Return from Mexico

After 4 days and 3 nights of basking in Cabo San Lucas, we return (to 30 degree weather and an ice-storm)! The Melia Cabo Real, our all-inclusive resort, was a great bargain. The staff was friendly and sometimes overly attentive, shots of tequila would appear at our table without even asking and our glasses never stayed empty too long. Perhaps bc they knew we were on the search for the Chupacabra. Heard of the chupacabra? Check this out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chupacabra .

Our 2nd day at the resort we received a note under the door informing all hotel guests that the hotel would be under intense security for the next couple of days due to the stay of important Mexican & US personalities. Sure enough as we laid out by the pool that afternoon we were surrounded by Mexican Federal Policia who were guarding the beautifully landscaped resort grounds with AK-47s. And becasue we had an oceanview room, which was closest to the nicest rooms, our building was protected with snipers on the roof (who we soon made friends with). After making friends with the guards and some American agents, we found out that it was some immigration and drug enforcement conference at the resort. Higher ups from the Mexican government and perhaps the US Attorney General were meeting during our stay. Needless to say, security was TIGHT, the gates were guarded with Policia and you had to show your wristbands to enter. This aspect definitely made the trip quite interesting, we were known quite easily by the Mexican Policia who we befriended, and they knew we were looking for the chupacabra.

While we did spend much time by the pool and swim-up bar, we also went out on a party boat for snorkeling and whale watching, and a separate adventure of sea-kayaking. We saw gray and humpback whales within 10-20 feet of the boat. Some were with their babies, the whales journey down from AK and the Bering Sea to the warmer waters to breed and then return north this time of year. They were amazing! Since the babies cant stay under water as long as their mothers, we saw one who kept jumping for air. It was great. We also did some pretty cool snorkeling. The boat anchored down in a bay near some rocks and a small coral reef where we then had to jump into FREEZING cold water. I was the brave one who jumped first and although it was shockingly cold, I warmed up as I began to tread water. Swimming in the coral reef area, we saw all kinds of cool fish...brightly colored aquas, yellow and black striped, glowing orange and then at least 3-4 EELS. I had no idea what they were until Christina and Jen told me to swim away from them. Oops!

To wrap this up, Cabo was beautiful...it's where the desert and mountains meet the Sea of Cortez & the Pacific Ocean, and it's a beautiful landscape. However, it didnt really feel like we were in a foreign country, I'd prefer to call it CaliforiaMexico. It's definitely designed for tourists and the cheesy nightlife at the notorious CaboWabo and El Squid Roe were prime examples of tourist traps (especially for the middle-aged). But we still managed to have a great time wherever we went!