We just returned from a sunny week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.  We had this trip planned for several months so it was just coincidence that it landed the week after we returned from our last trip to help son#1 and DIL move.  Life is full of unexpected turns.  So glad we are retired and can take those turn and see where they lead us. We got home from our Texas to Omaha trip early last Friday afternoon and turned around to leave for Cabo the following day.  Just enough time to do a few loads of wash, connect briefly with family members and water the plants.   It was a quick turnaround. 

We had been to Cabo several years ago for a brief six hour stop on a cruise ship, so this was basically new territory.   Fortunately, we had friends and family that had been there quite a few times and made some great recommendations.  We did not plan a lot of activities for this trip.  We just wanted to relax, enjoy the beaches, sunshine, and some really good street tacos.  We booked a condo through Airbnb at the Marina Cabo Plaza, where everything is within walking distance or taxi (water or ground).   We decided we did not want to rent a car.  Think relaxation, not stress over traffic, parking and trying to figure out directions in a different country.  (Even with a GPS, this is really hard on a marriage.) The Airbnb was small but had everything we needed.  I particularly enjoyed the patio overlooking the harbor.  We spent mornings having coffee and watching the fishing boats roll out.  Like I said, not a big agenda.  Happy sigh. 

Here are a few of my favorite recommendations if you stay right down in the heart of Cabo. 

Taco Mania

I looove a good street taco and Cabo obviously has no shortage of them.  Our first night we were tired and just picked a place close by that overlooked the marina.  I believe that a good restaurant should have great atmosphere and great food.  Surprisingly, this did not disappoint.  With every meal, they make salsa at your table, seasoned to your preferance.  I appreciated the roasted tomatoes and fresh ingredients.  When my “make your own taco” meal came, it was in a bubbling bowl of sauce with steak and green peppers dripping out of a bowl and slabs of fresh mozzarella on top.  Excellent with an ice cold margarita. 

For lunches, we researched the best street tacos.  “Cabo Mike,” the owner of our condo kindly made some recommendations, one of which was a hole in the wall taco joint called Guss Tacos.  Not a lot for atmosphere but the tacos were excellent, and they served a salsa bar and fresh condiment tray with them.  I also had a great fish taco at Tacos Gardenias.   I would have liked to try this little taco stand off the beaten path that several locals were lined up at, but we were reluctant to try it as we were not sure about the water used, so we went with the side of caution.  Boring, but safer. 

Things To Do Without a Car

“Cabo Mike” had beach chairs, an umbrella and beach towels for guest use, so one afternoon we loaded up and walked around the corner to Medano Beach.  Medano Beach is a sandy stretch with beach bars and dining.  One of my favorite activities is “wave bobbing.”  That is my name for floating along in the waves.  However, the surf was a little rough for wave bobbing that day and it threw me up on shore a couple times.  I am still trying to remove sand from my swimsuit.  Speaking of swimsuits, I have seen more women’s butt cheeks than I ever care to.  Whoever decided a thong was appropriate to wear in public?   (Do I sound old or what?)   

One day we took the water taxi over to see the famous Arch, a beautiful rock formation.  It was a great deal at just $15.00/person round trip.   It included a pause at Pelican Rock to watch the fish through a glass bottom viewing spot in the center of the boat.  He had to chum for the fish to show up.  A little cheesy, but there were some colorful tropical fish.  You can also snorkel there, but we decided not to this trip.  Then they motor you over to see the beautiful rock Arch.  Next stop was Lovers beach, which you can only get to by water. The surf is a little rough there, so they pull the small motorboat up as close as they can to the shore and throw down the ladder.  You wait for the wave to be slack and quickly climb down the ladder as the assistant yells, “hurry, hurry.”  Then you hope you hit the next wave just right so you can wade onto shore.  We observed several people fall into the water and one lady lost her shoe in the process.  I really doubt you could legally do this in the states.  I am relieved to say that we made it both off and back on the boat without incident. 

There seem to be a few stories on how Lovers Beach got its unique name.  The most plausible is that it is located where the Gulf and Pacific seas meet.  You can walk a short distance on Lovers Beach between rock formations and arrive at Divorce Beach.  Divorce Beach is on the rougher Pacific Ocean side.  Divorce beach has much more turbulent water and surf than Lovers Beach, hence the name. 

If you want an evening of dinner and entertainment, I recommend booking a table to “The Office.”  It is right on Medano Beach with tables in the sand.  As evening envelopes the sky they light the candles and torches, which creates a lovely atmosphere as you watch the waves roll in.  On Thursday night, they also put on a fun Mexican music show.  The food was just average, but the experience was worth it. 

Our last night we booked a Sunset Dinner Cruise.  Our friends recommended going on the Rissalena.  It is family owned and is a more relaxed, chill cruise than some of the party boats.  One of the crew members’ mother even makes the delicious dinner for it, every single night.   

We tried making a reservation for the Rissalena online one morning via email, then headed out for the day.  When we were by the dock gate for the dinner cruise boats, we thought we would just ask where it was and make sure our reservation came through.  The Rissalena staff were not there but vendors from other cruises were all over it and offered to call them for us.  The two men talked in Spanish (your first clue) and then made a phone call in Spanish.  When he got off the phone he told us the Rissalena was already booked tonight.  We said that was O.K. because we wanted to go on Friday night, to which he promptly replied they were booked…10 days out.  However, he had another great boat we could reserve. We were disappointed but decided to wait and do a little online research.  As we walked away, I told Mr. U that I thought they made that all up.  He laughed with me.  Lo and behold, we got back to our room and an email was waiting from the Rissalena letting us know they had availability for several nights this week.  Hummm…apparently the guys at the dock thought we looked like stupid American tourists.  Out fooled them, barely. 

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Traveling to a different county, even Mexico where most people that work in the tourist industry speak English, is not without its challenges.  Here are a few of my observations while we there:

• You always have to be a little cautious and aware, even for something as simple as booking a sunset dinner cruise.
• The poverty and disparity in wealth is painful to witness.  You see the beautiful private ships with helicopters on them anchored in the bay and then you walk the street and see the old lady swathed in cloths, perched on the curb selling bracelets or little children begging you to buy Chiclets.  How do you buy from one and not all of them?   How do you reconcile the disparity?
• The number of street vendors that approach you as you walk down the sidewalk is overwhelming.  After the 10th approach within one block, you start to sound rude.  I DO NOT want to be a rude American tourist. We found the best response was a firm, “no, gracias” with a smile and keep moving. 

It is an odd conundrum, this travel thing.  I love to see new sights, experience different cultures, and taste all of the unique flavors of food, but I also find great comfort in being home, tucked in close to family and friends.  I am torn.  

“Maybe that is the best part of going away for a vacation – coming home again.”

Madeleine L’Engle

Speaking of home, we will be very busy for the month of May as we prepare to have son #3’s wedding at our place.  There is lots to do before June 3^rd so posts will be more sporadic and minimal, at best, for the month of May. 

Adios for now amigo!