Grand Cayman Adventure: Day 3.

What a day!  We woke up pretty early because we had a reservation to go to Stingray City for the 10 a.m. tour.  We had a fairly easy time getting there and I even mastered the roundabouts and using my blinker!  Neither Mike nor I had even thought about there being rush hour traffic so it was good that we left a little bit early than we had planned to.  We arrived with plenty of time, checked in, and headed over to Eats Cafe to kill some time before the shuttle bus arrived.  

At 9:30 we boarded the shuttle with our snorkeling gear, towels, sunscreen and water in hand.  Then it was time to board the boat.  We opted to sit on the top deck so that we could take in the views and it was gorgeous!  The water was all sorts of teals, turquoises and blues, and there were lots of huge houses along the water that we had a fun time looking at while we rode past.  We met a couple from Georgia, and a woman from New Orleans who now lives in Holland.  After a 25 minute boat ride we arrived at the sandbar where the domesticated stingrays hang out.  I was a little nervous about getting in the water near animals who can sting you, but saw one of the tour leaders holding a stingray at complete ease, so I figured I’d be okay. 

^^ A photo in the van on the way to the boat.

^^ Waiting at the dock, and excited about swimming with stingrays!

^^ One of the few photos I have of both of us :( I wish we had someone follow us around so we could be in more pictures together (and with prettier backgrounds than this, hah!).  Turned out pretty well, I think.

^^ We passed some enormous houses on our way out to the sandbar.

^^ On the water on our trip to see the stingrays!  The water was so blue and clear.   

^^Anchoring at the sandbar.  Let's pretend my camera was not freaking out with the humidity and that the lens was fully open...   

As Mike commented to me later on, he had never seen the water on the sandbar so choppy.  It was hard to stand still because the waves pushed you in one direction and then another and then another.  We had been told to shuffle our feet instead of walking and stepping, but the choppiness made this harder to do.  The stingrays felt like wet mushrooms.  Kind of slimy, and relatively smooth.  The older stingrays had slightly more bumpy skin, and they really did swim against you and bump into you.  It definitely took me a few minutes to get used to that, and even still I was very aware of where the stingrays are.  An interesting fact that the tour guide shared is that the male stingrays are significantly smaller than the females.  The males only get to be about one foot long, whereas the females can get much larger—we saw females that were over three feet long.  Each person had the opportunity to hold a stingray, give it a kiss and get a back rub from the stingray.  It was way cool! 

Next we headed to the first of two snorkeling sites.  This one was well known for the coral, and was gorgeous! I had some slight trouble with my snorkel because every once in a while the snorkel wouldn’t let me get a breath in, which made me panic a little.  Good thing I’m a solid swimmer!  

The second dive spot was really amazing, and I was able to borrow Mike’s mask and snorkel since he wasn’t feeling great and decided to sit that one out.  Using his equipment, I was able to truly enjoy this stop, and saw many schools of fish and a huge (wild) stingray.  So amazing! 

Mike and I headed back to our hotel and had some much needed lunch and some snacks.  We went out to snorkel a little bit in front of our hotel, and then read on the beach for a while.  Tukka was our dinner restaurant of choice and it certainly did not disappoint!  The ambiance was very unique—there were two trees that were covered with flip flops and shoes.  I dug it.  From the front, the restaurant looked like a dive bar that might even be a little sketchy, but the deck was right on the water.  I can imagine that the views during sunrise, sunset or the daytime are incredible.  I had a wonderful pina colada, and Mike had a Corona.  We ordered some coconut shrimp with two different sauces—mango and chili.  Mike had two skewers packed with surf and turf—beef, chicken, lobster and shrimp—garlic mashed potatoes and green beens.  He ate every last piece…meaning that it was awesome.  I had guava salmon over pasta alfredo with peas.  It was delicious but incredibly filling so I came home with lots of leftovers—score!! 

Grand Cayman Adventure: Day 2.

Today, Mike and I decided that we’d spend the day at our hotel enjoying the amenities and relaxing.  Mike woke up pretty early and went outside to check out the weather.  A few minutes later he came back in an woke me up and told me to put on my sweatshirt and come outside.  It was very calm and quiet, except for the chickens (wild ones that roam the island—like squirrels do in the U.S).  There was just a sliver of a moon and lots of stars.  We were able to watch the sun rise even though it was cloudy, but the sky still was all sorts of colors.  

