From caymanaz

Elmslie Memorial United Church, 1950 (photo credit: Joseph Steinmetz)

During your visit in the Cayman Islands, you will hear many stories about the history and culture of the islands. Woven throughout these tales of years gone by is the underlying foundation of a spiritual faith in God and a life of dedication to the church. That devotion and allegiance to a higher power first arrived in the Cayman Islands in 1845 with the landing of Reverend Hope Waddell and his ship of ministers, hailing from the Presbyterian Church of Jamaica. The group of missionaries were en route to Calabar, Nigeria when their ship wrecked along the reefs in East End, Grand Cayman. During his time on the island, Reverend Waddell discovered there was no organized church on the island and, upon his return to Jamaica, appealed to the Presbyterian Church for ministerial help.

When he heard of the plight of the Caymanians, and with no one else volunteering, Reverend James Elmslie, minister of the Green Island Church in Jamaica, took it upon himself to answer the calling and set sail for Grand Cayman in September 1846. “If no one else will go, I will go,” Reverend Elmslie reportedly said.

Life in the Cayman Islands proved to be an enormous challenge for the 50-year-old minister but he laboured valiantly, travelling all over the then-desolate Grand Cayman on foot, horseback or boat planting churches throughout the land; of these, Elmslie Memorial United Church was among the first. The building itself was constructed between 1920 and 1922. The site of the church had been home to three other churches prior to its construction; all three were completely devastated by hurricanes. Great thought and consideration was put into the new architectural design and building materials which would be used to construct the historical building now standing as a monument in the center of George Town and remains a place of worship to this day.

The ceiling of the Elmslie Memorial United Church was built in the shape of a ship’s hull, tying in the islands’ seafaring history

Scottish architect R. Gillies was tasked the duty of designing a building that demonstrated its loyalty to God. He worked closely alongside accomplished shipbuilder Rayal “Captain” Bodden, who was commissioned to oversee its construction. Today, the Elmslie Memorial United Church stands in the shape of a cross – a direct reverence for Jesus Christ – and portrays its respect for the maritime history of the islands with a ceiling in the shape up the upturned hull of a ship. With most buildings and homes in the Cayman Islands still being built of wattle and daub, the Elmslie Memorial United Church was the first building in Grand Cayman to be built of concrete blocks and cement, and with each block being made by hand, the entire construction process was certainly long and tedious.

The Elmslie Memorial Church first opened its doors for worship on 5 December 1922. It stands as a building of national historic interest and was recognized as such by the Cayman Islands National Trust in 1996 during the unveiling of a plaque on the church’s exterior wall.

Explore the history of the Elmslie Memorial United Church at 48 Harbour Drive in George Town, Grand Cayman or learn more about the church by visiting www.elmsliechurch.org.ky

The view of Owen Island from a hammock

Skies: Seven Beaches Beyond Seven Mile Beach

Hundreds of known and unnamed beaches surround Grand Cayman, where the shores are sandy and the water is richly blue. Most are located beyond the seven miles of white sandy beach that curve West Bay Road, so rent a car or scooter for the day and explore each nook and cranny of beach Grand Cayman has to offer.

Rum Point, North Side

Rum Point is arguably one of the most magical beaches on Grand Cayman. Located in the quiet and friendly district of North Side, this stretch of beach is secluded, accessible by boat, surrounded by million-dollar mansions and features a charming restaurant and bar, ranking it pretty high on the must visit beaches of Grand Cayman list.

Rum Point’s signature drink, the mudslide, can be ordered from the comfort of one of the many hammocks strung between the casuarina trees while enjoying a breath-taking view of the sunset.

A walk down the dock at Rum Point

The clear and shallow waters that stretch for yards are a favourite feature for families with small children. The barrier reef is only a short swim from shore and is home to a kaleidoscope of vibrant fish, sea urchins and starfish. It is not uncommon to spot a southern stingray gracefully swimming nearby. Full snorkel gear can be rented on-site, as well as equipment for motorised and non-motorised watersports should you feel the sudden impulse to explore your adventurous side.

On Sunday afternoons locals are known to flock to Rum Point by boat, car and everything in between. It is the busiest day for this tranquil beach, but still great fun.

Spotts Beach, George Town

Mostly visited by residents, Spotts Beach is a delightful little beach located in the Spotts Newlands area and definitely worth further exploration. Sea turtles, conch, lobster, stingrays and even a moray eel are all on the list of things to see at Spotts Beach, so be sure to bring your snorkel gear; there is no rental company on-site if you happen to forget.

Surrounded by limestone bluffs and fine white sand, Spotts Beach is well-hidden from the main road. It is idyllic for watching the sun rise. The multi-coloured cabanas and family-style benches also make for an easy romantic beach picnic.

