1 January 2011 trip to Grand Cayman, staying at the Ritz Carlton on Seven Mile beach
2 The main lobby is actually across the road from the beach, an overhead walkway connects the two sections of the resort
3 We were originally booked into the lowest cost garden-view room. They upgraded us to a residential suite, full kitchen, ocean view, a living room the size of an apartment, terrace, utility room with washer/dryer.
4 Huge living room and master bedroom
5 Full kitchen with nicer appliances than what we have at home!
6 Breakfast outdoors overlooking the pool
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11 Best restaurant on the island, Blue by executive chef Eric Ripert
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13 Yes, his name was Dick, yes he was a slave, he was big, and he was black
14 Now he makes rum and hot sauce!
15 Calypso Grill in Morgan's Harbor
16 Great outdoor terrace overlooking the harbor, incredible seafood. Supposedly famous for their sticky toffee, but we thought Blue had the better recipe.
17 Pedro St. James, known as the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands
18 The Great House, or "castle", was originally built by plantation owner William Eden
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21 Our road trip takes us to Kaibo Bar and Grill for lunch out at Rum Point
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24 Later we visit the Queen Elizabeth Botanic Park in the center of the island
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26 Danger lurks everywhere... if not iguanas, then you have to be wary of falling coconuts!
27 The rare blue iguanas are endangered and the park is host to a breeding and recovery program
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30 Blue heron among the lily pads
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32 Another blue iguana lurks in the brush
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35 Sunshine grill is a great little cafe in a condo complex adjacent to the Ritz. The chef is Cuban and the food is great, and cheap!
36 The Cracked Conch - restaurant, bar, and dive shop
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38 Outdoor bar at the Cracked Conch, the reef and divesite is just down a ladder at the end of the tables
39 No sand here, just rugged limestone ironshore
40 Take some time out from your meal to get a tank at the window, suit up, and head down to the water. Of course, chat with people at the bar on your way by!
41 Stairs lead right from the patio area down to the entrance to the reef system