You can drink the water, but don't you eat the ice...

It's been a little while since last I was here. For a change, its not from sheer laziness. I will take a break from the usual writing and write about why I have not been here. I will allow a slight glimpse into my personal side. I was actually out of town. Well, that's an understatement. How about out of the country! I went on vacation over the weekend, going on a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Well, technically we stayed in a fantastic house that was between San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. The house was 5 bedrooms, 6 baths with a pool and hot tub and located right on the beach. With beautiful views of the Sea of Cortez and the sound of the surf to rock you to sleep at night it was paradise.

Ok, not completely, right next to the house was a big open lot that all the surfers would park in during the day as they hit the waves. And at night, it turned into some sort of burnout hangout where locals would hang out, play music really loud, do laps in the lot and drink and smoke until all hours of the night. Luckily, I sleep the sleep of the dead, so once I dozed off, nothing. But other than the oddities of the local nightlife, the trip was fantastic, odd, fun and just a great time.

We left on Thursday, and the excitement was palpable at the airport. The weirdness, however, started right at the beginning of the trip. The computers for the airline were down, and they were taking all the reservations by hand. It was odd and a bit worrisome since we were there for almost two hours before we managed to speak with anyone regarding our boarding passes. After we cleared ticketing, we all relaxed, had a few drinks, and hopped on a plane. The plane ride was somewhat uneventful, except for the fact that it was hard to fathom that we were actually on the plane and headed for a tropical vacation. But it did still manage to add to the surreal ness of the situation. The crew was friendly and fun, and was very free with the drinks and a friendly word. The strangest part of the flight was when we touched down; we hit the tarmac hard enough that the door to the cockpit flew open. Maybe I am mistaken, but I do not think that is supposed to happen.

We landed in San Jose del Cabo and exited the plane, into the open sky and marched down stairs onto the tarmac. Odd sensations since most places have the jet ways now. The warm breeze pushed us as we walked to the airport to go through customs and baggage. It was exciting to use my passport for the very first time. I was really in another country, which was first for me! Now, here was a second bit of weirdness. As we retrieved our bags, they x-rayed them again, which seemed strange to me. Then, when you retrieved them, you had to show your documentation and press a button on what looked like a traffic light. If the light went green, you were good. If it went red, it squealed and you had to submit to a baggage check. Now, I understand the random bag check, but using a stoplight to determine it?!? So odd. Of course, when I pressed it, it went red. Everyone else looked and laughed, and commemorated the event with photos of the airport personnel going through my luggage. Good times!

After that fun, which was mercifully short, we obtained rental cars, which was far more of a hassle than it should have been. It seems as though almost everyone there has a side business. As we tried to get the cars, the people behind the counter tried to sell us time share condos as well. And this wasn't an isolated incident, it also happened at the grocery store and in shops in Cabo. It must be a lucrative business or an excellent pyramid scheme because it seemed as though every other person was involved in the condo business. But once we waded through the nonsense, we were on our way. We zoomed down the main highway toward our destination. We passed it, unknowingly to most of us, and continued on to turn around and stop on top of a bluff that overlooked the sea. An unbelievable view. We stopped to look out upon where we would be spending the next few days. It was beautiful. Everything was so bright and clear. We drank fresh coconut milk straight from the coconut from a vendor on the bluff. It was delicious and tasted like vacation. Once we had drunk down our drinks, we loaded up and finished the final leg of our journey to the house.

It was more than any of us expected. We ran around checking out everything like kids in a candy store. The built in bar was exquisite. It was rounded with a recessed middle, so the bartender was always eye level with the seated patrons. The kitchen was so large you could prepare any meal right there no matter how large. The bedrooms were awesome, with large bathrooms in each! Two of the bedrooms exited onto the patio and pool area, and we got one of them. It was great! After a quick doling of sleeping arrangements and a celebratory shot, it was pool time, where I would spend parts of every day we were there, very happily. Plus, waiting for us was a fridge full of Pacifico beer and on the counter overflowing plates of fresh salsa and guacamole. By saying they hit the spot would not do them justice. The salsa and guacamole were, by far, the best I have ever had. I can still taste them both and wish I had more.