Spotts Beach is frequented by residents most often on the weekends but is still a great alternative if you are looking for a beach that is secluded and not too out-of-the-way.

Smith Barcadere, George Town

Previously referred to as Smith’s Cove, Smith Barcadere is a favoured beach for many visitors yet it still manages to be a fairly well-kept secret. The crowds are small, the views are strikingly picturesque and the range of swimming and snorkelling options are spot-on.

Dramatic limestone and coral rock formations can be seen just yards from the shores of Smith Barcadere; they create coves of calm turquoise water where fascinating underwater wildlife can easily be seen by the avid snorkeler.

Smith Barcadere

Limestone formations at Smith Barcadere

If dry land is more your cup of tea, there are plenty of shady seagrape trees perfect for sunbathing and losing yourself in a good book.

While there are no watersports equipment rental facilities on-site, Smith Barcadere has a public restroom, outdoor shower and a number of picnic benches, making this beach secluded but welcoming.

Cemetery Beach and Reef, West Bay

Just beyond the entrance to the district of West Bay, and tucked between a local cemetery and a private residence, is a narrow sand path that leads to Cemetery Beach and Reef. Similar to Seven Mile Beach with its soft pink and white sand and clear waters, Cemetery Beach and Reef offers the unexpected advantage of superb shore snorkeling.

At Cemetery Beach and Reef the fish can only described using one word: friendly. Unlike the timid little critters you may find at other dive and snorkel sites, they are rather curious and playful. Green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, southern stingrays, eels, lobsters, and sea urchins also inhabit the coral formations located just a short swim from shore.

After a day of perfect swim and snorkel conditions, dine alfresco at a nearby seaside restaurant or indulge in a plate of barbequed chicken and ribs at the neighbouring jerk stand.

Cayman Brac

It is widely known across the Cayman Islands – and readily accepted – that time moves slower in Cayman Brac. The warm sun, common hammock and omnipresent sea make it so abundantly clear that Cayman Brac is a place of relaxation. Go ahead, grab a book, kick up your feet and soak up the sun here for a while!

Cayman Brac Public Beach, South Side

Although Cayman Brac is more commonly known for its 140-foot Bluff and remarkable sea cliffs, the Cayman Brac Public Beach has a rather nice stretch of smooth sand and calm, crystalline waters. This beach is located within a protected marine park, making it an ultimate snorkel site where conch, lobsters, fish, stingrays and eels abound.

Tidy cabanas, benches, outdoor showers and public restrooms at the Cayman Brac Public Beach allow for the conveniences of a resort beach without the crowd. Most resorts on Cayman Brac have snorkel gear for rent on-site so be sure to pick up what you need before heading here; it is well worth the extra effort.

Grab a meal on your way and stay a while at this diamond in the rough.

Little Cayman

As the Cayman Airways’ twin otter plane begins its descent onto the Little Cayman landing strip, stress levels decrease and an overall feeling of well-being takes over. With a population of less than 170, it is easy to lose all concept of time and truly relax. Little Cayman is the ideal destination if basking in the sun is high on your vacation agenda.

Point o’ Sand, North-Eastern Coast

It is not unusual to be the only visitor on Point o’ Sand on any given day; the beach is best known for its solitude and snorkelling. A short car or scooter ride from most resorts and guest houses on Little Cayman, Point o’ Sand represents the very essence of a perfect beach with its simplicity and untouched beauty; it perfectly combines turquoise and royal blue seas with powdery white sand and the bright green of coconut palms.

The Point o’ Sand reef is teeming with a host of different families of fish. Be certain to bring your own gear; the only thing you will find here is a solitary cabana with a picnic bench and a charcoal grill. Ask your resort to pack a boxed lunch or bring a cooler of snacks so you can linger all day because, put simply, you will want to.

Owen Island, South Coast

If authentic tranquillity is what you are after, a visit to Owen Island is what you need. A small, unspoilt island located on the south-western coast of Little Cayman, Owen Island is visible from most resorts and guest houses along the beach and is only accessible by boat or kayak. It offers the ultimate sense of privacy, romance, rest and relaxation.

Tequila sunrise over Owen Island

There are no restaurants, bars, shower or restroom facilities, or any thing else for that matter on this uninhabited island which makes it all the more exclusive. On a busy day, you may share Owen Island with one or two other persons but there is enough sandy beach and crystal clear water to share.

Bring a friend for company, pack lots of sunscreen, and consider bringing a small cooler of beverages – it can get quite hot!

