SUNDAY! FUN DAY1

Another wish has been to see El Arco, the iconic rock arch of Cabo San Lucas. I had never given much thought to San Lucas, other than the rock. After our fabulous day on this shore excursion we all plan to give more thought to beautiful Cabo San Lucas. Our ship was anchored outside the harbor alongside a much large Disney cruise ship. All passengers were tendered ashore.

The first stop was right at the busy marina where we boarded a typical Mexican party boat. There was lots of room on both the lower and upper decks with great music managed by a DJ. A bar was ready and waiting along with a tired but enthusiastic crew. The crew had done a wedding party the night or should I say morning before, which did not end until 4am. We boarded at 10am and the crew took it all in stride.

No better way to start a Sunday Funday than with chilled cerveza

We were surprised that El Arco was so close the harbour. I had always assumed it was a long boat ride away. The scenery is spectacular!

EL ARCO!

Our travel time pals

Vista from the Sea of Cortez

Where the Sea of Cortez melds with the Pacific Ocean

The other travel time pals

Before we went ashore we saw seals and sea turtles. Many pelicans perched on rocks or floated in the waves on our approach to the Marina. We were too early in the season for whales; in another week the Humpbacks will begin to arrive for breeding/birthing season. Sharks also abound in these waters.

Senor will return to find his boat a little messy from such unwelcome passengers

Pelican, Pelican - your beak can hold more than your belly can.

Our ship Regatta moored in the Sea of Cortez

The peninsula upon which Cabo San Lucas is located was very isolated. It served as a frontier trading port and a pirate haven for many years. The transformation from tiny port to bustling tourist destination in less than half a century is quite remarkable. Tourism is the main industry followed by construction to support the vibrant tourist trade. This area is also known for manufacturing and oil production. Recent statistics suggest there are 21,000 hotel rooms and short term rental accommodations with countless more under construction. The villas, hotels, condos and all inclusive resorts sprawl north and south from the main town.



Exclusive resort on the Pacific Ocean side

Our knowledgeable guide, Memo, rhymes with Nemo, warned that the ocean in this area is dangerous with strong currents and a healthy shark population. Although the sandy beaches are beautiful, swimming is risky. All the resorts have swimming pools.

The Sunday Fun Day jaunt on the ocean was over much to soon. After the boat trip we meandered through the pier area full of shops, restaurants and pharmacias. This sign appeared in several places.

Only in Mexico

We boarded a brand new, air conditioned Volvo bus for a land tour which took us to neighbouring San Jose del Cabo twenty miles away. At one time San Jose was a separate community but the urban growth has melded San Jose and San Lucas. Between the two towns we noticed two Walmart stores, a Costco and a Home Depot, both with ocean views. The traditional Mexican character has disappeared but the area is a popular destination.There was not a lot of time to explore the Old Town of San Jose del Cabo but we were able to enjoy a quick lunch at Molly's. Some in our group were thrilled that the Sea Hawk/Houston game was playing on the wide screen TVs.

Molly's of San Jose del Cabo

Lunch at Molly's

Lunch Mexican style

A concerted effort is being put into restoring the Old Town of San Jose. Much is under construction. Memo told us is was to be finished September 16 but the government forgot to tell them which year. We were impressed with the clean streets in spite of construction, the friendly shopkeepers, the lack of annoying vendors and the overall pride the residents had for the community. It certainly merits a return visit. We had a feeling of safety as well. RP tried to barter for a gorgeous silver/opal necklace probably worth several hundred dollars. He offered $50. The shop keeper politely said, "Senor, you should go back to your bus." Shut down with the first offer. I guess the bartering skills are a little rusty. Our guide thought the entire exchange was hilarious, as did we. 

Flag of Mexico

Street repair and improvement outside Molly's

San Jose del Cabos - quiet, quaint and quirky; we will return

After Old Town we were taken to a hill top restaurant, treated to a cold beverage and given the opportunity to view Cabo from the roof top patio. The bay is huge, the vista exquisite.

View of Cabo with cruise ships anchored in the bay; Regatta is the small one; the Disney ship was about 4 times larger

From the restaurant rooftop

Cheers on a hot Sunday Fun Day

Of course, there was the traditional 'stop to shop'. Forced shopping has been an annoying part of most of the shore excursions. This time it was a demonstration of glass blowing and the opportunity to buy glassware. Transporting glassware home was not an option. We all wished we had been given more free time to explore the bustling pier area. PURA VIDA! we can and will return to CABO!

A hand crafted glass mural at the glass factory

All aboard was 4:30 and time to catch the tender back to the ship. While waiting I noticed a crab battle in action at the pier.

Cranky Crabs

The cruise is soon coming to an end. There is one more day at sea on my birthday; we dock in San Diego on Halloween and disembark the morning of November 1, a day celebrated in Mexico to honour ancestors, those who have passed.



Clay Pot in honour of The Day of the Dead

The blog is not yet finished. I hope to post about the glorious life aboard the Regatta and about our three days post cruise in San Diego. Stay tuned. It will likely be done when I get home because Google and the iPad are not in snyc with the Blogger app.  First WIFI and now sync issues. Oh well, it is a vacation and I don't plan to stress. PURA VIDA! In the meantime, so many thanks to our travel time pals for inviting us to join them on this adventure and for contributing photos to share.

"FELIZ NOCHE" MEXICO