"Dia de Muertos" Day of the Death in Mexico

I know that when my loved ones make an "altar" for me, it will be one full of flowers, my favorite ones, the Sunflower, but also the traditional ones, the Cempazuchitl Flower. On the "Dia de Los Muertos" they will make an Altar with my picture, my favorite things, they sure will bring cats, in any form or representation, there will be chocolate, pinole, atole de grano and strawberry with cream. Maybe some fruit like guanavanas, juaquiniquiles, changungas and and of course my favorite drink, Mezcal. They will also play music!! Luis Miguel, some Bosanova, Jenni and the Mexicats and Vanessa Paradis. Hope I have opportunity to be a writer, so in the altar there will be one of my books and maybe a little treasure that belonged to me. 

That is what we do in "Dia de Muertos" we remember and honor the dead ones, the ones we admired, we loved and have passed away. It takes place on November the first and the second. Families all over Mexico make an Altar at their homes, their offices, even in public spaces... and it is a tradition to do all together, family and friends reunited, sometimes with humor and always with joy. Also they bring flowers and "Ofrendas" to the cementery, a place that during this night, instead of being a dark and lonely place, turns into a sanctuary full of candles, people and magic.

The best and richest representation of this tradition takes place in the state of Michoacán. All over the state you will see all the altars, all the colors and smells. One of the main cities of Michoacán is Patzcuaro. And in Patzcuaro there is the famous lake called "Lago de Pátzcuaro" that has an island called Janitzio. People get together all around the lake, the island and the town and all night you will be surrounded by the lights of the candles, by the energy and feeling of the people, the living and not living ones, you are in that place and moment that the spirits are called and invited to visit their last home. Is in my personal experience one of the most fantastic moments of my life.

Dia de Muertos at Patzcuaro

Go ahead and make an Altar if you wish to honor and remember someone cherished in this day, these are the ten elements you need to have a good altar or ofrenda:
1. Candles - Represent religion
2. Picture of the person - So everyone knows who is the altar for.
3. Flowers, use Cempazuchitl, and if you do not find it at your home, just any yellow, orange flower will do.
4. Salt - Symbol of purification.
5. Incience - Symbol of purification and a way to attract the spirits.
6. Paper (Papel de China) - Thin paper colorful and decorated.
7. Sugar or Chocolate Sculls (Calaveras) - Like a joke to the death.
8. Sweet Bread (Pan de Muerto) - Traditional delicious bread made with flour, eggs, sugar, butter, orange peels anise and yeast.
9. Food and Drinks - The ones your honored person used to like or love.
10. Other - Any object that will evoke the likes, the life and the essence of the honored one.

There has been always a wonder, a mystery about the after-life. No matter which side of the world, or religion we have. The Egyptians made massive tombs to their kings, made boats to help the deceased ones passed to the other life, there is one thing that is sure, after 5000 thousand years we are still talking about Egypt about Tutankhamen and all of their gods.

At the end of our lives, we may or may not have a future life, a continuation of our souls... some say we end right there, some others believe in reincarnation, maybe we will live in our happy place forever!! But all that is just nothing to be sure of, meanwhile let's live our only reality.  

It is in our closed ones that we continue to live, in their hearts and memories, it is how we make people around us feel that survives. It is the good we did to this world that will make us immortals.

Cempazuchitl flower

If you live in Cabo, remember there is a great altar exposition and contest at Puerto Paraiso Mall. Sunday November 2nd from 6 to 10pm. Don't miss it!!! Link Altar de Muertos Puerto Paraiso

Be, live, love. #CaboforLife

10 Things to do when visiting Cabo

Yes, you should really consider coming to Cabo ASAP!! The town is getting renovated and many places have offered the lucky ones that are here some really cool opportunities!

Here is the list of things I would recommend to do if you visit Cabo any day soon:

1. Get the best activities reservation, at super discounts. My favorite place is Cabo Adventures, and yes they are open!
2. Enjoy a 50% discount at Arts & Sushi Restaurant by the Marina. They offer this discount during the month of October, and you should try the Tuna Tostada, mmmm!! Deliciosas! Or go to Ladies Night at Capitan Tony's by the Marina as well... they have amazing life music at night.