Photo Credit: J. Kevin Foltz

Skies: Shaken, Not Stirred

Whether you are perched poolside, cruising through central George Town or walking along Seven Mile Beach, staying cool in the Caribbean sun can be a challenge. Treat yourself to one of these chilled cocktails to quench your thirst.

The Classic Mojito

A light, crisp cocktail, the classic mojito at Macabuca is the go-to beverage for a hot day. Locally-grown peppermint leaves — which are gently mashed with a muddler in a mix of lime juice and simple syrup to release the mint’s essential oils — are the base for this Caribbean cooler. Bacardí white rum and a splash of soda water complete the simple cocktail. Add fruit flavours like mango or strawberry if you want to mix things up. Either way, the Macabuca mojito is the perfect refreshment to accompany the legendary golden sunsets at this dive bar on the northwest tip of Grand Cayman.

Martin’s Margarita

Pop into Carlos and Martin’s along Seven Mile Beach for the ultimate in Tex-Mex food … and 21 margarita flavours! Served by the glass or the pitcher, frozen or on the rocks, all margaritas are made with premium Jose Cuervo tequila. Try the house margarita, the Martin, for a traditional experience of Jose Cuervo and Grand Marnier; or try an El Toro and give your margarita wings with Red Bull. Other margaritas include El Bandido, which is made with Jack Daniels; the twisted Sangrita, a blend of margarita with their equally-famous sangria; or the Mexican Italian, made with amaretto. The range of flavoured margaritas is twice as nice, mellowing the bitter lime base of this cocktail with melon, mango, peach, lychee, pomegranate or passion fruit.

Go rogue and ask to have your favourite margarita as a beer-garita, where a margarita happily marries your beer of choice in a single-serve pitcher. For a flavourful Mexican experience you’re sure to enjoy, try the Corona-ita.

Photo credit: J. Kevin Foltz

The Ultimate Mudslide

Inside a chocolate syrup-coated glass, you’ll find the mystical wonder of a Sunset House mudslide. Said to be one of the best mudslides on the island, this indulgent cocktail includes a frozen blend of Baileys Irish Cream, crème de cacao, pure vodka and a straw filled with Kahlúa coffee liquor; but according to the menu, there is one ingredient that makes this beverage a specialty drink at the Sunset House bar: a whole lot of party spirit. Visiting divers, as well as locals who frequent this well-known hideaway, can vouch for this. With super friendly bartenders, a lively energy any day of the week and a stunning ocean view of the George Town harbour, sipping a mudslide here is a must-do on a scorching day.

Are You Swanky?

Head over to Cayman Cabana along the George Town harbour for Swanky, a Caymanian variation of the traditional lemonade. Made with key limes — instead of lemons — water and brown sugar, this beverage is uniquely local. A simple recipe made with ingredients that were usually on-hand, Swanky was a staple drink in most homes in the “olden days”. It is sometimes mixed with a touch of Seven Fathoms Rum, a gold rum aged in barrels beneath the Caribbean Sea, so be sure to tell your sever if you prefer it virgin.

Natural Coconut Water

Ask any Caymanian and they will tell you chilled coconut water is the ultimate in satisfying beverages. Coconut trees abound across all three Cayman islands, but it can be a little difficult to find a local to “husk” a coconut for you — the act of cutting off the top just enough to create a small hole for drinking or, in some cases, removing entirely the outer-layer of coconut shell. Bottled coconut water, along with other local produce and products, can be purchased at the farmer’s market at Camana Bay on Wednesday afternoons or at the Market at the Grounds at Agricola on Saturday mornings. Local vendors are sometimes found along the roadside as well, and Kirk Market is also reliable for having a steady supply of pure coconut water. Serve chilled or on ice.

Note: This article was first published in Skies magazine, July 2014

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About CaymanNaz

If you are like me, when I visit a new city, town or island I want to be fully enthralled by its charm. I want to see the sights not ordinarily showcased in glossy tourist magazines and meet the faces of locals who make the experience unique and memorable. I want to engage in activities out of the norm and dine at cafés and dives tucked out of sight. For the few days or weeks I am there I want to live as a local.

CaymanNaz is your insider to the Cayman Islands – what to do, where to go, things to see and try, people to meet, foods to sample and so much more. It is the guide to everything that makes the Cayman Islands so very special.

Articles and photographs are by Nasaria ‘Naz’ Budal, an American by birth and Caymanian at heart. She was born in New York, New York to a Jamaican-Indian father and Caymanian-American mother and moved to the Cayman Islands at the age of two-years-old; she has lived there since. For four years Naz worked with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism in public relations, marketing and social media. Naz contributes as a freelance writer to Skies, the in-flight magazine of the nation’s airline, Cayman Airways, and manages her personal blog space snazzynazb.com.