"Are you interested in adventuring in the Caymans?"
Travel writer and photographer, Paris Permenter and
John Bigley, with their guidebook, "Adventure Guide To The
Cayman Islands- 2nd Edition," have given travelers a new
way to appreciate the magnificent Cayman Islands.
The authors are well-known travel writers who have
published over twenty-seven books, and have updated
numerous guidebooks for publishers such as Fodor's and
Michelin.
In addition, they have authored over 1500 newspaper and
magazine articles.
What is unique about this particular guidebook is that it
places more emphasis on the adventure aspect, rather than
the mundane listing of hotels, restaurants, and the other
common guidebook material, although, there are ample
references to the latter.
When I queried the authors as to why they had taken this
approach they indicated that "the adventure aspect is one
aspect that each island shares: good opportunities for
adventure, whether visitors define that as scuba diving,
hiking, snorkelling, or bird watching."
The organization of the book divides itself into five
principal well-written chapters.
The introduction contains an abundance of useful and well-
researched data concerning the history, geography, climate,
flora and fauna, animal life, bird life, marine life,
government, economy, and people and culture of the Cayman
Islands.
The second chapter, entitled "Where are the Adventures,"
exposes the reader to what is available on foot, in the
water, on the water, in the air, on wheels, on horseback,
eco-travel, cultural excursions, family adventures and
packing for adventure.
The authors have also included "Adventure Talks,"
where they interview various experts concerning such topics
as diving in the Cayman Islands, eco-travel tours, and
snorkelling adventures.
The remaining three chapters concern themselves with the 3
Islands, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman.
Within these chapters there are important tips as to how to
get around, sights and attractions, accommodations,
restaurants, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife, and beaches.
The authors' brisk, informative, and well-written text
makes for an easy to read guide.
As an added feature, the guidebook contains a sprinkling
of a few well-chosen photo images, some in color, and
others in black and white.
There are also a few simple maps inserted into the text
along with the photo images.
The end of the book includes useful web sites, a short
bibliography and a helpful index. Whether you are a first time visitor to the Cayman
Islands, or a traveler who has visited before, you will
garner precious and valuable information upon reading this
well organized guidebook.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Norman Goldman
Courtesy Bookpleasures
Posted January 9, 2003
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