3. Get a super discount on Golf such as Questro Golf Courses!! Just bring a donation such as clothes, food or money to support the people affected by Odile Hurricane.
4. Go to the Beach and enjoy the view, the people, the music and some margaritas. Of course, the biggest tradition is Mango Deck and they also have discounts and happy hours!
5. Have the best Pescado Zarandeado, ceviche, or any kind of seafood at Mariscos Mazatlán, a restaurant full of life, locals and great service.
6. Have a delicious dessert at Señor Sweets!!! I always order the Lemon Pie Gelato or the Special Cinnamon Roll with chocolate and cream cheese... they are to die for!! well I sometimes order both of them jaja!! And they have discounts during October too!

John Travolta at Señor Sweets

7. Come and enjoy the ambiance at the marina for the RICHIEST FISHING TOURNAMENT IN THE WORLD!! The World's famous, Bisbee's Black and Blue Tournament. So much activity and excitement at the marina for 4 consecutive days!! From October 21st - 25th 2014
8. Do shopping!! Prices are as low as they could ever be!
9. Get involved in one charity or organization, you will sure feel useful and could make a difference in someone's life! My suggestions are:
Amigos de Los Niños, For the last 22 years they have been helping the Children of Cabo with their health, the most important thing!
ModuVated Getting to the poorest families of Cabo, giving food and water. Many projects are coming, mostly focusing on the Children, giving them an inspiration to be better every day.
Feeding the FireFighters Feeding every Saturday all the Heroes of Cabo
Humane Society - Shelter Yes furry friends also need your help, take doggies for a walk or pet the kitties.
10. And of course, get advantage of all the free things Cabo will offer you, such as the beach, sunsets, sunrises, smiles from all the people and the best weather ever!

Grab a beer and toast for Cabo, because it is just getting better and better, newer and stronger than ever!

#CaboStrong
#CaboforLife

HOTELS IN CABO

According to Hotels Association of Cabo, this is the Calendar of the RE-Opening of Hotels in Cabo.

OPEN HOTEL
         Bahía Hotel And Beach Club
         Best Western Aeropuerto
         Hotel Suites Las Palmas
         Holiday Inn Express Los Cabos
         Quinta del Sol
         Cabo Villas Beach Resort & Spa

OCTOBER
1st     Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos Resort
1st     Villa del Arco Beach Resort & Spa
1st     Villa del Palmar Beach Resort & Spa
1st     Villa La Estancia Beach Resort & Spa
1st     Wyndham Cabo San Lucas
6th     Pueblo Bonito Rosé Resort & Spa
8th     Casa Dorada At Medano Beach
8th     Pueblo Bonito Pacífica Holistic Retreat & Spa
9th     Riu Palace Los Cabos
11th   Grand Solmar Land's End Resort & Spa
11th   Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa
11th   Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa
11th   Playa Grande Resort & Spa
11th   The Ridge At Playa Grande
11th   Solmar Resort
12th   Los Cabos Golf Resort At Country Club
13th   Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa
15th   Hacienda Beach Club And Residences
15th   Tropicana Inn
16th   Posada Real Los Cabos
16th   Riu Santa Fe

NOVEMBER
1st      Bel Air Collection Resort & Spa Los Cabos
1st      Sandos Finisterra
1st      Royal Solaris Los Cabos
3rd     Barcelo Grand Faro Los Cabos
5th     Marbella Suites
15th   Esperanza An Auberge Resort
15th   Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos
15th   Secrets Marquis Los Cabos
15th   Secrets Puerto Los Cabos
20th   Decameron All Inclusive Resort

DECEMBER
1st     Holiday Inn Resort Los Cabos
15th  One & Only Palmilla

JANUARY
          Sirena del Mar Welk Resorts
          Melia Cabo Real All Inclusive Beach
          Cabo Azul Resort & Spa

FEBRUARY
          Me by Meliá Cabo

JULY
         Hyatt Place Los Cabos

Come and enjoy Cabo #CaboforLife

Tomorrow?

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15th. 2014 - Cabo San Lucas

My Agenda

7:00 am Jogging, Meditation at the beach.

8:00 am Call the Honda Dealer to check they have received my car from the Gruas Gustavo (minor damage after hitting a sidewalk)

8:30 am Find a neighbor or someone that could give me a right to Ventanas

9:00 am Get to the Office, talk to my boss about 2 offers of 2 different properties.

10:00 am Phone calls

12:00 pm Tour with client interested in Cabo del Mar properties

Rest of the day: Computer work 

6:00 pm Get my face products at Spa Cielo

7:00 pm Independence Day Mexican Party with friends, Fiesta!!

This was my plans for the day, I had so many important things to do, people to talk to, etc. In real life, this is what I did

Ocean moments before hurricane, Land's End in the back

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15th. 2014 - Cabo San Lucas

Real life after Hurricane Odile hit Cabo

6:00 am Open door of bathroom where we were guarded for about 7 hours, to discover the damage of hurricane Odile in my friend's Home. 

