Outdoor Craft Market, George Town, Grand Cayman Island

After my previous anti-shopping tip, I must admit that we did make a couple of small purchases in George Town. However, it was not at one of the glitzy shops, but from an individual who was selling her own crafts at the Outdoor Craft Market.

To find the market, turn right from the harbor and go up the main shopping street for about four or five blocks. You'll see the craft market on your left. It is an area of several tables where local folks come to display and sell their island creations. We enjoyed browsing here. Karen found a black coral necklace and I bought a souvenir to remind us of our visit to the Cayman Islands.

Shopping in the Cayman Islands

Okay, I'll admit that this is a pet peeve of mine, but it really troubles and saddens me that so many people who go to Cayman Islands - especially cruise ship passengers - experience practically nothing of the culture and history of the place. All they do is shop.

If shopping is your aim, why not just stay home and go to the mall.

So you still want a duty-free souvenir from "paradise?" You'll find scores of merchants here eager to take your money, but you'll have to stand in line behind lots of other tourists who are throwing their money away like drunken sailors.

Enough of my tirade. There are LOTS of shops in George Town - all catering to tourists. You can't miss them. Just step off the boat and they'll hit you in the face.

Offshore Banking in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands, and George Town in particular, is an important center for international banking. More than 700 banks, representing interests from scores of different countries, have branches here.

The off shore financial services industry pumps millions of dollars into the local economy and is one of the reasons the Cayman Islands enjoys a higher standard of living than most other islands of the Caribbean.

I have managed to avoid the headache that comes from being concerned about high finance by keeping my personal worth at little more than the minimum needed for day-to-day survival.

Heroes Square, George Town, Grand Cayman Island

Heroes Square is at the hub of the city of George Town, sitting in front of the Legislative Assembly (Parliament). Surrounding the square are several important public structures including the Peace Memorial, Clock Tower, Public Library and the Post Office.

This is a pretty square with tasteful landscaping, splashing fountains, statues and interpretative markers which tell of the heroes who have been important to the history of George Town and the Cayman Islands.

Clock Tower and Peace Memorial, Grand Cayman Island

This historic Clock Tower and Peace Memorial sits at the heart of the old section of George Town, a couple of blocks back from the waterfront and across from Heroes Square.

A plaque on the Clock Tower says that it was "Erected by the people of the Cayman Islands in memory of their beloved King George V."

The Peace Memorial was built in 1919, at the close of the First World War. Apparently, it is open only for special occasions.

Fort George, Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island

Visitors to George Town, Grand Cayman can gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of the city and the island by taking a stroll along the Maritime Heritage Trail and the site of Fort George in the downtown area. Fort George was built in 1790 for defense against the Spaniards who raided the islands, taking captives to Cuba.

Signs along the shore tell of the tempests and tragedies that have shaped the Cayman history. Interpretative markers detail points of interest along the trail.

Along the trail, is a bronze memorial, titled "Tradition." It pays tribute to the almost 500 Caymanians who have lost their lives at sea. The memorial was officially unveiled in 2003 by Prince Edward, son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.