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).