88. Jobs

I went to Harbour House marina chandlery with Sheldon, the harbourmaster here at the yacht club. It was quite pricey so I didn’t buy much, but it was good to see what they had. [Their cheapest outboard – a Honda 2.3HP was $1500, twice what I paid for my Suzuki] Afterwards I had a good interview at Diver’s Supply (the manager was from Leeds).

Westin Pool

On Sunday I went to the Westin – my favorite hotel so far, and chilled in the pool, the showers and the air-conditioned lobby. I have a long list of boat maintenance jobs, as well as day-to-day things to do, like grocery shopping, laundry, filling up with water, etc. I try to cross at least one thing off each day. Except on Sundays; then I take a break to laze around and enjoy the Caribbean.

If I can get a job, I could be here for the next six months. As for a more long-term plan, I’ve been thinking about Cuba and Mexico. I’ve also been thinking of heading back east. It would be a great feeling to sail back into the BVI and complete my circle of the Caribbean. To do that would mean back to Jamaica, then east to Ille a Vache and Dominican Republic; places I’d like to explore. Then past Puerto Rico and the USVI to Tortola.

Cool boat outside the Ritz Carlton

87. Suzukis

Anchored in Governor's Creek

I feel more respectable, and properly equipped with my new outboard, even though the guys at the dock made fun of my two and a half horsepower. I locked it to the dinghy with a bike lock, and am looking for some cable or covered chain to lock the dinghy to docks. Grand Cayman feels much safer than Jamaica, but I’ve decided to overboard on outboard security.

Most days I go for a walk along Seven Mile beach – it’s just over the road from the Yacht Club, and there’re two nice bars quite near: Tiki Beach and Calico Jack’s, both have showers and Wi-Fi. Further south, the Marriott and Ritz Carlton are nice; I liked the Marriott Jacuzzi.

Camana Bay

On a search for a launderette (also usually a good source of free books), I went to Camana Bay – beautiful, and expensive, although I found free Wi-Fi and power. Not really a launderette, Fluff and Fold was more like a dry cleaners, but I did find the Book Tree – a great book swap, and got some new books, including A Trip to the Beach – by the couple who started a restaurant in Anguilla. In the evenings I often listen to the radio, and read a book out in the Creek. I can get Wi-Fi from Morgan’s; the challenge is keeping my laptop charged.

Morgan's