We’ve Arrived on Grand Cayman!

We’ve arrived on Grand Cayman, but we are still waiting for four team members to get to the hotel. They were on later flights. Meanwhile, eleven of us want to share our first impressions of this beautiful island.

Photograph by Dan Westergren

Diego: Today I arrived in the Cayman Islands and met everybody in
my group. I was excited to hear about all the new things we’re going to
do–and I’m looking forward to doing everything!

Harrison: I was slightly nervous about this, but the second I
walked into the hotel and met everyone I knew the week was going to be
awesome.

Jonathan: I was really excited to meet all of the kids, because
after weeks of emailing each other it was great to put a face with each
personality.

Michael: Wow. I can’t believe how breathtaking the whole island
is, and how surrounded we are by nature-from chickens in the airport
parking lot to iguanas and crabs near the pool.

James: I went in the water little by little because I wasn’t sure
I was going to see. As soon as I got in it was like watching a nature
show. I saw a school of fish go by and an angelfish by my dad’s feet.

Emmie: The ocean makes Lake Michigan feel like Antarctica! It’s so wonderfully warm. It’s awesome!

Michaela: It was great to go 100 yards from the hotel and
snorkel! We saw some really cool fish. The food is really great, and
everything is beautiful.

Maddie: We saw a fire eater at dinner under a tent outside on the beach. The fire eater was really cool.

Clara: The island is amazing. The water is the best thing I’ve felt in a long time, and the food and culture are out of this world.

Kennan: This place truly embodies paradise. Unique culture, great food, and exotic locations. I love it.

Zane: This is completely different from any experience I’ve had
so far–I’ve never been out of the U.S. before. The culture, the
geography, and the uniqueness of everything is so different from where I
live in New England. So far, this has been the best first international
experience I could have hoped for.

Comments

luckstomper
July 9, 2011, 7:38 am

Hi Everyone!

Luckstomper here. That’s wicked cool how they had everyone give a little comment like that. From the sounds of it, everyone is having a blast. Wish I could be there with you guys! Today it looks like they’ll be doing some snorkelling, going in a submarine, and exploring a bunch of marine things. Well, all I say is, seize every moment you have!

~~~~JON~~~~
(luckstomper)
explrmaniac
July 9, 2011, 9:28 am

sounds like you’re all having ablast
digitell
July 9, 2011, 9:31 am

Hello Everyone

Glad to hear you all made it safely. We are eagerly waiting to see all of your photos.
It’s a beautiful day in Western New York!!
Have Fun!!!
mendel-family-five
July 9, 2011, 12:00 pm

Hi Maddie! I bet you didn’t see many fire-eaters when you lived in Chicago! We hope you have a great week. We can’t wait to hear more! Love, the Mendel Family
auntofmaddie
July 9, 2011, 12:25 pm

Maddie,

Hi! It’s your Aunt Jenny here. I am so excited for you. I can’t believe you saw a fire eater! WOW! I hope you are having a blast. Can’t wait to hear more about your Cayman Island adventure!
Auntie Gigi
July 9, 2011, 12:52 pm

Wow!!! Super cool! I hope your having a great time! All of you! Maddie, Have a blast! Love ya!!
P3559
July 9, 2011, 12:56 pm

wow that’s a cool a thing!!!miss u hope u have a great time Maddie!!.
Skimp27
July 9, 2011, 2:02 pm

I’m glad you guys are having a good time, and the fire eater looks really cool! What kind of foods do they eat there and how’s the place you’re staying at?
Marathon Mom
July 9, 2011, 6:42 pm

Glad to hear everyone arrived safely! Samanatha is back home from England- brought the highest high heals for Emily. YAC dance won’t be the same without you. Sunday brunch tomorrow and boating. Can’t wait to see pictures and hear about all your adventures! You too Judy!
Dad-Joe-Doug-Lois
July 9, 2011, 8:09 pm

How was the submarine today? Let’s see some of your great photos! Your dogs miss you.
onadirtrd
July 10, 2011, 7:23 am

Hi Zane & Dad,
So glad you had a good trip and are experiencing that wonderful place and program. Everyone here anxiously awaiting your pics and more blogs.
ENJOY…….LOVE YA !!
G’ma & G’pa
MickelThePickel
July 10, 2011, 3:58 pm

Mickellll!!!!!!!!!!!!! <3
cowgirlexplorer
July 10, 2011, 4:21 pm

So incredibly jealous! haha
I bet it is one of the most beautiful places in the world! I absolutely love the culture, and islands are my most places! Have fun!

~Celeste~
MNconnection
July 10, 2011, 6:31 pm

Maddie,
Greetings from Minnesota! We are glad you are having a great time. We can’t wait to read your blog tomorrow.
–Uncle Brent, Aunt Rebecca and Cousins Ellen & Ethan.
shastasteph
July 10, 2011, 7:58 pm

It definitely sounds like all of you are going to have an amazing trip! I’m glad everyone got to the Cayman Islands safe and sound. I can’t wait to read the daily expedition posts!
digitell
July 10, 2011, 9:44 pm

Hi Michael & Mom
Your family and friends all say hello. We are all so excited that you guys are in some of the most beautiful ocean waters. 15 years ago I received my diving certification in the Grand Caymans while on a cruise and I remember the spectacular walls of coral and all of the incredible sea life.
Be sure to take lots of pictures.
Love you both
Jim and Joey
Klo
July 11, 2011, 11:02 am

Hi Zane!
Thinking about you and hope you are taking it all in! What an incredible opportunity for you and your group.
You will remember this for the rest of your life so make the most of it! Love and miss you,
Auntie
Abbitha
July 11, 2011, 4:12 pm

Hi, explorers!
It’s great to see that you’re all having such a great time! My name is Abbie and I went to Australia in 2008 with the HOEC crew. It chokes me up thinking about how this time three years ago, I was packing my bags and preparing for the greatest time of my life. Now I’m getting ready for my Senior year of high school. Time sure does fly!

TIP: Document everything you do at the end of each day. I tried to write in my journal everyday and it was definitely worth it! You will love looking back in your journals 3+ years from now and getting reminders of little things that happened on your journey together.

Have a great rest of your adventure! You guys will remember this vividly for the rest of your lives.

XOXO
Abbie
gpal
July 11, 2011, 9:37 pm

We’re having such a great time following the Explorers. The places and wildlife must be amazing to see firsthand. We. Love the blog posts that are so detailed and complete. Best regards to Maddie and all the team.
grannybee
July 15, 2011, 3:02 pm

Hi Maddie, WOW! What a trip. Now I want to go to the Caymans. I can’t wait to hear every detail.