Good Route From Airport to SMB?

Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 7:19 pm Post subject: Good Route From Airport to SMB?

Hi Everyone,

In 10 days we will be leaving for our long awaited trip to Grand Cayman. What is the best route to take from the airport to SMB near Foster's? We would like to avoid Roundabouts if possible, because we have never driven on the left and these scare us.

Thanks for your help!

Bonnie

Posted: Tue Feb 13, 2007 11:08 pm Post subject:

well... im afraid you ARE going to find roundabouts Smile

but anyway the route with fewer roundabouts would be to go straight into town (smith road) and then follow the coast (north church/west bay rd)

good luck Smile

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 7:35 am Post subject:

We have seen these roundabouts, but what are you supposed to do when you get to one Confused

I can see myself now causing a 10 car pileup. Drive

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 9:09 am Post subject:

hahahaha...having experienced this in December. Picked up the jeep at Andy's across from the airport. Loaded our stuff and headed out. A couple of hundred yards down road from Andy's I pulled over and had to get my "left side" bearings...pulled back out and was off.

I do not know how or why we ended up where we ended up. I was not paying attention to street names...just North, South, East & West. We found our first roundabout...my suggestion...right or wrong...it was the way I handled it. Be very aggressive and follow the flow and exit where you need to exit. Let me say again....be very aggressive...I figured that if I kept the nose of my jeep in front of those around me then we would be OK. The good news is you probably will never go faster then 40-45 mph at least in the busy area's. We had a blast driving around on left. You WILL be OK and have fun!

sm

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 9:33 am Post subject:

I think that if you are really "scared", then the best thing to do would be to take a cab to your hotel that first day. Or, you could take a cab to the 7MB Andy's office and then you would have a straight shot up the road to get to your condo.....maybe that would be a little less intimidating for your first day.

Here is a discussion from a long time ago on Roundabouts...

. Just be sure that you realize that the diagram with the arrows drawn on it, is assuming that you are driving on the right hand side of the road.....which you will not be.....so, don't let those arrows confuse you.

Bottom line is, driving on the left isn't hard and is really a lot of fun. You won't be able to avoid roundabouts, but some are a little more intimidating than others. Some are multi-lane and you do have to be careful in those, getting positioned for an upcoming exit. Of course, if you're not in position, you just keep going around......and around......and around. UpsideDown

Basically, when entering a roundabout, remember that those already in the roundabout have the right of way...

Good luck!

Char

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 1:17 pm Post subject:

My aunt who has been driving for years in the UK used to spend hours and hours planning her route so that she didn't have to go round roundabouts! They're actually really simple, much easier than 4-way stops although that's maybe because I'm used to them Smile

Anyway, she is now using them so hopefully this will help.

If you're turning left - stay in the left hand lane, indicate left and turn off.

Going straight on - you can use either lane, the person in the inside (right hand lane) has right of way when turning off the roundabout but always indicate before you go to turn off (apparently there's loads of cars that don't have indicators on this island Rolling Eyes

).

Turning right, go on in the right hand lane, go right round the roundabout, indicate then turn off.

Most of the roundabouts are really small so you won't have problems with lanes, you just have to wait till it's clear.

Once you're on you have right of way.

Always drive clockwise!

And if you're not sure where to go... go in the right hand lane and drive round the roundabout till you figure it out, it's fun!

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:16 am Post subject:

The worst thing about the roundy rounds is trying to get my wife to give me an intelligible answer about which exit I'm supposed to take. While "2 O'clock" might make sense to her, it makes no sense to me when I'm traveling in a circle. spin

Oh well, we always manage to get where we're going eventually.

BTW: Be careful passing if your rental car has the steering wheel on the left. It's hard to see around trucks and what not. If you stay around George Town and SMB, this won't be an issue.

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:55 am Post subject:

Ems2006 wrote:

.....(apparently there's loads of cars that don't have indicators on this island Rolling Eyes

).

Good One!,.....That's not the only place it seems like cars do not have indicators Very Happy

..I think mostly they don't know where they are, or need a 3rd arm as people here in the States have cell phones up to their heads all the time.....they should just get a chin strap with a flashing green light on top and then they could have 2 hands to drive with if they were not using them to read the paper or put on make-up or change their knickers....I have seen some things I tell you out here on the road gosh

, as some say TMI.... did I mention I drive a Big truck?.....

Oh, and billinwillamst, I agree! driving a Left Hand drive car would make it difficult to see around trucks while driving on the left. Drive

and would make it frightening for the passenger!! Shock

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 12:52 pm Post subject:

Ems2006 wrote:

drive round the roundabout till you figure it out, it's fun!

you know you shouldnt drink and drive.... Mr. Green

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:04 pm Post subject:

For anyone who's seen European Vacation...

"Look, kids! Big Ben, Parliament!"

Is all I can say. Be safe, but have fun. Roundabouts give us loads of entertainment when we're in Cayman. Keep in mind, if you're driving a rental, you'll likely have a big sticker on your vehicle or a white license plate - that way the locals will be able to give you plenty of room!

Jen

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:27 pm Post subject:

Lorenzo wrote:

Ems2006 wrote:

drive round the roundabout till you figure it out, it's fun!

you know you shouldnt drink and drive.... Mr. Green

Why do you think I moved to an apartment 2 mins from all the pubs?!

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 3:03 pm Post subject:

Ems...are you at PV? I think I remember seeing that, but not sure.

:palm:

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 7:17 pm Post subject: Good Route from Airport to SMB

Hi,

Thanks everyone for your advice about the roundabouts. I'm sure we will do fine with all your help.

Bonnie

Native Joined: 18 Feb 2005 Posts: 1197 Location: Illinois

Bonnie

There are signs on the roundabouts to help you know where to get off. I think the signage is better than when the roundabouts first came into being in Cayman. I can't remember what they say--but I think they point you into town or to Seven Mile Beach. Wish I could remember--I'm sure it would help you.

Have fun

Shelly

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 10:23 pm Post subject:

Caymantwins wrote:

Ems...are you at PV? I think I remember seeing that, but not sure.

:palm:

Nowhere near as nice unfortunately! I live just opposite St Matthews on West Bay road. It's not so bad, the apartment's decent and cheap and great location so can't complain Smile

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