That night, after some drinks and hot tub time, we wandered up the beach for our first meal there at a small restaurant called Zippers. There was nothing spectacular, except for the fact that it was on the beach and so close to our house. Everyone was in great spirits as we soaked in that we were actually there. It was one of the most fantastic feelings ever.

The next day was filled with more pool; more hot tub more food and a few other fun experiences. My lady, a friend and I wandered out to stock up on food for everyone. What an experience. We went to a market called Mega, which was a lot like a Wal-Mart Super center or a Target Great land, with products and food mixed together. It was fun to navigate through the aisles and find products I've never seen before, and also try new things. We decided to make fajitas for dinner, and got some great beef and all the fixings right there. I also bought some tequila to take home. It came in a little wooden box with doors! How fantastic is that! Also, I found out my Spanish was ok, but not quite good enough. I got some lunchmeat for sandwiches, but ordered 1 kilo, about 2.2 pounds, instead of a half, since I couldn't remember how to say half! Luckily, most everyone we encountered must have dealings with other tourists that mangle the language since all were very patient and helpful as we tried to communicate together and usually found a way. But it was a great experience. I did end up going there again the next day, which was also fun. Never thought I'd find the supermarket so entertaining.

After the shopping, my lady and I took a stroll on the beach, soaking in everything. The beach and ocean were so beautiful and serene. You could not help but relax there. After we returned, a few of us played some touch football on the beach. Of course, my team won with me doing my best Roethlisberger impression, and no I don't mean crashing! Then more pool, which lead to the only other bad part of the weekend. I managed to clog one of my ears, and no matter what I did or what I used, I could not get rid of the clog. It was so distracting and annoying. I could not hear anything, and I started to get into a funk. Its funny, if it had happened here, I would not have been nearly as worked up about it. But because I was on vacation and wanted everything to be perfect, the ear situation was all I could focus on and distracted me from enjoying my time. After an hour or more of trying, I gave up and decided to turn into that wave. That evening, we made the fajitas, and had lots of drinks. And I mean lots! The leader of our band decided to give everyone a tequila lesson, and went into depth about all the differences in types of tequila and how they are made. Now, no lesson is complete without a sampling, so after describing each kind, we also did shots. My lady is not a very heavy drinker, but the boss was not about to let her off easy. So instead of shots, he would give her teaspoons of tequila. One of the funniest things I've ever seen. I am so glad someone got some pictures of that to commemorate the moment! That pretty much wrapped up the night for some, but other crazies decided to continue the night in Cabo San Lucas. From all reports, it was fun and nutty.

Saturday came and the ear was still bad. This placed a pall over my whole morning. Lucky for me, one of our group said he would get these about once a summer as a kid, from way too much swimming, and figured it was just lodged wax. Using a solution of very hot water, a little salt and dish soap, he kept applying it to my ear, and then squirting it out again. After about 8 attempts, with a little coming out each time, a gigantic chunk came out and I could hear again! I definitely still owe him for that, since he saved my vacation without a doubt. But I'll always remember that trick. After a quick change, and grabbing some ear plugs, hey at least I learn, pool time was back on!

That evening, we cooked some Sierra mackerel that some had caught on a fishing expedition that morning. I am not a huge fish fan, but it was delicious. We made some great fish tacos that really hit the spot. With some nice after dinner drinks, a bunch of us decided to play a little poker. 50 peso buy in, winner take all. There were about 9 of us who played. I didn't do too great, about the 5th one out. But my lady went all the way to the end, finally succumbing to one other player. I was impressed, she has not played too much, and it wasn't too long ago that I taught her Texas Hold 'Em. She has really taken to the game. Not to worry, though. She'll have an opportunity to get her money back in the near future. And with the way she plays, I wouldn't be surprised if she does.