7:00 am Cleaning Home, broken glass, sand, tree's leaves. Helping the neighbors. Cleaning street. Windows of cars broken, bags and bags of debris taken to the garbage container.

8:00 am Trying to communicate, to make phone calls. Realizing we were totally incommunicado!

9:00 am Taking a drive outside to the streets of Cabo, get to my other friend's home and discover Cabo was devastated by the Hurricane.

Rest of the day: Cleaning glass, drying wet clothes, accepting things and news as they were coming, living the present, not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow.

After days of not having power, water, not being able to communicate with your loved ones, people in Cabo are now getting all the services. There is soooo much people in need but government and donations have helped a lot. 

We have all learned to talk to other human beings without a cell phone, we have appreciated now more than ever a glass of water, a shower a cold beer. But most importantly we have been able to experience the moment, the now! Nobody, during the strong wind of the hurricane was taking a selfie, or checking facebook or playing candy crush.

Please be here, be now! Love your life, be thankful. Do not hold your life in the tomorrow, in your agenda and your plans of the future, they may just disappear from one day to the other.

Live, Love Cabo, CaboforLife

Cabo's facts after Odile

On September 13, 2014, it appeared as if Hurricane Odile would miss Los Cabos and we would experience only some wind and rain overnight.  However, at the last minute the storm veered to the East and the night of September 14, Hurricane Odile hit a largely unprepared Cabo San Lucas directly as a powerful Category 3 Hurricane, the strongest hurricane ever to make landfall in the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.

Hurricane Odile hit with sustained winds of up to 125 mph, causing major damage to the city, the resorts, and the infrastructure of the entire state of Baja California Sur.  An estimated 92% of the State's population was left without power or water, and most of Los Cabos is still without.  30,000 tourists were in the Baja during the storm, and airlift is still ongoing.  All remaining tourists are reportedly well with food and water.

Recovery in a Nutshell...

According to official estimates:

Los Cabos Int'l Airport (SJD) Reopen:  October 4th
Cabo San Lucas Airport (CSL) Reopen:  October 10*
Power Restored:  45%
Water Restored:  Monday or Tuesday (Already Mostly Restored)
Phone Restored:  Completed
Internet Restored:  Completed
Garbage Pick-Up:  Resumed
Most Hotels Reopening:  October 1 through October 15
Bisbee's Fishing Tournament:  On as Scheduled for October 17

* The CSL Airport reports on their Facebook page that they have been operating normally (days only) since September 17.

"The Local Take"

"GOOD NEWS things are coming back together faster than we ever thought possible. A few neighborhoods have power, gas stations are open and without queues. Banks will open Monday. The army are doing a sensational job of cleaning up and getting food and water to people in need, though not all areas have been taken care of yet. Community kitchens have opened up in several areas". - Pisces Sportfishing 9/20/14

Evacuation Update

Within 36 hours of the storm, the Los Cabos Airport was back in operation for non-commercial flights.  The military, later joined by commercial airlines from the USA, Canada and Mexico, began evacuating the remaining tourists on Tuesday, September 16.  All tourists that want to be evacuated are now on their way home.  Some (bless their hearts) are staying behind to help and show support.

Tuesday Sept. 16:  5,000
Wednesday Sept. 17: 6,000
Thursday, Sept. 18: 8,000
Friday, Sept. 19: 8,000
Saturday, Sept. 20: The Remainder

Airport Update

The Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) did not suffer any infrastructure damage, but there was damage to the terminals and to the control tower.  The airport was open for about a week for humanitarian flights, but now closed again to focus on repair.  It is projected to open again for normal traffic by approximately October 4th, 2014.  The smaller Cabo San Lucas Airport did not suffer damage to the runways and has been operating normally since September 17, but days only at this time.

Utility Update

Nearly 1,000 workers are working feverishly to restore power and water to the Los Cabos area.  At this time, 85% of the power in Northern Baja California Sur has been restored, and about 80% of the power in La Paz.  The power in Los Cabos is more challenging as about 800 power poles need to be reset.  Early estimates of 2-3 weeks seem to have been overstated, as power has already been restored to 45% of Los Cabos.

Telmex has restored telecommunications (telephone, internet) to 100% of the area and no more lines at the gas stations.

Some water has been restored to Cabo - about 40% of normal capacity.  They are testing the desalination plant and expect full water recovery this week.  A very welcome thing indeed.

