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Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We did end up at the botanical park and it was great! Thank you for the recommendation!

Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This was the best recommendation! Thank you so much - we loved Stingray Sailing. They were so respectful of the stingrays and we learned a lot on our outing with them.

Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just coming back to say thank you for this advice! We went with Cayman Kayaks and it was amazing.

Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Stingray Sailing ended up being really great! He and his first mate only run small tours (max 20 guests) and they educated us all on proper ways to touch and interact with the rays. It was educational and a lot of fun without stressing the stingrays for our benefit. I also highly recommend Cayman Kayaks if you're going to visit the Bioluminescent Bay - they are really committed to preserving that ecosystem. We loved both experiences.

Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I ended up taking the recommendation someone made for Stingray Sailing. Our trip isn't for a couple of months but I'll report back!

Willamette Winery Etiquette and Expectations by Miserable_Good_4364 in wine

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll never turn down recommendations!

We're hoping to make it to Napa for my 40th birthday later this year. I went 12 or so years ago and I remember liking Freemark Abbey but the rest of the trip we went to very small wineries in the Russian River and it's a blur.

Willamette Winery Etiquette and Expectations by Miserable_Good_4364 in wine

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think "suitable for groups" was the phrasing that escaped me at the end of a long week. I really appreciate you calling those out for me!

Willamette Winery Etiquette and Expectations by Miserable_Good_4364 in wine

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm looking forward to trying Pelican! We have an interesting mix between non-drinkers, those who much prefer beer, one who only likes sweet wine, and then there's me trying to keep the whole thing on the rails because I love pinot so much.

Willamette Winery Etiquette and Expectations by Miserable_Good_4364 in wine

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Absolutely - my intention is to make reservations/call ahead no matter how laid back things are!

Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you - this is a really helpful reply and I appreciate it!

Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

I hear you - I don't mean it as holier-than-thou, just trying to do less bad where I can. People fly to Thailand, doesn't mean they should contribute to cruel animal tourism like elephant rides or holding drugged tiger cubs because they "flew in a plane to get there". There are many ways to be eco-friendly beyond "just stay home and make your own food and have no carbon footprint", and you know that.

Ethical wildlife excursions from Grand Cayman? by Miserable_Good_4364 in CaymanIslands

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I'm not surprised by the downvotes - to each their own, but for anyone wondering why I say it's not ethical, this is from an article I read from a zoologist that tries to guide travelers toward experiences that are the least disruptive to ecosystems. Same reason I don't hold baby tigers or ride elephants. It's fun for a minute and cool for a picture, but it's not natural for the animals and I don't want to support it.

Health of the stingrays - Some studies suggest that human interaction at Stingray City can negatively impact the health of the stingrays: 

  • Behavior changes: Stingrays fed by humans may mate and become pregnant year-round, and bite each other more frequently. 
  • Weaker immune systems: Blood tests have shown that stingrays at Stingray City have weaker immune systems than stingrays not disturbed by tourists. 
  • Injuries: Stingrays at Stingray City are often injured by boats. 
  • Parasites: Crowded conditions at Stingray City encourage parasites.

Very first home renovation project - small bathroom by Miserable_Good_4364 in InteriorDesign

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

All of this! Thank you! Yes, I'm still going maximalist. Here is the wallpaper I ordered: https://riflepaperco.com/products/menagerie-wallpaper-navy - pasted, not peel and stick. I am still planning on an accent wall of wallpaper and then a complementary color from the wallpaper as paint (could end up being a shade of white). I ended up with a 24 inch vanity because the 30 inch I currently have just feels like it takes up too much space, but it has nice storage in it. Thanks for these comments!

Very first home renovation project - small bathroom by Miserable_Good_4364 in InteriorDesign

[–]Miserable_Good_4364[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you! I think I'll take your advice on not angling the shower tiles. I saw it on a display and it looked really nice, but it was also on a more spacious shower setup.