Now, Sunday has arrived, and another day waking without an alarm clock, phone and internet has really sent me into a relaxation spiral. I feel so much more refreshed and buoyant throughout the day when I can wake up when my body is ready, not when I am required to start the day. Without the phone, I was free of the electronic lease I have constantly on me. And without the internet, I was free from the distraction that it is from life. I felt free. I enjoyed the natural wonder that is the earth. I ate great food and tried new things. I read and expanded my mind. I enjoyed the company of others and conversed of a great many things. And most important, I unwound from the nonsense that we build up as important, which in the grand scheme of things, really means very little. I did the things there that meant a lot to me. These things were enjoying life, enjoying great food, the beauty of nature and the camaraderie of friends and loved ones, the most important thing of all.

So Sunday was another fun day. Two of our group went for a morning scuba dive, and some of us decided to meet them afterwards for lunch in Cabo San Lucas followed by a little shopping. We drove down to meet them, seeing some of the country side and the town itself. We got a bit lost, and ended up driving through the town. It's odd to think that the town, not even 25 years ago, was little more than a fishing village. It's far from that now. Plus, it was a good detour, since I saw one of the places I wanted to go. The famed Cabo Wabo! We never did get a chance to go, but I was happy to see it at least. It looked cool. I didn't get to bring back any of the famed tequila, but luckily there are places around us that sell it. We did finally meet our friends and had a great lunch on the beach, looking out at the bay and the boats and everyone having fun. We did go for some shopping, which was not as fun as it seemed. The downtown area was hot and muggy, and if you take away the Spanish language signs, a lot like downtown Hollywood with the tourist traps. I did manage to pick up some items for my family, two shot glasses for my bar and a second bottle of tequila, this one also one you can only get in Mexico. The bottle is shaped like a man with a mustache wearing a sombrero. My lady picked it out. I can't wait to try it! After that, some of the group went snorkeling, and the rest of us wandered back to the house for some much needed pool time.

That evening, as a group we went out for our last dinner together. We went to San Jose del Cabo to a restaurant called Tequila. The ambiance was great, the food even better, and the company the best. We all ate well, I even tried octopus, and had delicious drinks. Yes, I stuck with the drink of the weekend, and had margaritas again. I may be getting addicted to them! After we were all satiated, we wandered out into the town, and walked through a town square. There, in a lighted gazebo, we took a great group picture to commemorate the trip. After that, we went back to the house, some of us crashing and some staying up chatting, trying to put off the inevitable which was the last day, Monday.

But it came, and no one was ready for it. After waking earlier than any other day, to squeeze the last few moments out, we all kind of just hung out. We ate a bit and socialized. Some of us were on an earlier flight, and had to leave the house by 11:30. As the time drew near, we prepped while everyone else relaxed and planned out their extra few hours. We said our goodbyes and took one last group photo in front of the house for posterity. Then, we were off to the airport. The four of us that left early began the exodus to the real world. The car was returned, we went through the airport check in, and then waited. I did buy one other bottle of alcohol. This is called Damiana, which when mixed with a few other items, makes a great margarita without using the mix. Plus, you can't get it in the States, but I have some now! Plus I did pick up one other kind of tequila when we returned that I tried there. It seems as though I've become a bit of a connoisseur of tequila.

After all was said and done, it was one of the best vacations I have ever had. I had a great time, the location was wonderful, the people were some of the best I have ever been around, and the experience is something I will never forget. I wish that I could have expressed how I felt and what I experienced far more eloquently than I have here, but all of it is so fresh, I had to get it out quickly. Perhaps after I have mulled it over more, and really soaked everything in, I can describe it in a more proper way that the entire trip deserves. As for now, I hope you enjoy the quick version. You know, sometimes I feel truly lucky and blessed that my life has led me so far to experiences like this. I only wish it was longer and I was still there to experience even more. There was so much more I would have liked to have seen and done. Perhaps, someday soon....