Security Update

After a couple of days of much publicized looting of stores, official sources and reports from the ground agree that things are now under control and the over 1000 military units are now keeping the peace.  The government says that rumors of a jailbreak were not true.

Business Update

Baja Cantina Marina, Mango Cantina, La Davina and Cabo Cantina are open for business with food and cold drinks available.  Reports are that Solomon's Landing, Mango Deck, Cabo Blue and Captain Tony's will be reopen again probably tomorrow.  Many other restuarants will remain closed until the tourists return since all of their clientele was tourists. Beach vendors have been being spotted again.

6 bank branches have reopened, and 3 ATMs.  Several gas stations are open, and 6 of the area's 19 grocery and department stores have reopened, including Wal-Mart.  Some Cabo San Lucas fishing charters are reporting they are ready to go fishing.

The East Cape area was largely unaffected and those businesses are running as normal.  La Paz is also largely back to normal operations.

Humanitarian Update

Hundreds of tons of food and water have arrived to the area by land and sea and are being distributed to those in need.  The Mexican Red Cross is leading the efforts together with the military and collection stations have been set up throughout Mexico for goods.  However there are thousands of homeless people in the colonies after the storm, and so many more who have lost so much that it will take much time to rebuild their lives.

The local relief organizations are badly in need of funds to assist the families they represent.  You can make a donation directly to the Mexican Red Cross through their website or by using a registered US based foundation such as the International Community Foundation who works together with the local relief agencies in Baja California Sur.

International Community Foundation - $21,295.00 in 5 Days
Sarahuaro Community - $19.635.00 in 5 Days
Bisbee's Hurricane Relief - $40,000.00 in 4 Days + $250k from Bisbees

There are many other unofficial organizations collecting funds as well, which is great.  But we recommend officially recognized organizations.

How Else You Can Help

While the tourist infrastructure may be up and going strong by October, the humanitarian needs of the local people will be high for much longer.  The needs of the local people are great, and without income it will be very difficult for them to recover.

As soon as Cabo is ready to welcome you again, there is perhaps no better way to contribute to the recovery than with your tourist dollars.  Every margarita you drink or taco you eat gives a hotel or restaurant worker a job, who then uses that money to buy things at the store, giving the store employee a job and money to spend to buy things at another store, and so on.  The impact is felt through this small community in so many ways.  Cabo needs you, especially in this already low season.  We hope to see you in October when the resorts and town are ready to host you.

Hotel Damage & Reopening Updates

Many hotels in Cabo fared pretty well during the storm, reporting only minor damage.  However, they still have some clean-up to do which will keep most resorts closed until about October 1st.  By this time many resorts predict that they will open, and many more by October 15.  A few were heavily damaged and will remain closed until October 31 or longer.  Here is a list of the official estimates we have received so far:

Bahia Hotel - Only minimal damage.  October 30 "or sooner".

Barcelo Grand Faro - Still Assessing. Tentatively September 22

Cabo Azul - December

Cabo Pulmo Resort - Minimal damage. Operational.

Cabo Villas - Minimal damage.  September 27

Capella Pedral - October 1

Casa Dorada - October 9

Club Cascadas - October 15

Club Regina - October 31

Dreams Los Cabos - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.

East Cape Resorts - Very minor damage, fully operational. Out fishing.

East Cape RV - Only three trees down and no major damage to trailers or palap
as, and no damage to boats.

Esperanza - October 13

Fiesta Americana Los Cabos - November 15 for a big group, then November 23 for individual reservations.

Finisterra - Tentative date of October 1.

Grand Mayan Los Cabos - Significant damage, including windows blown out. Closed for approximately 2 months.

Grand Solmar - October 22

Hacienda Beach Club - October 15

Hacienda del Mar - October 31

Hacienda Encantada - October 15

Hilton Los Cabos - Still Assessing. Significant damage.

Holiday Inn - "At Least November 1"

Hotel Los Pescadores - Closed for a week or so for personal reasons and waiting for airport to open.

Hyatt Place - October 17

Hyatt Ziva - October 17

Las Ventanas - Assessing damage. Will update on Sept 22.

Los Barrilles - Very minor damage. Fully operational.

Los Cabos Golf Resort - No serious damage, just cosmetic. Closed for 2 weeks for clean-up.