^^ The sunrise was gorgeous albeit a little cloudy.

^^ And one more of the sunrise.

We made a simple breakfast of hard boiled eggs, toast, peanut butter and bananas.  I was worried about getting burnt, so we sprayed lots of sunscreen on and put our bathing suits on and headed out to the pool/beach.  In the beginning we sat on the pool deck and read for a while.  There was no one else outside and we were happy about that fact until we realized that it was not even 8 a.m.!  I got too warm so I went into the pool.  The water felt like bath water, although perfectly refreshing.  

^^ A few photos of the view from the doors of our hotel.  These photos don't do the colors justice.  

^^ See the chairs on the right in the shade?  Mike and I sat in those chairs most of the time.  The shade was perfect and the breeze was incredible.  They are "our" chairs.  

^^ A panoramic photo of the hotel.

^^ Mike posing on the pool deck.  

The beach started calling my name so it was time to sit in the shade on bright blue Adirondack chairs under a palm tree!  I felt like I was sitting in a photo on a postcard.  I was wearing a giant floppy hat, sunglasses and a bathing suit, and was reading my book on the beach under a palm tree.  What could be better?  A pina colada.

^^ My morning view.  I didn't want to ever leave.

Our hotel has a bar that you can order drinks from and they deliver it to you on the beach, by the pool, wherever.  Mike got up to get something from the apartment, and ordered two pina coladas for us.  It was 9:30 in the morning but we were on vacation so I was happy to have a drink.  My long awaited and anticipated frozen pina colada on the beach.  It was a moment of bliss.

I took a short snooze on the beach which in my mind is synonymous with vacation.  The breeze was perfect and the air smelled like the beach, and I was able to fully relax.  Since our day had started so early, we were ready for lunch early.  We had planned to make something in our kitchen or have leftovers, but decided to go to The Grape Tree Cafe.  It is a teeny, tiny hut located right on the water, behind a gas station and is a 2 minute walk from our hotel.  The Cafe came recommended by the hotel, so we decided to give it a try.  The menu is small, four items.  I decided to try the roasted snapper that came with okra and plantains.  Mike got the fried snapper.  Both of our meals were whole fish—eyeballs included!  The fish was super flavorful and tender, and was as fresh as they come.  Mike noticed that fishermen kept delivering fish to the Cafe, so that was pretty cool.  

After lunch, we reapplied sunscreen, and headed back down to resume our chairs on the beach.  I dragged a chaise lounge down onto the beach and promptly fell asleep in the shade while listening to the waves splash and the breeze blow the trees.  It was much needed and so refreshing.  I woke up to Mike playing with a pretty big yellow crab, and it eventually burrowed into the sand.  A little while later we came up for some snacks, and to get out of the sun for a while.  We spent some time reading by the pool before taking a dip, and then read some more while we dried off and headed back to the apartment for showers and some leftover pizza.  

Let me tell you, a shower after being covered in several layers of sunscreen is so refreshing, and leftover pizza reheated in the oven tastes so great after spending the day in the sun and salt air.  Ahh, vacation life, I love you!  

Well, Mike is watching The Walking Dead on TV, and it’s almost over, so I’m signing off for the night.  Cannot wait to get into bed.  Tomorrow is Stingray City, snorkeling and replenishing our cheese and cracker stock.  We both live for snacks, let just say that we’ve polished off an entire block of cheese in less than one day.  Stay tuned for the stories of tomorrow’s adventures!

Grand Cayman Adventure: Day 1.

We arrived into the cutest little airport on Grand Cayman.  There was a small band playing music by the entrance from the tarmac to the airport.  To get off the plane, you had to walk down steps directly onto the tarmac…something I’ve only done a handful of times. 

We found my bag (the only one we had too check because I brought so much sunscreen, hah!) quickly, once we got through customs.  And then went through immigration.  It was hot and kind of humid outside, but that’s somehow okay if there are palm trees and coconuts everywhere.  We were a bit warm wearing jeans and sneakers, though.  

