Island Life Diaries: Cory Scruggs

HI CORY! TELL OUR READERS WHERE YOU ARE FROM!

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia & grew up in Cape Town, South Africa

ONE CONTINENT TO THE NEXT! WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MOVE TO THIS ISLAND?

I was working a desk job in Fort Lauderdale and desperately looking for a change. I got a call from a friend of mine living in Grand Cayman and he pitched the idea of bartending on an island in the Caribbean. Within a month I was working behind a bar in the beautiful Cayman Islands.

THAT’S QUITE A CHANGE! CAN YOU TELL US WHAT ISLAND LIVING IS LIKE?

It’s summer all year long, but that doesn’t take much time to adjust to. The pace of life is a lot more relaxed here compared to big-city living. And let’s not forget, there’s no tax!

WHAT STRUGGLES, IF ANY, DID YOU COME ACROSS WHEN YOU MOVED HERE?

My struggles on island were minimal. It was a bit of a shock realising everything closes on Sundays. The people make it so easy to settle in… #CAYMANKIND

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO ON YOUR DAY OFF? DETAILS!

I love to go to the beach! Also, the service industry is a very tight-knit group so it’s always fun to visit friends where they work and catch up. Did I say BEACH?!

WHERE IS A GOOD PLACE TO GO FOR DINNER?

I work for an amazing fine-dining restaurant called Agua. Our menu is a combination of Italian and Peruvian-fusion, and of course the cocktail bar must be mentioned. Alternatively, I really enjoy Bacaro. It’s geared around Sicilian tapas-style dining and it’s right on the water. Kick back with a charcuterie board and a bottle of wine… or 2, and you’re laughing!

WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE YOUR FRIENDS FOR A NICE DRINK… OR 2 BY THE OCEAN? 

Our sister restaurant Catch! It’s right on the water with an incredible view and equally-matched beverage program. 

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT CAYMAN?

The island has an incredible sense of community. It’s a great place to make friends and meet people from all over the world. It’s such a melting pot of cultures, there’s something for everyone here. And don’t forget, we only have 2 seasons: hot summer and less-hot summer!

WHAT ABOUT THE WORST THING? WE GUESS EVERY PLACE MUST HAVE ITS UPS AND DOWNS?

Hurricane season is always an interesting period. Thankfully, I haven’t experienced anything worth noting in the 7 years I’ve lived here. 

BEST TOUR ON ISLAND? WHERE WOULD YOU SEND THE TOURISTS?

Stingray City and Snorkel Tour with Captain Marvin’s Tours

BIG ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST MOVED HERE?

Give the island some time, it will grow on you. Appreciate it for what it is, and don’t get frustrated for what it’s not.  

Island Life Diaries: Christina Ravdas

CHRISTINA, WHERE ARE YOU FROM?

Tampa, FL USA

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN CAYMAN?

Nine years

WHAT DO YOU DO HERE?

Bartend

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE DRINK TO MAKE?

Margarita (also my favorite to drink :)

BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A SUNSET DRINK?

Calico’s!

BEST THING TO DO ON ISLAND?

Boat day to Stingray City and Starfish Point

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING IN CAYMAN?

The people I’ve met and friendships I’ve made.

IF YOU COULD SEND SOMEONE VISITING TO ANY RESTAURANT FOR DINNER, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Morgan’s.

ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE LOOKING TO MOVE HERE?

Keep an open mind and open heart, there’s a lot to learn on our little island.

Island Life Diaries: Devon "DJ Billy Corduroy" Clark

TELL US WHEN YOU MOVED TO CAYMAN?

I moved to Cayman in November 2004.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO MOVE HERE?

I was finishing up with High School and contemplating a gap year. Right before I booked my ticket I was at a party and met two guys that had been chased back by Hurricane Ivan. We chatted for a while and they sold me on life in the Caribbean so I took a chance. The next day I booked a ticket, told my family and 2 days later was on my way.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON ISLAND?

I work at Calico Jacks and also moonlight as a DJ.

SO YOU’RE A DJ? WHERE'S A GOOD SPOT TO GO TO LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC?

I usually follow the jam night circuit. Each bar hosts a jam night on a different day of the week. Lonestar, The Lodge, and Rackams to name a few.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO ON THE WEEKENDS?

It changes all the time but mostly something involving the ocean. Beach, Diving, Fishing etc. We are so spoiled here that sometimes we forget how lucky we are.

WHERE WOULD YOU SEND TOURISTS FOR SOMETHING FUN TO DO?

Island Drive - the layers only really get peeled back when you head out to the other districts. I always tell people to head out to "the other side" for good fish fry and a maybe a Mudslide with a few stops in between.

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT?

Almost too hard to choose. I don't have a favourite restaurant, but, favourite dishes at different restaurants depending on what mood I'm in. If I have to pick one, I'd say Copper Falls, they have been around for years, are consistent, and reasonably priced.

WHERE'S A GOOD PLACE FOR HAPPY HOUR BEERS WITH FRIENDS?

Calico Jacks without a doubt.

ONE PIECE OF ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO JUST MOVED HERE?

Join a club, sports league and or a society!

Island Life Diaries: Adam Slobodian

HI ADAM, TELL THE READERS WHERE YOU ARE FROM?

Born in Toronto, but moved around a bunch. Since I graduated college in Barrie, Whistler was home until I moved to Cayman.

YOU MOVED HERE A LONG TIME AGO, DIDN'T YOU? AND YOU HAD LEFT AND CAME BACK! WHAT BROUGHT YOU BACK?

The reason I left was burnout. Too much drinking, partying, fomo of the new place. But everytime I left, I kept in contact because people here are like really close family. When opportunities arose, I was excited to come back and see my friends, and wake up wearing board shorts everyday!  Also, everytime I came back I took a new job and moved up the hospitality ladder. Kind of like a promotion each time I returned.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT MOVING HERE?

Getting used to the slow moving process.  Bank cards can take months to arrive, the hoops you have to jump through to get bills in your name.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT CAYMAN?

Palm trees! Also, walking down the beach is just as busy as the bar. You can see all your friends at 3 in the afternoon being active and enjoying the sun and sand.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO MEET FRIENDS FOR DRINKS?

Calicos, hands down. If you don't know why, you've never visited calicos.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE COCKTAIL AND WHERE CAN I GET ONE OF THOSE?

These days, my favourite cocktail would be an Aperol Spritz.  Westin beach bar has the best view for a spritz, but Bácaro makes a mean one too!

BEST BEACH TO RELAX ON?

Finding that quiet spot on Seven Mile Beach.

HOW ABOUT THE BEST TOUR ON ISLAND?

Self guided walk up Seven Mile Beach stopping at as many bars as you can. Or taking the water taxi from Camana Bay to Kaibo. You get a nice boat ride, plus you get to see a different side of the island.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE DISH ON ISLAND AND WHERE DO YOU GET IT?

Trini doubles from Singh’s Roti in George Town.

WHAT'S THE ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE YOU MOVED TO CAYMAN?

Not to waste money on a car or the best accommodation at the start. Live with some roommates, take the local bus, learn the way of the island. Also, come for vacation first and check out where you will be working. Meet your bosses and coworkers. Maybe it's not the right spot for you. With visas it's not as easy to switch jobs if you get stuck at one you don’t like.