Mexico: Cabo San Lucas

October 2011

Hotel California

On the cruise from San Diego to Puerto Vallarta, we ended up in Cabo San Lucas longer than expected due to unexpected gang violence in Mazatlán which cancelled the scheduled visit there. Brian and I were certain that there was no doubt a shooting on the periphery of town and the uber-cautious Holland-American line wanted to take no chances. We got a bonus day in Cabo because of it. The experience really brought to light the cruise agreement that states "itinerary may be changed without notice". It was clear that they didn't know what to do with us and frankly, after forking out that much money - I was disappointed. Then again, it was a "party cruise" and less about the ports of call and more about having fun on board (which we did - especially Brian).

We took a small launch around the tip of Baja California and saw the famous natural arch. The beaches looked amazing and the scenery was dramatic. Cabo itself appeared from the boat as some recreated Greek Island with row after row of dazzling white low-rises. We had fully planned to take a shore excursion to the town - NOT to visit Cabo and its array of shops and restaurants, but instead to see the famed "Hotel California" just outside town. It was the inspiration for the Eagles hit of our youth. Wow! Alas, the weather had not cooperated prior to the visit and the road was washed out. Our "lemonade from lemons" plan, given the extended time in Cabo, would have allowed us to visit an iconic spot; however, we went back to only lemons upon hearing the news. Mildly disappointed, we just stayed on-board and drank in the views (which were probably better from sea than on land) and sipped adult beverages.

I made a mental note of Cabo. From the boat it looked like a nice place to go and chill with plenty of opportunities to enjoy an uncrowded beach or two surrounded by amazing scenery. As for checking out the Hotel California, that wasn't in the cards, but then again the song says "you may check out any time you like, but you can never leave". Bullet dodged?