Marina Fiesta - October 15

ME Cabo - October 16

Melia Real - October 15

One & Only Palmilla - October 15

Playa Grande - October 22

Pueblo Bonito Los Cabos - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Montecristo Estates - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Rose - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach - No structural damage, just cleanup. October 1

Quinta del Sol - October 22

Rancho Leonoro - Minimal damage. Fully operational. Out fishing.

Riu Palace - Unofficially saying they expect to be open in 2 weeks. No official word yet.

Riu Santa Fe - Significant damage. No assessment yet.

Royal Decameron - October 17

Royal Solaris - October 10

Secrets Marquis - Sustained cosmetic damages and substantial debris, yet no serious structural damages. October 15.

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.

Sheraton - Significant damage. Closed until "at least" October 31.

Solmar - October 22

Villa del Arco - Minimal damage. October 1

Villa del Palmar - Minimal damage. October 1

Villa La Estancia - Minimal damage. October 1

Westin - Significant damage. Windows blew out. Closed until "at least" October 31.

Worldmark Coral Baja - January 31

Wyndham - "Unaffected". Just basic clean-up to do of pools and grounds. October 1.

Zoetry - Cosmetic damage and debris, no structural damage. October 15.

Recommendations

Currently, Cabo is not ready for touristic arrivals.  There is a lot of work to do.  If you have vacation plans during this next week or so, you will want to contact your hotel and airline and change your dates to at least October and at least until after the power has been restored for several days.  In October, there will still be work going on in Cabo, but as long as your resort is open for business, there will still be plenty to enjoy.  The tourist infrastructure always comes back quicker than the local areas, and Mexico is one of the world's best at this.  You will truly be surprised to see how quickly Cabo is restored, given the severity of the hit.

The beaches, the sunshine, the pool, the food, and the margaritas will all be here.  The marina is reportedly without structural damage and most boats were unharmed.

Chiles en Nogada - VIVA MEXICO

No dish on earth screams MEXICO like this one, Chiles en Nogada is one of the most Mexican dish and it is considered a real treasure in the culinary art of our country, they are not easy to prepare, and its ingredients are most likely to be found during the month of September.

Chiles en Nogada

Chiles en Nogada is the traditional dish during the Independence party, on September the 16th. The reason why this is sooo Mexican is, first of all because the protagonist of this recipe is the Chile, of course! and second, it is the colors on our flag represented in this amazing colorful and festivity plate and third, maybe the most important one, is the historic facts about it.

This green, white and red combination of salty and sweet flavors was cooked by the Agustins Nuns to honor Agustín de Iturbide for having successfully signed the Independence of Mexico. They wanted to be creative, they knew they were witnesses of a very important moment of the History, and they became part of it by inventing this so representative, so rich and yes, a little bit complicated dish.

Chile Poblano, is a mild chili pepper originated from the State of Puebla. Nogada is after the word "Nogal" the tree of the walnuts, basically the sauce is made with walnuts, an elegant and velvety cream that is place on top of the Chile.

Before you get in action, please remember this is a very elaborate dish, this is our ancient Mexican way of cooking, and that means a very large kitchen, with several women, all cooking, many hours there, talking, bonding and enjoying the process. So if possible try to enjoy the process of cooking Chiles en Nogada with friends and family. If not, start with making the Nogada a night before, that will make things easier on the day of cooking.

This is my family recipe, as I do not like to eat meat they are meatless, but I can tell you it has been proved and approved by my friends. Try them, your guests will be delighted and your table will look as colorful as Mexico!

Ingredients

Serves 12

• 12 Big Poblano Chile. 
• 12 Toothpicks

For the Filling:

• 2 cups of previously cooked of veggie meat, such as Textured Soy or Seitan (If you go for the meat version, just use ground pork and or beef)
• 2 garlics finely chopped
• 1/2 large onion, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp. canola oil
• 2 tpsp. finely chopped parsley
• 2 plum tomatoes, cored, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. raisins
• 2 tbsp. finely chopped blanched almonds
• 1 Granny Smith apple peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 1 Pear, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 1 Peach, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 1/2 Ripe plantain or if not, !/2 banana.
• 1/2 tbsp of cinnamon powder
• 2 leaves of bay
• 2 cloves

Peeling the Walnuts

For the Walnut sauce:

• 2 cups of milk
• 2 cup of walnuts, peeled and chopped*
• 1 cup of Queso Fresco (rich, fresh cheese)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 tpsp. of sugar
• Salt and white pepper to season

Plating:

• 2 cups of Pomegranate grains
• 1 cup of chopped parsley

Instructions

Make the filling: Heat a saucepan with the oil, add the chopped onion and garlic, cook until soft. Add parsley and tomatoes, cook until tomatoes break down, about 5 minutes. Add the previously cooked and drained soy or seitan, also add the leaves of bay, the clove and the cinnamon powder. Keep stirring and then add the raisins, almonds, apple, pear, peach and plantain, cook stirring occasionally until fruit is cooked through and mixture is thick, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and season with salt. Set aside. 

