TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF LEWIS!
I was born in the UK. My mother is Caymanian and father is from England. I moved back to Cayman with my mother in early 1998 and have been here ever since. I went to high school at St Ignatius and am now a construction contractor.
WHAT WAS CAYMAN LIKE, GROWING UP HERE?
It was awesome! Coming from the UK and growing up on a council estate - it was a bit of an eye opener with the clean beaches, large houses and overall lifestyle. I made friends very quickly which is a testament to the good nature of Caymanian people or "Caymankind" as it’s known. Many of my new friends parents insisted I call them Aunty or Uncle as a way to show that they accepted you as family which is something I always appreciated. Having access to the water all of the time was also a big part of growing up. Fishing, snorkeling, free-diving and boating were all a large part of our weekends and school holidays as kids. I say that, but the boating part still continues for me as an adult.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?
It has to be the family feeling. You can go just about anywhere in Cayman alone and still find somebody you know, or somebody that will hold a conversation with you as if you have known them for years. Since we attract so many different nationalities from all over the world, you also get to make friends with people from every corner of the earth and many of them stay with you for life. Cayman has been listed as one of the friendliest places in the world for newcomers for a very good reason.
THAT’S AMAZING! WHAT ABOUT AN ISLAND PET PEEVE? YOU GOT ONE?
It’s probably the small town syndrome of everybody (claiming) to know everybody else's business. Living on an island this small, it is hard to escape, but in my opinion it’s a small price to pay for paradise.
NAME 4 OF YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS!
I absolutely live for food so I am struggling with this one. I must say my go to restaurant has been Deckers for years. For tapas and cocktails, Karoo. If I continue, the list will grow to 100.
BEST SPOT TO BE IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS?
Little Cayman! This place is has been special to me since I was a kid visiting with friends. We now visit as grown ups, but the way it feels like the island has frozen in time is what gets me. Doors are still left unlocked, keys still left in vehicles and everybody still waves when you drive past them. It’s like being taken back in time to the 60s in Grand Cayman. You have to get there by a small prop plane also adds a nice touch and is a must see for visitors.
NAME THE TOP 2 ATTRACTIONS A TOURIST MUST DO WHEN VISITING?
Stingray City, Cayman Turtle Center!
WHAT ABOUT THOSE HIDDEN GEMS? TELL US ABOUT SOME COOL PLACES!
The Crystal Caves are still relatively unknown and is worth a look. Rum Point makes the best mudslide on island. Miss Vivines in East End is another place to definitely check out for some local food or Fish Shack in town if you don’t fancy a long drive.
BEST LOCAL DISH NO ONE SHOULD GO WITHOUT TRYING?
Marinated Conch. I can eat it by the bucket. I have eaten it all over the Caribbean and in the Bahamas and at the risk of sounding biased, we do it the best without a doubt!
FINALLY, FAVOURITE PLACE TO DRINK? WE CAN’T LEAVE THIS ONE OUT!
It is at Rum Point on a Sunday. What’s not to love about being in 2.5 feet of crystal clear warm water, in the sun with a cocktail in hand surrounded by friends and good music.
