Moving to Cayman Islands
It was about 10-11 years ago when I migrated from Jakarta to Teaneck, New Jersey. It was a lot of work but nothing like having wrap-up a 5-bedroom house full with furnitures and getting the house ready for the tenant. With all the help I got from friends and family, things were a bit easier.
August 12th, 2011...After separated for about 8 months from my husband, Archie and I finally landed on the island, GCM (my new airport code). From the research I did and information from my husband who was already familiar with his surroundings, I had the confidence starting my new life in the Caribbean. I knew I will be just fine.
Grand Cayman is the largest island from the three islands in The Cayman Islands. Two other are small tiny islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. There's no doubt that this island is probably one of the most beautiful islands I have ever seen in my life. The water is so clear, I can see the bottom and colourful fish swimming around and white sand...it's breathtaking. No traffic, no pollution, mostly sunny...it's heaven. Many great restaurants, beautiful resorts and hotels, many people from different countries. But wait!...I am not here for vacation, I live here. That means I have to do the chores and other duties for my new occupation: Homemaker. Cooking, cleaning, driving children back and forth, running errands, that's my new job. Very different than writing an insurance policy and answering phones.
We found an apartment right by the water in West Bay area. Ocean Pointe Villas, the hidden gem of Cayman Islands. I think the apartment has a lot to offer, regardless of what people say about this area. Gorgeous ocean view, great neighbours, big grassy area where children can play ball or ride their bicycles. Nice swimming pool with cabana and barbecue area. If you are a beach person, this is the perfect place for you. Since I am not a big fan of the beach, I don't really toast my body in the sun by the pool/ocean. I do enjoy the view from my kitchen and living room.The blue skies, ocean and sail boats that are passing by throughout the day. Of course, sunset view is my favorite. I took so many pictures when the sun is setting from my balcony. It's absolutely stunning!
About the island people...The Caymanian are generally nice. But like anything else you will find some that are not so nice people. This island is developed by expats who make up the most population on the island. The government limited the expatriates to live and work on this island to a maximum of 7 years, when you have to exit, (they call it "roll over"). So people come and go. For nearly 2 years, I have been saying many welcomes and good byes to my friends.
For non-Caymanian, you cannot just send your resume and get a job. You will need a work permit, which is not easy to get and there will be fees for it depending on the occupation. Part time job is not common in here. For that reason, I chose to just stay home and manage the house. Sunday is a quiet day in Cayman. Businesses, stores and supermarkets are closed, but restaurants are open. so if you plan to have a party or get together on Sunday, make sure get the shopping done on Saturday. It took me a while to adjust because I usually do my food shopping on Sunday.
I met my first Indonesian friend back in April 2011 when came to visit for a vacation. I was surprised that there are Indonesians on this small island. I met one, then two, before I knew it, I know about 35-40 Indonesians. I was happy that I got to meet most of them and became good friends with some. It is totally different living on the small island compared to a big country, or even just New Jersey and New York. I have fond memories about the island, mostly my dear friends who I consider the coolest people to hangout with. I experienced many things in such a small place.
I also met friends from other countries such as, Philippine, Ireland, Jamaica, Spain, Bermuda, Canada, even from the United States. I just have to know where I put myself among these people. Different people from different country and have different cultures. Sometimes I had to bite my tongue when they say something I don't like to hear. Some people think their country is the best, that their people are the most wonderful human being in the world or their food is better than anyone's. Sometimes they forgot that they are not in their little community back home where everybody is their own kind.
The island has mostly everything we need, but expensive? YES! That changed my mentality and how I spend my money. There is one nice mall with nice stuff but their price I couldn't even comprehend why they are so expensive! Well, as they say there is no tax in here, so the government has to find other ways to get the money from you. Duty on the items are pretty hefty. That's why the stores have to mark-up their prices like crazy and consumer have to absorb it. Some people go to Miami to shop. It's cheaper even though with the cost of air fare. But it depends on what you are buying. Don't forget, if the customs find out that you are bringing items greater than the allowance, if you don't declare it, they will fine you and add duty on it. Groceries on average are at least 2-3 times more expensive than the States, gas price is more than double, school tuition is going from zero in US to more than $20K/year, not to mention the utility bills and miscellaneous things that is also more expensive than The US. So, the thought of saving money by working abroad doesn't apply in our household. Things were tight, but we tried to enjoy as much as we can.
I do miss my home in New Jersey, but I have no regret for coming to Cayman Islands. There are a lot of things that I don't like, but there are things that I love. I will cherish those memories forever. I considered myself lucky for having these experiences. I never thought that the island life was more than just beach, rum, coconuts, sunblock and bikinis. There are other things that they do just like other people in the other countries. Will I go back for a visit? Most definitely!
