Many people don’t realise that I grew up in Grand Cayman. My family moved here in 1975 and although I briefly flirted with the idea of permanently staying in London after university, the Queen didn’t seem to need me as much as I originally thought so I returned to Cayman where I have remained ever since.

I have written from time to time about the “good old days” - an indulgence enjoyed by anyone over the age of 40. It was when the Holiday Inn and Galleon Beach were social staples, Royal Palms was a hotel, and Comart and Bata were shops in the heart of George Town. Of course the face of Seven Mile Beach has changed so much these days that one would be lucky to find a Sea Grape Tree between the Marriott and the Westin, whereas back in the Seventies we’d always stop on our beach walks to grab a handful of fruit before carrying on.

Full disclosure: I frequent the Ritz-Carlton and happily patronise the restaurants and bars of Camana Bay and the Seven Mile strip. Yet once in a while it is really nice to “go local” and remember what all venues were like back then; which brings me to an evening I recently spent at Singh’s Roti Shop on Shedden Road...

Don (the owner) has been a loyal participant in my Fidel’s karaoke evening every Saturday night (plug Wheaton, plug!) and although I had promised him week after week that I would in turn attend HIS karaoke night on Thursdays at the Roti shop, somehow the timing never seemed to work. I was ill, I was off the island, I was on the last flight of the Shuttle...you know how it goes. After months of delays I finally stated that no matter what, I would go at least once before the end of 2011.

And so it happened that on Thursday, December 29th I found myself (with best friend Lynne in tow of course) heading towards the entertainment mecca that is Singh’s Roti Shop on Shedden Road. The table and chairs were basic yet comfy as we settled ourselves in the courtyard. Things were already heating up with a heartfelt rendition of a song whose title escapes me at present, the singer working the microphone like an old pro. We were soon joined by another of my regulars (and a Singh’s moonlighter) Mr. Rod and his charming lass. Our server Katherine was easily as attentive as any I’ve found in top venues elsewhere, and in a trice we were handed out generous beverage helpings that meant water from then on.

The atmosphere was wonderful - you couldn’t help but be swept up in the enthusiasm. Nolly Brown crooned through My Way as a game of dominoes not far behind us threatened to take the table with it. You know people have got some decent plays coming when they have to stand up to bring the domino crashing down from on high. Cayman Elvis stopped by, a shimmering vision in gold, and graced us with a few numbers from the King. At one point someone had to use the facilities, and remarked on the toilet raised up on its own pedestal. Reminded me of that restaurant on Eastern Avenue years ago. People used to go there for the great food and to feel like royalty as they visited the rest room to look down upon the sink. At the end of a great night where I honestly felt I had stepped back in time (apart from the modern karaoke setup) I went into the main bar to pay the bill. The volume of the music in there was no less than earsplitting. I marvelled at the seemingly oblivious staff, and recalled a trip to Cayman Brac and La Esperanza Bar years ago where the jukebox was cranked to 11 and was so deafening that I had the curious sensation of Kenny Rogers baying into my ear in an attempt to shatter its drum.

I got up at Singh’s and sang a couple of numbers including a Bob Marley song, which could have been viewed as downright sacrilegious by some of the patrons present, but no - they were full of support and applause. If you’re having a rotten day, this is the place to be. After Rod sang some CC “AAH” (he’s from that area of the U.S.) we called it a night, but a really fun one. Won’t be my last visit there.

We fret sometimes about losing the ways and attitudes of the old days, but they are always there somewhere - we just have to look. I use Cayman Airways as a prime example. Sure, I used to complain like many others about the prices of the tickets, but now I fly them much more often I have gained a whole new appreciation for our national airline. The staff are always the same, familiar faces in the airports, for which I am so grateful. It’s like having our own Cayman Consulate - if you can make it to the desk, you know you’re going to be okay no matter what. We’re allowed two free checked bags, free Rum Punch - even in Economy, and you don’t have to pay extra if you don’t want to be in the middle seat in row 28. In this day and age, where airlines are cutting amenities everywhere, isn’t it refreshing to find an airline that still gives us some little niceties? I have arrived at Miami airport hot, sweaty, running and really late. They have always managed to get me on every time with a smile and never a harsh word. Oh yes, and when there are hurricanes on the horizon they put on extra flights and take to the air for as long as they can.

We can’t stop progress but we can rest easy that at least if we care to look for them, examples of yesteryear are still around. Thank goodness.