Friday, February 29

Cayman Went


Quick Note: The new independant film "Cayman Went" is currently under production and wrapped up filming in Cayman Brac. Following on the heels of "Haven", this is the latest movie to feature The Cayman Islands. Im currently gathering more info about the movie, so please click on these links to get the latest news on the film.http://www.caymannetnews.com/news-5277--1-1--.html



Thursday, February 28

When The Daily Show came to The Reef



Back around tax time in spring 2005, I had an absolute blast for a couple of days as The Reef hosted Ed Helms and his crew to do a shoot for the segment above.

Of course back then Blogger didn't allow videos to be uploaded !

They did the whole shoot, guerilla style, in about two days straight. At the end, I took them out for dinner at Ristorante Papagallo, which has just re-opened after major roof repairs post-Ivan. Vico, host at Papagallo, regaled us with tails (or even 'tales".. thx for the edits from "Anonymous) of how he repaired his majestic thatch roof, but poor Ed Helms was exhausted, and could hardly stay awake :)

I might be biased, but I think it is one of the funniest Daily Show segments ever :)

Fans of The Reef may recognise us in a few of the shots :
- Shot of Ed coming out of the sea in a suit
- Ed buried in the sand
- Ed having a massage by the


Tuesday, February 26

New arts and craft shop in Bodden Town

Courtesy of the Cayman Compass, that striking new yellow building I pass on my way to work through Bodden Town each day has quite the story behind it :

In as little as three weeks Bodden Town will be home to a new arts and crafts shop featuring only things Caymanian.

The striking two storey establishment with a picturesque view of the sea will also be home to proprietors Elbert Forbes and Krista Silcox, a coffee shop and an art studio. It’s next door to the Bodden Town Pirates Caves Gift Shop.

Also on the property will be nine Caymanian styled bungalows and a guest house.

But what really makes this establishment so enchanting and unique is that it will feature the works of some of Cayman’s finest cooks and artisans.

Straw hats, bags and baskets adorned with colorful decorations, an interesting assortment of handcrafted wood, coral and seashell pieces, paintings, art supplies, some of the finest fruits and vegetables, breads, heavy cakes, jams, buns, candies, jellies and drinks that Cayman has to offer will be on sale.

“What we are trying to create here is a truly unique Caymanian experience for residents and tourists to enjoy,” said Mr. Forbes.

“When visitors come to Cayman they want to see and buy some thing that is native to Cayman. They do not want to come to Cayman and have to buy trinkets and souvenirs stamped made in China or Jamaica. No foreign art or craft will be imported into the shop; all the supplies and work displayed in the store will be made by Caymanians and stamped 100 hundred per cent Caymanian.

“Even the building is steeped in Caymanian history,” said Mr. Forbes.

The Bodden Town Art Shop is a refurbished 100–year–old wattle and daub building first owned by Maggie Webster, which became home to Laurel Wood.

The art and craft shop on the lower floor at the main entrance will have an extensive collection of fine Caymanian arts and crafts.

Mr. Forbes is a George Town native and owner of Professional Waste Management. Ms Silcox moved to Cayman three years ago from Minneapolis. With similar dreams, they set about providing a cultural, back–to– nature establishment for people to enjoy.

Ms Silcox loves to paint with watercolour and acrylic on canvas. She will teach art classes on the premises.

Main attraction

The coffee shop, which Mr. Forbes and Ms Silcox say is the main attraction, will offer some of the finest treats.

It is on the lower floor to the right of the building.

A long patio leading to the front of the building has a scenic view of the sea; this area will have tables and chairs.

On offer will be fresh bread slices smothered with jams and jellies and other fresh fruits.

Cake slices made from cassava, yam, pumpkin, breadfruit, cocoa, corn and other produce and fruits will also be sold.

“The nine Cayman style bungalows located at the back of the property will be built like those that were here in the 1940s,” said Mr. Forbes.

“These will be nestled among Cayman indigenous vegetation that has been left in place.” said Mr. Forbes.

There are also a lot of local wild animals such as agoutis, chickens, iguanas, and birds on the property. A huge rock wall surrounding the property will help to protect and allow the animals to roam free.

To the left of the art shop will be a three storey building, which will contain an office, a massage parlour and at the top will be a high class restaurant. All foods sold in the restaurant will be local cuisine, said Mr. Forbes.

Other amenities include Jacuzzis, swimming pools and hot tubs.

The owners also own property on the seaside across the road.

On the beach will be cabanas, jet skies, beach chairs, towels and painting classes for children and adults.

Friday, February 15

Agriculture Show 2008

Last Wednesday marked the 41st agriculture show here in the Cayman Islands. This event always falls on Ash Wednesday and is treated as a day out for the family and to have a good time. From foodies to farmers this event is a treat for all. In fact, this years had biggest crowd on record with over 10,000 people attending.

The event features prizes in a variety of categories from produce to native crafts. As i walked in I was greeted with the smell of a multitude of food items which made my selection that more difficult.( I opted for the Turtle Stew). After i got something in my stomach, I ventured over to see the farm animals on display. Cows, Goats, Pigs and chickens were on display for the competition and is certainly a treat for the young children.

The next area i ventured to was where venders were selling various plants and trees such as mangos, hot peppers, and guavas. As a big lover of Ackee and codfish, i was forced to buy an ackee tree for my own yard. For those who dont know, Ackee is a fruit that turns red when ripe and looks like scrambled eggs when served. This is why Ackee and Codfish is generally ate at breakfast time.

There was also a children's area with bouncing castles and slides which is perfect when you need a break.

Every year the Agriculture Show brings something new and exciting for people of all ages and this years show was no different.

Sunday, February 10

Simply All Inclusive - only from theReef

In what is probably one of the biggest news items ever from The Reef, we are proud to announce ;

Simply All Inclusive

This is the first time ever that any resort in Cayman has offered a premium all inclusive plan...that's a la carte dining, 'top shelf' drinks.... no strings attached !

Rates start this summer from $429 double occupancy... and that includes all taxes.

For more information, see here