We ARRRGH here…
63 Dive Pirates have invaded the island and our presence is sure to be felt...
After hours and hours of airports and customs and lines and more lines we have finally made ourselves comfortable. I'm blogging as 10 of us sit on the steps of The Breakers vacation rental properties talking about Star Wars, tattoos, and jokes that stem from the bayou of Louisiana. The feeling of being back on the island and especially returning to Brac Reef has been great since we landed. The 18 minute flight from Grand Cayman to Cayman Brac was just enough to get me a power nap, but seemed more like a ride up the street than across any amount of water.
This year we have 12 new adaptive divers and two returning adaptive divers along with their buddies, instructors and those of us that just had to come back to Brac for a total of 63 Dive Pirates. Everyone is smiling from ear to ear, hugging, shaking hands, laughing and being silly... Such a breath of fresh air (hot and humid air, but fresh nonetheless).
As we flew over the island I could see various spots that were obvious fingerprints of Hurricane Paloma. However, as a whole, the Caymanians have bounced back with a fierce determination not to let one hurricane stop the show. It's that distinct Caymanian determination that can be felt at Brac Reef Resort.
As soon as we pulled up to Brac Reef and parked our lil rental car, that is also used as a sardine can during the off season (just joking, it's great!!!!), we were welcomed by what has got to be the most friendly staff on this side of the Prime Meridian. I stayed at Brac Reef for 7 days more than a year ago for the 2008 Dive Pirates Brac trip, yet and still ALL the staff remembered me personally. BJ (dive master/boat captain) & Omar (amazing Brac Reef staff) were the very first whose eyes lit up as soon as they saw me. I was shocked that they even remembered I ever set foot on their resort. They meet so many people here diving and in everyday life but when they saw me, their faces made me feel as if we had been friends for decades and were meeting up on our annual reunion trip. Even more, Cisero, who is my favorite bartender by the way (I hope I spelled his name correctly), was not only happy to see me but HE REMEMBERED MY NAME! It has been one full year and he actually remembered my name, didn't even have to think about it twice. Now, if that isn't the most friendly group of people I don't know what to tell you.
Things are definitely different at Brac Reef since the hurricane, but not necessarily in a negative way. It was already dark when we arrived so I wasn't able to see each and every differences so far, but the very first thing I noticed is that all of the hand painted rocks, stones, pieces of wood, etc. that covered the sand from the hotel rooms to the beach were missing. They were an original part of Brac Reef Beach Resort's personality that is definitley going to be missed. However, on the flip side... THE NEW BAR IS AMAZINGLY GORGEOUS (I am 25 and I like to partake in the occasional wines and spirits. lol). I took a few pictures earlier, but it's getting kind of late and I need to go to sleep to get up early for breakfast, so look at the pictures below and check back for more updates tomorrow. See ya later...
cabana boy posted at 11:07 pm on June 24th, 2009
so far so good young reporter! keep up the good work! was thinkin about the trip i have been missing all week and just happened to stumble upon your blog! cant wait to hear the daily reports, i really feel like im missing out this year. i must definitely try to make it next year. take care sweetie. -Aaron P.