We hauled our very full luggage over to the car rental area and upon arrival found out that Mike was not able to be the driver of our car since he’s not 25 yet, and is not eligible for the insurance.  Darn.  That left me to be the driver.  Yikes.  Not only do they drive on the left side of the road here in Grand Cayman, but the driver sits on the right side of the car, which we learned when we walked out to our very European-looking car that had no butt.  Also, no power locks, power windows or a clock.in.the.car.  “Island time” in the truest sense of the phrase.  So after orienting myself, we were off.  Mike nicely and other times urgently reminded me that I had to stay to the LEFT about 47 times during our drive to the Turtle Nest Inn.  The things I found to be most challenging about driving are the roundabouts because you have drive clockwise, and using the blinkers because I kept hitting the windshield wipers instead.  Every time, I would get flustered and hope that other drivers knew what I was trying to do and then just put my blinker on all.the.time so that there was no mistaking my intent.  

Mike and I pulled into the lot of the Turtle Nest Inn and were not quite sure where we needed to go.  Turns out we were in the parking lot for the condos, located next door.  We lugged out luggage over to our hotel and were taken aback by the stunning view, lovely breeze, and welcoming pool that we found.  Marliene and Keisha greeted us at the desk, and were so very kind, welcoming and gave us the details for what we needed to know.  They offered to make us a reservation at a restaurant for dinner.  We chose The Lighthouse and they suggested sometime around sunset.  Perfect!  Our room wasn’t quite ready, but that was fine with us since we were there and on the beach.  They offered us complimentary wine on the porch (terrace?) while we waited for our room.  We accepted and changed into more island-appropriate clothing. We sat outside and enjoyed the incredible views and inhaled a pumpkin muffin that I had bought at the airport.  We enjoyed meeting the Caybob the cat, who came sauntering in with a gecko in his mouth.  The gecko promptly escaped and ran up a wall and Caybob stared at the gecko in disappointment.  

^^ The view from the porch while we enjoyed our drinks. 

We left our bags at the hotel and journeyed to Fosters, the local grocery store, for some provisions.  They had most things that we wanted but at much higher costs.  When we returned with our groceries, our room was all set.  It’s more of a small condo/apartment.  Cute little kitchen, bathroom, sitting area, bedroom and deck.  

We had enough time to sit on the beach for a bit before getting ready for dinner.  While we were on the beach we met a woman from Canada who came over after she got a whiff of the sunscreen that I sprayed and thought it smelled really good.  Thank you, generic Target sunscreen! We chatted with her for a while, and she was really nice.  

^^ A photo of the incredible view just outside our door.  Breathtaking.

It was time to get ready for dinner so we came back up for showers and to organize.  We headed down to The Lighthouse which was empty when we arrived, but it was so quiet and lovely to be sitting over the water on a pier hearing the waves crash and watching the colors in the sky become brilliant, and change while the sun set.  It was truly a perfect first evening on the island!  Mike and I opted for gourmet pizzas, and a garlic bread basket that had some of the best rosemary garlic focaccia bread I’ve ever sunk my teeth into.  I had a glass of pinot grigio and Mike had a beer.  Since we are staying at the Turtle Nest, we got 10% off our dinner and came home with lots of leftovers.  We came back to the hotel and pretty much crashed since we had been up early, travels, and gotten our bearings.  

Brussels Sprouts

I have an obsession with brussels sprouts.  I discovered this last year, and boy am I trying to make up for lost time.  As a child, I think I was served these baby cabbages once or twice.  And I'm pretty sure I scoffed at the idea of even letting them onto my dinner plate.  Recently, I've decided that I am going to try every vegetable again, and I'm going to try really hard to like every single one of them (beets might make that a very difficult challenge!).  So after seeing this post on that cute little blog, I decided to give them another go.  And I am so happy I did!  The key for me is lots of garlic (duh!) and a good bit of onion.  So, I give you my favorite brussels sprouts recipe.  Enjoy.

Megan's Brussels Sprouts

1 pound brussels sprouts (washed, top layer removed, cut and quartered)
3 or 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 medium onion, chopped (I find that yellow onions work best)
1/4 extra virgin olive oil (maybe a little more)
sea salt and pepper

In large skillet, saute onion in olive oil.  After the onion appears to be browning, add garlic and cook for about a minute.  Add cleaned brussels sprouts and cook until they become a deeper green.  Add salt and pepper, cook a few minutes longer.  Serve warm.  