Make the walnut sauce: Place walnuts in a saucepan, and cover with water; bring to a boil, and cook for 5 minutes. Drain and use a kitchen brush to peel away most of the skin from walnuts. This is very important as leaving the peel will make your sauce taste sour. Cover the peeled walnuts with the milk for 6 hours or over night. Next, transfer walnuts with some of the milk to a blender, along with queso fresco, cinnamon and sugar, purée until very smooth and thick, at least 2 minutes. You can add more milk but make sure the mix is not too liquid, has to have a creamy consistence. Season with salt and transfer to a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using it.

For the Chiles: Heat broiler to high. Place poblano chiles on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil, turning until blackened all over, about 20 minutes. Transfer chiles to a bowl and let cool. Peel and discard skins and seeds, then make a small cut along each chile, just an inch, try to keep  the chiles form is intact. Remove the bay and clove from the filling and prepare to fill the Chiles. Place 2-3 tbsp filling inside each chile, and close. You can use a toothpick to keep it closed, just tell the guests to take it away from their plate.

For plating: place each Chile on a plate, cover with the Nogada Sauce, and top it with Pomegranate and the chopped parsley. This plate is served at room temperature, the nogada will always be kind of cool, so the Chile can be warm to serve.

Enjoy!! #CaboforLife

"I live here"

Do not ask why but lately I have enjoyed the night life of Cabo, places like Nowhere, Mandala, Cabo Wabo and even Squid Roe are seeing more of my beautiful face this summer.

And the first question a guy comes and ask me or any of my friends is:

"Where are you coming from?"

And of course I get to say "I live here" and the look of their face! is like almost saying "what a lucky girl you are!"

Well this time I am going to ask all of my kind people that have the privilege of living in Cabo to be grateful, because we are very, very lucky. Just a little reminder of what we the "Choyeros" should be thankful of:

• Beautiful 77°F beaches to swim at.
• Being able to watch both, Sunrise and sunset from the ocean, depends if you are in San José or in San Lucas. 
• Watching moon reflection on the sea.
• Amazing and fresh seafood available 360 days of the year.
• The best weather, except of course for the warmth of July, August and September.
• The greatest and finest restaurants to enjoy good wine and excellent cuisine, or just being able to make a picnic at the beach, your bottle of wine, bread and cheese, will make just the perfect date.
• Dunes of the desert to enjoy ATV'S activities, or amazing photo shooting.
• Having oasis in the desert such as Sierra de La Laguna, Todos Santos, Miraflores, and many magic places that display animal life, plants and water at its primmest.

Sierra de La Laguna, B.C.S

• Being able to witness a whale jumping in the ocean, during a Whale Wathching tour.
• Fabulous farmers market to buy the organic vegetables grown in the area, and fantastic food or treats cooked by locals hands.
• Living in one of the safest places of the world.

Just to mention a few... so if you do not live here, come! This is your moment, and if you live here, take 2 minutes to say "Gracias", and continue with the amazing life, maybe go and have a beer by the nearest beach... just because "YOU LIVE HERE!"

Love Cabo, Save Cabo #CaboforLife.

There is a real endangerment in Cabo, please be informed about the Toxic Mining wanting to invade our only source of water. For further info go here SOS CABO or Like in Facebook BAJA SUR VIVA.

Thank you,

Vanessa Castillo

SOS - WE WILL DEFEND OUR LIFE, OUR WATER

Yes, we will stand up for our water. All of us, locals and tourists are committing ourselves to make loud and clear our position: we do not want Toxic Mining in our Estate. 

Salinas Pliego, owner of Grupo Mexico and TV AZTECA is the one trying to do mining here in Baja, but is not the mining that is the problem, is the way to extract the gold, using CYANIDE, and ARSENIC, both very dangerous and devastating. And if it could get any worst is also, the place where they intent to do it, La Sierra de La Laguna.

We are talking about Sierra de La Laguna, the ONLY source of water for Cabo, La Paz and Todos Santos, not only that but is has been named a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. This is our oasis in the dessert, it is the home of many endemic species and it is the place where dessert meets the green and tall pine trees. 

