their terrible deeds against their captain and the good people living along the Atlantic coast.

(Add sound FX of whistling wind and crashing waves)

THE END

Oh, and I nearly forgot to show you the cobweb and pumpkin decked Lobby: Here Leona stops by to admire her own handy-work as she takes her Karaoke show on the road (and upstairs to the restaurant).

Busy week for the kids and Leona!

It’s been a busy week for the activities director. Leona has been bombarded with kids from all ages. So far she has done 2 days of t-shirt painting and today the kids are doing deco-podge with cigar boxes, and there will probably be another arts and crafts day tomorrow!! This photo shows a few of the kids wearing their hand painted t-shirts of yesterday and decorating their cigar boxes, looks like fun!!
Last night (Wednesday) was karaoke night, took a little while for the crowd to warm up, but once they did, boy did we all have fun. Karaoke was also led by our activities director, Leona Baker - the tallest one in the photo :o)

Prime Fishing Conditions for Birds

A large, wide-winged sea bird of the tropical seas (wing span up to 6 feet), the Frigate Bird soars for hours on updrafts and may stay at sea all night or for days.

The picture of 2 squiggles is the best of a bad bunch of photos as I tried to catch a group of 7 or 8 of these birds soaring and fishing around the shore-line in Bodden Town after the storm last week.

Being opportunist in character, these birds sometimes travel great distances for food, though generally are non-migratory and stay within 50 miles of their home islands. As they are incapable of taking off from the surface of the water, they swoop down and pick fish just below the surface or leaping above the water); or they may attack other birds in flight and steal the fish that their victims disgorge or drop. The Frigate Bird nests in remote areas or islands on bushes or vegetation.

Tradionally, Westerners thought of the Frigate Bird as a bad omen; the Tahitians saw it as an embodiment of the war god 'Oro. We see is as a sign that the storm is over and it's time for hungry birds to fill their beaks (and Castro agrees).