Meeting local people is one of the most enjoyable aspects of travelling. A visit to the daily craft market, on the waterfront in George Town, is the perfect way to experience Cayman’s vibrant local culture and meet the artisans behind the souvenirs.

Virginia Christian grew up in the handicrafts capital of her native Costa Rica. Now, Virginia, who runs the stall Virginia’s Creations, makes her own Caymanian rag dolls with woven hats, which are available in a range of sizes. She also makes leather items and jewellery, using local treasures, such as conch shell and Caymanite, in her creations.

Janet Minzet is one of the few people of her generation who continues the traditional art of weaving. She believes this art runs through her veins. As Janet sits at her stall, chatting to passers-by, she weaves silver thatch, white palm and coconut into baskets, trays, table mats and hats. One of her best sellers is her earrings with woven pendants, with every piece she weaves made from locally-obtained materials.

Rosemary Miller has a wide variety of handmade jewellery, most of which she makes while sitting at her market stall. Rosemary uses many natural and local products for her jewellery, including hemp, cowry shells, coconut shell, whelk and even beans and seeds.

The Caymania Stall sells just one thing - a natural pain reliever. The islands are home to a variety of the desmodium plant, which has traditionally been used as a bush remedy. The plant’s leaves are harvested to make a tea and the extract made into a tincture that can be used in the place of pharmaceuticals to relieve backache, inflammation and stiffness in the joints.

Randy Price’s coin cutting stall is unique, the perfect stop for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Using a few simple tools, Randy cuts around the images on a wide variety of coins, be it a monarch’s head, sail boats or birds, removing the background completely. The outlines are then made into pendants, earrings or other decorative items.