The Cayman Islands

Ahhh, what can I say, the title says it all. A week in the Caribbean with my love, can't get much better then that! My dear sister and her roommate came out for the week to watch the kiddos, so Matt and I could have our "romantic getaway". We, lovingly, called our trip "post-deployment therapy". Our journey began with a red-eye flight to Grand Cayman. Not the most recommended, but it was a necessary evil. We had a long lay-over in Charlotte, NC, but the USO saved us. Because Matt is military, we were able to hang out in this exclusive club area. It was the bomb! Seriously, I had a luxurious couch to lay on and snooze, while Matt watched a movie in his recliner. Plus they had this whole breakfast buffet table set up with yummy goodness. By far the best lay-over I have ever had. We didn't get to enjoy it on the return trip though, since customs sucked up most of our lay-over time.

Stepping off the plane in to Georgetown, Grand Cayman is like stepping into a different world. The airport is small....quaint, you won't find anything like it in the U.S., with it's thatched style roof and single runway. The air was wonderfully moist and balmy, and the ocean was clear blue. Beautiful! We stayed the week at the Marriott resort, and we were treated very well there. The beach was right outside our Hotel, what a sight to see every morning. Matt and I spent as much time as we could on the beach...just relaxing and drinking pina coladas (virgin of course!). We did get around to see some sights on the island. Some other names Grand Cayman is known for is Tortuga (yes, pirates), Cayman (for crocodiles) and the British West Indies. So we had to do some Pirate history, and decided to tour some caves that are there that "might" have been treasure hide-aways. The Cayman's were originally uninhabited Islands, so were a natural choice in a hideout for pirates. We also toured Pedro St. James castle, which was the birthplace of democracy on the island. Matt was also able to fit in a round of golf...of course! There is a township there with some rock formations, they have named the township "Hell", So we visited Hell while on our vacation. We also made it in to town, and to the Sea turtle farm. That was amazing.

The farm had closed by the time we had arrived there (after a long walk from Hell!) and the main tour guide must have seen the disappointment on my face, because he promptly told security it was alright and led us back. We then received a private tour with the park all to ourselves. Our guide, Bennie, was so nice and even though it was closing, he was a typical islander. Relaxed, take your time, type attitude. He took photos for us, let us hold the baby sea turtles, and took time to explain all the "ins and outs" to us. It was a very neat experience!

You can't go to the Caribbean without snorkeling. So, we of course, did this as much as possible. Matt snorkeled and scuba dived a bit while he lived in Hawaii, and I had done some snorkeling before. Never have we seen underwater scenery like this before. We went and did most of our snorkeling at a beach called Cemetery Beach. We met a family of avid snorkelers that had been coming to the Caymans for 20 years. They said that Cemetery beach was some of the best snorkeling they have ever seen. The water was so clear, even the waves washing up on shore were clear. We saw some beautiful reefs, coral forests and amazing underwater sea life.

As with all vacations, they must come to an end. I joked with Matt that it was a good thing we didn't bring the girls, since they were the only reason bringing me back to the states. We missed our girls a lot during our "get away", we constantly saw things the kids would enjoy and love. Maybe that will be an excuse to go again someday with the whole family. It was a little hard for Matt to be away from his girls, since he needed to turn around and leave for a conference in San Diego right after we returned home. Due to scheduling and conflicts this was the only time we could go, so I am grateful that he was willing to be parted from his girls so long to spend some time with me alone.

Today, Sunday, Matt left for San Diego, Trudy and Carie left back to Utah, and I am left at home with my girls. My vacation has come to a screeching halt and reality has set in. I am glad that I am blessed with my beautiful girls though, and look forward to getting back to our routine. I am also grateful for spending the week with my love. What a fabulous vacation!