It was about 10-11 years ago when I migrated from Jakarta to Teaneck, New Jersey. It was a lot of work but nothing like having wrap-up a 5-bedroom house full with furnitures and getting the house ready for the tenant. With all the help I got from friends and family, things were a bit easier.
August 12th, 2011...After separated for about 8 months from my husband, Archie and I finally landed on the island, GCM (my new airport code). From the research I did and information from my husband who was already familiar with his surroundings, I had the confidence starting my new life in the Caribbean. I knew I will be just fine.
Grand Cayman is the largest island from the three islands in The Cayman Islands. Two other are small tiny islands, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. There's no doubt that this island is probably one of the most beautiful islands I have ever seen in my life. The water is so clear, I can see the bottom and colourful fish swimming around and white sand...it's breathtaking. No traffic, no pollution, mostly sunny...it's heaven. Many great restaurants, beautiful resorts and hotels, many people from different countries. But wait!...I am not here for vacation, I live here. That means I have to do the chores and other duties for my new occupation: Homemaker. Cooking, cleaning, driving children back and forth, running errands, that's my new job. Very different than writing an insurance policy and answering phones.
We found an apartment right by the water in West Bay area. Ocean Pointe Villas, the hidden gem of Cayman Islands. I think the apartment has a lot to offer, regardless of what people say about this area. Gorgeous ocean view, great neighbours, big grassy area where children can play ball or ride their bicycles. Nice swimming pool with cabana and barbecue area. If you are a beach person, this is the perfect place for you. Since I am not a big fan of the beach, I don't really toast my body in the sun by the pool/ocean. I do enjoy the view from my kitchen and living room.The blue skies, ocean and sail boats that are passing by throughout the day. Of course, sunset view is my favorite. I took so many pictures when the sun is setting from my balcony. It's absolutely stunning!
About the island people...The Caymanian are generally nice. But like anything else you will find some that are not so nice people. This island is developed by expats who make up the most population on the island. The government limited the expatriates to live and work on this island to a maximum of 7 years, when you have to exit, (they call it "roll over"). So people come and go. For nearly 2 years, I have been saying many welcomes and good byes to my friends.
For non-Caymanian, you cannot just send your resume and get a job. You will need a work permit, which is not easy to get and there will be fees for it depending on the occupation. Part time job is not common in here. For that reason, I chose to just stay home and manage the house. Sunday is a quiet day in Cayman. Businesses, stores and supermarkets are closed, but restaurants are open. so if you plan to have a party or get together on Sunday, make sure get the shopping done on Saturday. It took me a while to adjust because I usually do my food shopping on Sunday.
I met my first Indonesian friend back in April 2011 when came to visit for a vacation. I was surprised that there are Indonesians on this small island. I met one, then two, before I knew it, I know about 35-40 Indonesians. I was happy that I got to meet most of them and became good friends with some. It is totally different living on the small island compared to a big country, or even just New Jersey and New York. I have fond memories about the island, mostly my dear friends who I consider the coolest people to hangout with. I experienced many things in such a small place.
I also met friends from other countries such as, Philippine, Ireland, Jamaica, Spain, Bermuda, Canada, even from the United States. I just have to know where I put myself among these people. Different people from different country and have different cultures. Sometimes I had to bite my tongue when they say something I don't like to hear. Some people think their country is the best, that their people are the most wonderful human being in the world or their food is better than anyone's. Sometimes they forgot that they are not in their little community back home where everybody is their own kind.
The island has mostly everything we need, but expensive? YES! That changed my mentality and how I spend my money. There is one nice mall with nice stuff but their price I couldn't even comprehend why they are so expensive! Well, as they say there is no tax in here, so the government has to find other ways to get the money from you. Duty on the items are pretty hefty. That's why the stores have to mark-up their prices like crazy and consumer have to absorb it. Some people go to Miami to shop. It's cheaper even though with the cost of air fare. But it depends on what you are buying. Don't forget, if the customs find out that you are bringing items greater than the allowance, if you don't declare it, they will fine you and add duty on it. Groceries on average are at least 2-3 times more expensive than the States, gas price is more than double, school tuition is going from zero in US to more than $20K/year, not to mention the utility bills and miscellaneous things that is also more expensive than The US. So, the thought of saving money by working abroad doesn't apply in our household. Things were tight, but we tried to enjoy as much as we can.
I do miss my home in New Jersey, but I have no regret for coming to Cayman Islands. There are a lot of things that I don't like, but there are things that I love. I will cherish those memories forever. I considered myself lucky for having these experiences. I never thought that the island life was more than just beach, rum, coconuts, sunblock and bikinis. There are other things that they do just like other people in the other countries. Will I go back for a visit? Most definitely!
