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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.

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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.