S.O.S. is for Sociedad Organizada Sudcaliforniana (Organized Sudcalifornians Organization). Everyone in the Touristic Sector of Baja, stablished in the State decades ago, is getting organized to manifest the support to work towards making Cabo a World Touristic Destination. Tourism is the main source of employment and it should remain like that.

S.O.S. is showing all the risks and making sure that the Government understand why this is not at all beneficial to our area, so that this ends now and for good. No more companies trying to explode in a very toxic manner our land, leaving nothing but devastation and pollution behind. 

Be ready!! bring all your family, your friends, coworkers... this is going to be big and very important to help all the other actions taking place in order to defend our water. Bring a hat, be on time and in a GREEN dress code, and bring your water.

Please FOLLOW Baja Sur Viva in Facebook and keep your self informed. This is happening thanks to all of us. 

Thank you Baja Sur Viva for all the info provided to do this article, forgive my English, hope it has been well translated, at least the main message 

 #CaboforLife 

Non Profit in Cabo

And what to do while you are in Cabo? Believe me, you will not get bored, with all the activities, the ocean, the desert, the small beautiful towns and the flora and fauna around there are literally, infinite options. But today I would like to share with you all philanthropist souls about the volunteering you can do while in Cabo.

Let's start with the Children, yes, there are many ways to help them. And if there is a way to make a difference in this planet is to give the future generations opportunities, for a better life, a better education. And what are we if we do not have HEALTH? If you would like to help low resources children of Cabo with their health, then Amigos De Los Niños is the one you want to learn about. They have been improving health of kids since 1992. They provide quality health care, for treating cancer, open heart surgeries, hearing, sight and dental clinics.
Also for Children's health there is the famous Liga Mac that helps Children with basic needs, educational and medical assitance.
Or Red Autismo, that helps Children on this disorder to improve their quality of life as well as their families.

Moving on different kind of beneficiaries, are of course the doggies and kitties!! So much to do for the dogs and cats living out in the street. Los Cabos Humane Society is really making a difference for all those animals with no home to go back to, no family to love and received love from. They do spay/neuter clinics all over Cabo, they are free and have been very successful thanks to the media and the locals support. You can help a lot just by taking the dogs on a walk or petting the cats that are there waiting for their new home.

One of my favorite activities is to actually do something for the planet, and I separate my plastic, glass and paper out of the everyday disposal so it can be recycled. The Foundation is called Yo Reciclo, and they recollect all the recycling material you bring them every month. Wish they could expand and do this in a standard basics all over Cabo, in every development, every block of Cabo. This is so important for our environment, sounds like a dream, but I know it will happen soon.

Anyway, hope this gave you some idea of the nice things you could do for the community, for this amazing land of opportunities, this beautiful touristic place that has gave hundreds of thousands of people memories for a life time. Let's give something back lets be grateful with Cabo.

Final note, please be informed about a real hazard we are facing in the area: Toxic Mining in The Baja ...keep tuned for future updates.

Love Cabo, live Cabo, protect Cabo, Cabo For Life!

Fire Works

Last night I witnessed a display of Fireworks that I was really impressed and grateful to watch. They were so close to my terrace!! it was just the perfect frame. And no, sorry I could not take any picture, I did not wanted to miss any second to go and get the cell phone. They will stay in my memory. I was impressed, wonder... I had that "wow" expression in my face that I am sure my parents saw in me many times when I was a child.

That had me thinking about capacity of wonder... have you seen the sky today? When was the last time you smiled and said wow to something? Have you let yourself wonder after a song, a child, a piece of art, a sunset, or a video of a kitty playing ping pong?

Why is it that the older we get the less we get impressed, the less we let ourselves be surprised and be thankful of all those small things? I guess we are always in the pursue of the best, the most, the biggest, the one and only... and then it just gets like an addiction; once you have the best one, there will be another one that it is even better. And life passes by, and you are missing all the fun and the presents of THE PRESENT. We are in that race and never look around in the path; once you get to your destination, to your goal, what will you tell? which stories and adventures you want to share? oh! you missed that beautiful full moon because you were watching tv?, You thought you were not going to be amazed by the flight of the hummingbird and you decided to check your smartphone to see your inbox?

Yes, just a picture from Internet, remember I did not
get my cell phone for the last night display of Fireworks

This is just a little invitation to let yourself be wondered! Let yourself be surprised by the colors, the taste and the simple things, all those things that money can not buy, well yes, they must have payed a small fortune to enlighten our night...  (The reason why I enjoyed those fireworks is because there was a wedding in the restaurant in front of my building), but I was fortunate enough that I could watch them for free. So take the free coupons life has offered you everyday and really, really enjoy them! Smell, touch, observe and then come back with some reaction, do not hold it, do not act as if that smile did not move something inside you... smile back!

