We came to Cabo to relax. It's been a rough few years for us. Not that we are complaining, because we have so many blessings and are constantly reminded of the good things in life.
But Cabo is truly an oasis. It doesn't feel much like Mexico, and that is intentional. Most everyone speaks a bit of English, and the entire focus is getting Americans to part with their dollars and have fun. But like most of Latin America, we found the vast majority of the people to be honest and friendly. In fact, most places take the time to explain the credit card receipt. We even watched a jeweler who was truly disappointed when he had to change the price of a piece (upward) because he wants is customers to leave happy.
But the whole place is designed to cater to Americans and provide fun. And there are plenty of Americans and lots of fun things to do!
We found solace, and of course with terrible news from home, we found more pain. How do you truly grasp and cope with the death of a two month old grandchild you've never even held?
I like it here. It doesn't really fit the bill for adventuresome travel, but it is definitely a place we will come back to. There is a slow pace, and a focus on filling an empty tank. And that in itself is a great thing to find - and a blessing to be able to afford.
So on this New Years Eve, we are facing delayed flights, below zero temperatures at home, and grouchy Americans heading back to their lives. But we wear simple smiles, we are rejuvenated, and we will persevere- undaunted.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Finding Nemo - CABO day 5
We got up at 5:30 and walked to the Marina with the working folks. We arrived 10 min early, and check in was a breeze. We have a small boat and there will just be the two of us with the Captain, Jorge.
We head out of the harbor with about 200 other boats (no joke). And it feels like a race. The boat Captains all waive to one another and joke in Spanish. The lines are quickly put into the water with large squid looking lures. for the next two hours we head west at a steady pace.
The day is coo, and mostly cloudy. But it is still pleasant in shorts and short sleeves. About and hour in, Marci catches a nice Mahi (Dorado). It would be the only fish of the day, and most boats get to shore with no catch.
When we got to the destination (end of the world?) we stopped and switched to bait. we were about 300 yards form shore and were fishing for rooster. I guess these are not good eating, but they fight like mad. I hooked one (and yup, they are a handful) and lost him as he got to the boat. He was a small one at about 2 feet.
The rolling waves were tough on us and we both threw up over the side. I felt immediately better, but Marci has been a bit sick and was pretty green. We switched back to lure fishing for the two hours home.
Here are some pics from the day!
We head out of the harbor with about 200 other boats (no joke). And it feels like a race. The boat Captains all waive to one another and joke in Spanish. The lines are quickly put into the water with large squid looking lures. for the next two hours we head west at a steady pace.
The day is coo, and mostly cloudy. But it is still pleasant in shorts and short sleeves. About and hour in, Marci catches a nice Mahi (Dorado). It would be the only fish of the day, and most boats get to shore with no catch.
When we got to the destination (end of the world?) we stopped and switched to bait. we were about 300 yards form shore and were fishing for rooster. I guess these are not good eating, but they fight like mad. I hooked one (and yup, they are a handful) and lost him as he got to the boat. He was a small one at about 2 feet.
The rolling waves were tough on us and we both threw up over the side. I felt immediately better, but Marci has been a bit sick and was pretty green. We switched back to lure fishing for the two hours home.
Here are some pics from the day!
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| Getting live bait |
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| Marci catches a Dorado (Mahi) |
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Trying to get to the bait |
Un dia en la playa - CABO day 4
This vacation is all about re-charging. That means plenty of sun, ceveza, and the gently sound of Pacific surf. We will toss is some adventure, but not nearly what we typically do.
Today, we are heading to the beach! We've enjoyed the Solamar property so much, we're gonna go to their private beach.
For breakfast today, I went to get one of our favorite Mexican specialties (fresh fruit juice). I had pineapple and milk and Marci had pineapple, mango, guava and yogurt. All for $6.
Today, we are heading to the beach! We've enjoyed the Solamar property so much, we're gonna go to their private beach.
For breakfast today, I went to get one of our favorite Mexican specialties (fresh fruit juice). I had pineapple and milk and Marci had pineapple, mango, guava and yogurt. All for $6.
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| "liquid juice stand" |
 Fresh fruit to be juiced! |
Ok, so we tried to go to the beach, but A WHOLE lot of it was washed away in the hurricane! So we went to the Infinity Pool instead. The nachos an beer cost more - but what the heck"
We stayed until sunset and walked back to our hotel. We start fishing at 06:30, so short night!
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| Sunset - pirate ship in Pacific |
Heartbreaking news from home - CABO day 6
Last night we got word that Kaiden, our first grandchild, died in his mother's arms at the hospital. He was born a very sick boy, and had endured a great deal of surgery and medical treatment in his short two-month life. But it is a tragic end, and obviously Jolene and Chris are devastated.
