LR
Travel Report
Great Adventures in Grand Cayman Stingray City & A Trip to Hell
I
was so excited to finally get to Stingray City in Grand Cayman. It had been on my bucket list for years, and it certainly didn't disappoint. We traveled with Red Sail Sports (a wonderful outfit) from Rum Point to the shallow sandbar where a huge community of Southern stingrays hang out. They began congregating there many years ago when fishermen used to clean their catch there, and ever since have made this one spot their home. As we approached, we could see their massive forms gliding gracefully in the clear shallow waters. It was almost eerie, and some of us were a little unnerved by their sheer numbers, but we had nothing to worry about – they are used to humans, and like to rub up against people to slough off dead cells. Natural exfoliation! And, of course, they certainly don't mind the extra treats of squid they get when the boats come to visit. They are playful and intelligent creatures, and my experience interacting with them on their own turf (Or should I say “surf ”?) was surreal and extremely rewarding. Then we went to Hell. The road there was rough and rocky, and, from what I could see, certainly not paved with good intentions. Located on the West Bay, Grand Cayman's “Hell” is actually an outcropping of bleak, black limestone formations jutting up from a field in the middle of nowhere. I can see how the place
Stingray City in Grand Cayman
was given that name. Over the years it has become a popular tourist attraction. On site is the Devil's Hang-Out store owned by Ivan Farrington, who dresses up like the Devil and sells postcards and other hellish-themed paraphernalia. You can even send your postcard from the store's official post box so that it's postmarked from Hell. It's a tourist trap for sure, but lots of fun and worth a trip just the same. Other Grand Cayman attractions include the Turtle Farm, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where you can see their rare blue iguanas, and, of course, lots of beautiful tropical beaches. Visit: www.caymanislands.ky SUSAN CAMPBELL
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