HI CRISTIN! TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF…
Well, I was born in Cayman to a Caymanian mother, Carlene, and a British father, Alistair or 'Alex' as he was fondly known. I consider myself to be pretty lucky having grown up with a large, close-knit family and an idyllic childhood, living at Silver Sands condos and roaming Seven Mile Beach at every waking moment. I was a real beach baby! At seventeen I headed off to boarding school in Canada where I attended Trinity College School (which my husband says reminds him of Hogwarts) and then on to Western University in Ontario to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Psychology. Upon returning to Cayman I threw myself into beach volleyball and then Miss Cayman Islands. And what amazing adventures those were!
WOW you’ve accomplished some pretty awesome things! WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE ASPECTS ABOUT THESE ACTIVITIES YOU'VE PARTICIPATED IN?
Anyone that has represented their country on an international stage will probably tell you that is the most rewarding and surreal experience of their lives. Having the opportunity to do this not only on the volleyball court but also as Miss Cayman Islands was a dream come true. I'm incredibly proud of my home and grateful for the tremendous love I felt when I was off competing abroad.
SO TELL US, WHAT really IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN CAYMAN?
Where do I start? I think what I love most about Cayman is that one minute you can be driving through the hustle and bustle of the western districts and in a short 30 minutes you can be taken back in time as you drive through the very 'untouched' Eastern parts of the island. We have the absolute best of both worlds here in Cayman.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO ON YOUR DAY OFF?
Most people would say "the beach" but I actually love treating myself to a spa day when I can. A good massage and some time in the sauna makes me feel like a new woman.
WHERE WOULD YOU GO FOR LUNCH IF YOU WANTED TO TAKE A VISITOR?
That's a tough question - It really depends on whether they want to try something local. If I want to show off our local cuisine I would drive them up to East End to Miss Vivine's restaurant or to the Eastern Star Bar Fish Fry on a Sunday. Escovitch fish, fritters and a cold beer...there's not much that can beat that.
YOU’RE MAKING US HUNGRY! WHAT ABOUT THE MOST ROMANTIC THING TO DO ON ISLAND?
Anchor & Den at the Marriott does a fantastic job at bringing themed nights like their "Night Market" to life. If you are looking for a romantic night out with delicious food, handcrafted cocktails, hypnotic music and an intimate vibe they are the perfect one-stop-shop. If it's a full moon you have to go to Catch Restaurant; the food is always perfect and there is no better place to admire the beautiful moon than their seaside deck.
ANY HIDDEN GEMS YOU WANT TO SHARE?
I hope my Nana doesn't read this but some of the best Cayman style beef and Cayman style lobster I've had is from Luz Restaurant in Pasadora Place. If you haven't tried it, make it your next lunch stop!
BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A SUNSET DRINK?
I would have to say Calico Jacks. It has served as a home base for most of the beach volleyball community over the years and is really close to my heart. Some of our best memories were shared here and there is such a non-pretentious vibe where all are welcome and the bartenders make a point to make you feel like you're at home, no matter where you're from!
