Cayman Islands press trip

In the month of December I accomplished something really major for myself. I was invited to attend the Cayman Islands Jazz Festival in Grand Cayman in the Caribbean. I have been on many press trips but this was the first time I was representing myself and my own publication, Nu-Soul Magazine, on an all expense paid trip. And to the Caribbean, no less. The main focus of the trip was the Jazz Festival which featured performances over three nights by Anita Baker, Micheal Bolton, Robin Thicke, Angie Stone, Cassandra Wilson, Algebra, Esperanza Spalding, and many others but the highlight of the experience was chilling with the other writers as we explored the island.

The coolest thing I go to do was to swim with stingrays out on a sandbar where the water was just 3 feet deep. I was nervous at first since there were so many but they are quite gentle and they feel like velvet underneath when you touch them. What a beautiful experience! We also got to see a turtle farm, the beautiful botanic park, and chill at a quiet beach on the north end of the island called Rum Point. Check out the photos and the video of Stingray City.
















Check out my review of the Cayman Islands Jazz Fest Here

My Trip to St. Martin

Ah, the Caribbean. Anyone who knows me knows I lived in Barbados for 5 years. I have been to quite a few of the Caribbean Islands but this was my first time to St. Martin. The island is actually owned by 2 nations. One side is Dutch and one side is French. I must say I was very impressed by this island. It was a lot more free that other islands in the area. Being Dutch and French there is of course a more laid back attitude towards nudity, thus there is a nude beach on the French side. Alcohol is cheap. Rarely was beer more than $2. Usually it was $1. There were casinos, strip clubs, lots of bars, movie theaters, nightclubs, cheap amazing food, and beautiful beaches. The cultures mingled freely so you would here French, Spanish, English and Dutch used side by side. I went with my family so I didn't go out to any clubs but I got drunk every day in my 5 star hotel villa! Enjoy the photos!