We are going to stay in our room for most of the day.
We will watch the Broncos at a sports bar and go to dinner at Romeo and Juliette's.
We are going to stay in our room for most of the day.
We will watch the Broncos at a sports bar and go to dinner at Romeo and Juliette's.
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| Jolene and baby Kaiden |
Friday, December 26, 2014
A very Cabo Christmas - CABO day 3
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
The locals (although we've yet to meet anyone actually 'from' here) celebrate Christmas on December 24. So we are a bit behind. But unlike most of Mexico, Cabo revolves around tourism - and not even a high holiday will stop that engine.
We did not realize that a recent hurricane (Odile Sept '14 ) was so devastating. But it rocked the economy and people's confidence in the great weather. As a result, the tourism trade is working overtime to get things right again. It makes for good deals but aggressive peddlers.
Today, we are going to enjoy a couples massage and then a dinner sunset cruise after lounging on the beach. The gift of relaxation!
The locals (although we've yet to meet anyone actually 'from' here) celebrate Christmas on December 24. So we are a bit behind. But unlike most of Mexico, Cabo revolves around tourism - and not even a high holiday will stop that engine.
We did not realize that a recent hurricane (Odile Sept '14 ) was so devastating. But it rocked the economy and people's confidence in the great weather. As a result, the tourism trade is working overtime to get things right again. It makes for good deals but aggressive peddlers.
Today, we are going to enjoy a couples massage and then a dinner sunset cruise after lounging on the beach. The gift of relaxation!
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| Spa |
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| Spa entrance |
Thursday, December 25, 2014
STUNNING views at lands end - Cabo, Day 2
The word Cabo means "land end". We went to the very tIp of the peninsula, to a place called Solmar. It is amazing! Right on a private beach...
We spent most of the day here and some in the Marina, puts our hotel to shame, but dang, what a gorgeous place!
We sat by the pool, made reservations for massages at the SPA (for Christmas) and ate and drank some more. Hope you like the views!
We spent most of the day here and some in the Marina, puts our hotel to shame, but dang, what a gorgeous place!
We sat by the pool, made reservations for massages at the SPA (for Christmas) and ate and drank some more. Hope you like the views!
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| Resort overlook |
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| Infinity pool |
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| Sunset - Pacific side |
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| Cabo at night |
Flying south - CABO DAY 1
Travel day. Of course, filled with anticipation, but also chaos.
It is very cold and windy in Denver. I-70 andI -76 are both closed due to weather. A great time to fly south to the heat of the Baja and the Sea of Cortez!
This was the view over Central Colorado as we headed towards Phoenix to change planes.
It is very cold and windy in Denver. I-70 andI -76 are both closed due to weather. A great time to fly south to the heat of the Baja and the Sea of Cortez!
This was the view over Central Colorado as we headed towards Phoenix to change planes.
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| Snowy Colorado Christmas |
We had a twenty minute lay-over in Phoenix, and then an almost empty plane to Mexico. Marci and I were able to move to the exit row and shared a ton of room and great service on our two hour flight to Cabo.
Our arrival at Cabo airport was mostly uneventful. I say mostly because we were "randomly chosen" for Customs screening and were VERY surprised when the agent pulled an "adult oriented" game from our luggage and asked Marci about it. This was when we realized that I'd grabbed someone else's identical bag. I had to run back and exchange it with another worried (then embarrassed) American couple. Ughhh...
The trip from the airport to Cabo is pretty long. It is about 45km, but very heavy traffic. We paid $17 per person for a very new and very clean shuttle. I highly recommend this option. As it is Dec 23rd, there are many booths selling Christmas lights.
The trip from the airport to Cabo is pretty long. It is about 45km, but very heavy traffic. We paid $17 per person for a very new and very clean shuttle. I highly recommend this option. As it is Dec 23rd, there are many booths selling Christmas lights.
We arrived at our Hotel (The Seven Crown) and after struggling to locate our reservation, we checked in to a small, clean, and LOUD room for $55 night. It is close to the Marina and very safe, so cool enough!
We walked two blocks, found a nice (but very American style) brew pub and had a great dinner. I had fresh octopus (Cabo is known for the huge variety of fresh fish). Marci had a hamburger. Of course we both had beer, tequilla, and sangrita. Yumm!
We walked two blocks, found a nice (but very American style) brew pub and had a great dinner. I had fresh octopus (Cabo is known for the huge variety of fresh fish). Marci had a hamburger. Of course we both had beer, tequilla, and sangrita. Yumm!
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