**Note: I find that I love the sprouts when the leaves are separated with a wooden spoon while cooking.  They get super tender this way.

**Note: I love this dish served with cooked quinoa.  It is a super healthy, complete meal.    

Spicy Vegetarian Chili

One of my old roommates made this last winter, and invited everyone to try a taste of it.  One word "YUM."  It is chock-full of flavor, a little spicy, and so easy to make.  I made it for myself once, and then over Thanksgiving, I made a batch to leave in the freezer for my family.  This would be awesome with some cornbread on the side, and some cheddar cheese on top.      

Spicy Vegetarian Chili (original recipe here)

makes a big pot, serves eight

3 tablespoon olive oil1 medium yellow onion, diced1 red bell pepper, diced1 green bell pepper, diced1 zucchini, diced (I think I added extra zucchini, because you can never have too many veggies!)3 small cloves of garlic, diced1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeds removed and diced1 cup beer (or vegetable stock if you like) (I used stock)3 heaping tablespoons steak seasoning (Used less than 1 1/2 tablespoons)2 heaping tablespoons chili powder1 tablespoon cumin1 teaspoon coriander1/3 cup barbecue sauce1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed1 15-ounce can kidney beans, rinsed1 15-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes2 or 3 cups vegetable stock, depending on how soupy you want it.1 cup corn kernels, frozen

In a large pan over medium flame, heat olive oil.  Add onions and saute until translucent and slightly browned.  Add the bell peppers and zucchini and cook for four or five minutes, until they begin to soften.  Add garlic, jalapeno and all of the spices into the cooking vegetables.  Cook for two minutes.

Deglaze the pan by adding one cup of beer to the hot pan and scraping the bits off the bottom of the pan.  There’s lots of flavor there.  Once the beer has stopped sizzling, add the barbecue sauce, beans, diced tomatoes and vegetable stock.  Bring to a low boil and cook for about 15 minutes.  Add the frozen corn and cook for another 5 minutes.  Serve warm topped with pepper jack cheese.  This chili is delicious the next day… and the day after that too.  Lasts up to six days.  **Megan's note: top with cheddar cheese.  

Broccoli Cheese Soup

My family and I love eating soup and some crusty bread for dinner in the winter.  We will often make three different kinds of soup so that everyone likes one kind or another.  The following recipe is one of my favorites.  The original is from Cooking Light, recipe here.  Over the years my mom and I have perfected the recipe, and it's awesome!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Cooking spray 
1 cup chopped onion 
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth 
1 (16-ounce) package broccoli florets, chopped
2 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk 
1/3 cup all-purpose flour 
1/4 teaspoon black pepper 
8 ounces light processed cheese, cubed (such as Velveeta Light)

Heat a large nonstick saucepan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saute 3 minutes or until tender. Add broth and broccoli. Bring broccoli mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium; cook 10 minutes.

Combine milk and flour, stirring with a whisk until well blended. Add milk mixture to broccoli mixture. Cook 5 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring constantly. Stir in pepper. Remove from heat; add cheese, stirring until cheese melts.


Place one-third of the soup in a blender or food processor, and process until smooth. Return pureed soup mixture to pan.

Berries, berries and more berries.

This morning I went berry picking. Strawberry picking. Alone. With my iPod.

It was sunny. It was hot. It was wonderful.

I just love berries. If I could eat berries everyday forever, I would be the happiest.

In just 20 minutes, I picked so many berries. Check out this photo below of the berries that I picked.


There is something so beautiful and rich about physically picking your food. I mean choosing your food at the grocery store counts, I guess, but when you're out in a patch of strawberries, you have complete control over which ones you pick. I went for the plump, red berries, but I could have picked the white or green berries that are still benefiting from the nutrients in the soil, and from the sun.

I always wish that I lived on a farm, but it is hard work. Regardless of where I live, I enjoy going to the source of my food to pick it. It is comforting, empowering and as fresh as it gets. And that makes me smile.

My favorite is putting sliced berries (this week, I will feature strawberries) on my whole wheat pancakes, then drizzling them with some pure maple syrup. Can you say yum!

Well, that was my adventure for the day. Stay tuned for tomorrow.