It does not matter if you have seen International Contests of Fireworks, you still can be amazed by the color and lights on the sky. All those colors were to express celebration and joy, well guess what? we all have something to celebrate: LIFE!

I remember the time I did my internship in this hotel in the middle of nowhere, near Costa Alegre Jalisco, this place was so simple, so far away from luxe and glory. They did not offer electricity, air conditioned, internet, business center or TV! It was only the beach, the lagoon, the rooms, the candles... no fashion, no pretentious dishes, just honest food. The owner told me that that kind of places are really appreciated when people have seen all the gold, the best of the best and the luxury... then, only then, they learn to value the simplicity and the magic of coming back to basics.

So lets safe some time and pennies, you do not need to go and reserve couple of nights in the most expensive hotel of Dubai to understand the beauty of that tree standing right in your front yard, enjoy everything today, not tomorrow! Make yourself and those around you a favor and be there, be in the only thing that is real, the present.

San Lucas or San Jose

San Lucas or San Jose

Before writing about the differences between San Lucas or San José, just let me remind you that the distances between these two places is only 12 miles. So there, do not stress out about where to stay, where to live or invest... We are just divided by this gorgeous Touristic Corridor.

Yes there are particularities about each town but that is the magic! They both make "Los Cabos", so we are one!

What would you do without the Organic Market of San José or without the Arch that is located in San Lucas?

I have always lived in San Lucas and I love all the action and attractions. The Land's End is here along with the rocks, the arch, the mountains. San Lucas is the one surrounded by the two oceans, Mar de Cortés and Oceáno Pacífico... If you want to admire the sun disappearing into the ocean you need to by by the Pacific side.

Land's End Loving Couple

The beach in Cabo San Lucas is something you can not miss. Medano Beach is everybody's favorite. The World Famous mango Deck is the place where Shrimp Ceviche (Ceviche de Camarón) can turn into a very interesting experience. Instead of a jazz singer or some mariachi giving a show, the entertainment comes from your fellow tourists, which of course are mostly drunk people having fun under the sun! However it is not only party and cerveza on Medano Beach, you can also enjoy very good Restaurants. And places to eat by the Marina, lots to explore! Downtown also have places with amazing cuisine, ambiance, views and open for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

At night of course, if you like to party, get ready for sunrise! An infinite number of bars open their doors for you, offering the traditional mexican beers, then Cabo Wabo with its life music, Mandala, Squid Roe... until they close at dawn. What to do other than beach and party? You wont get bored, we have Costco, the Cultural Center, the big and beautiful Marina with its shopping center mall. There is something very powerful about living in this little peninsula, so close to Finisterra (Land's End). It is teh land of never getting bored!

Not to be outdone is the beautiful San José, the place where we have all enjoyed sun, culture, restaurants, concerts, etc. To begin with, The Art Walk is a fantastic afteroon of walking downtown and stopping in every little art gallery where they will offer you a glass of wine and most of the time the host of the gallery is the Artist himself! Artwalk takes place every Thursday.

The feeling of San José is that of authentic, colonial Mexico. Every walk is different and every discovery new. Checking ambiance and menus of the restaurants allows you to choose the one that is most appealing for you. I can recommend a few but I rather talk about them in general and let you explore, choose and decide your favorite one.

Also, the magic of Puerto Los Cabos, a whole area of San José now developing and turning into a very high-end place to live, with million dollars homes and amazing resorts recently opened. The Marina is full of pangas that can take you on a fishing trip for an amazing experience in the sea.

A bit closes to Downtown, by the Paseo Malecón, the Plaza El Pescador also recently opened. Here you will find many options of restaurants, boutiques, a book store, bars, nightclubs or even a play center for kids.

MARINA PUERTO LOS CABOS

In conclusion, whether you like beach clubs, ocean views, amazing resorts, fine or simple dining, night clubs, museums.... or you are on a honeymoon, spring break, with friends, with family and kids, even if you are planning to move to Cabo permanently you will sure enjoy both areas. Both San Lucas and San José will know exactly what to offer you and how to take care of you. Everyone in Los Cabos is keenly aware that tourism is our primary industry and we are always trying to improve, enhance, and provide extensive services and options for you.

Love Cabo, Cabo for Life