Memories!

The trip is over, but the memories will last a lifetime! Let's do it again, soon!

Take Me Away!

So, I am sooooooooooooooo excited. By this time next week our worries will be behind us and we will be enjoying our much deserved relaxation. At about this time next week, I believe we'll be trying to figure out "who dunnit".
By the way, did you ladies realize that the time change (no biggie to Ms. AZ) will take place next weekend? So, if you girls stay up until 2-3 am in Miami, as you did in Vegas, at least we'll get an extra hour to sleep in the morning.
Also, we'll be missing Election Day. So, if it is available to you, might I suggest that you go and do the early voting thing? I plan to on Monday or Tuesday. Must do our civic duty before the fun begins!!!
SKS

Oh yeah!

12 more days until we embark! Oh yeah!

Hey cruise sistah,

Cruise mothah and I looked at those excursions while I was at her house, and we decided to wait until we're on the ship to figure it all out. We might be able to cab cheaper. We'll see...

Did I mention 12 more days...that means 11 until we fly away!

3 WEEKS!

Royal Caribbean says only 21 more days until we sail.

That means on 20 days until we leave.

That means only 19 days until I need to make sure all the static is out of my rayon clothing.

That means only 18 days until I make a final packing list.

That means only 17 days until...

You know you need a vacation when...

You know you need a vacation when you're actively searching for this t-shirt because it fits your mood so well!

Do I Stink?

Last year I bought a tropical scented deodorant shortly before the cruise. I'm currently using something of the floral variety. I wonder...maybe I should go find that tropical stuff again. Kind of help get me in the mood! :)

It Shouldn't Be This Hard!

I need a slip and black shoes to go with the skirt I bought this summer. A black skirt that should pack nicely and is the only "dress" I'm bringing as I have a couple of shirts to dress it up with. So...I got a coupon in the mail from Penney's the other day. An additional 30% the sale price if I use my JCP card. I had to take C out to the west end for a party today so I stopped at JCP to pick them up. I didn't think it'd be busy because Kohl's is opening this weekend. But I guess people we're checking out both places because it was busy.

First stop, the slip. "Sorry, we don't carry slips in the store--only on line and in the catalog." GREAT. Then I was off to the shoe department. I couldn't get anyone to help me, but when I finally did I said, "I'm looking for a cute pump, low heal, wide width." "Sorry I have one pump, size 8. That's it." ARE YOU KIDDING ME????? Soooooo glad I didn't drive all the way to the west end for that loser of a trip.

I came home, went online and ordered 4 pair of shoes and one slip. I figured with 4 pair of shoes, one was bound to fit, and I'd return the other 3 to my local JCP so they could have 3 pairs of wide width shoes. Of course, I go through the whole ordering process only to be told that 2 of the shoes aren't available. Whatever. $55+ later I might have 2 pair of shoes and a slip coming to my house. Probably while I'm in AZ. They'll probably be stolen or rained on or something!!! :) One thing's for sure: if both pair of shoes fit, I'll probably keep them both!!!!

It really shouldn't be this hard!

Do You Feel Lucky???

So, as you both know, I loved, loved, loved Mamma Mia!!! It will be at our discount theater in the next week or two. Do you think we could be so lucky as to have them playing it on the ship during our cruise? Let's keep our fingers crossed. After all, there is a movie theater on our ship. So, let's hope we get lucky and are able to jam to Mamma Mia! together on the ship!!!
SKS

Bummer!

I was trying to "fix" the typing area of this blog the other day because I couldn't find the font choices and stuff. Well...in all my happy clicking, I reset the template and lost all the cool side-bar stuff! Oops! I did figure out the font thing later, and it had nothing to do with the reset, so basically I lost it all for nothing! On the other hand, the blog posts are still all there! I think this is a STRONG indication that I need a vacation--or two! And, with a little more than a month before we take this trip (and just a couple of weeks before I'm in sunny AZ), I'm not going to bother to put the cool bling, songs, and whatnot, back on the blog! SL

1-1-1

Check it out--one month, one week, one day. That's worth noting. And bet your bottom cruise dollar they'll be another one when it's ONE MONTH! SL

Huh?

Turns out Blackbeard's CASTLE--no castle. All that's left is a tower. But still worth seeing, they say! Go to www.tripadvisor.com and search by name. I'm finding out all kinds of stuff! SL

Question Ladies

Do you think we should book those shore excursions we were interested in in St. Marteen and St. Thomas or just plan on stading in line at the Shore Excursions desk when we get on the ship? Any thoughts? Personally, I'd like to book them. Let me know what you think. I can book them and you can pay me if you like. SL

They're HEEERRRREEEEE!!!

Great news on my mommy's birthday! Our cruise documents have arrived!!! They are here in all their glory and splendor. I've got luggage tags too. We'll divide them up in our swank Miami hotel. Can't wait, can't wait, can't wait!!!
SKS

San Juan--again

I found this on San Juan. I think we'll be okay to just walk around.

For most folks who either visit San Juan as a day-stop on a Caribbean itinerary or embark or disembark there, the island's biggest appeal is the old city. Cruise ships dock right in the heart of Old San Juan, which dates back to the 16th century. The old, walled city has been exquisitely preserved, and its sprawling forts, cobblestone streets, antique shops and art galleries make it an ideal first stop. Its mainstream attractions include the imposing El Morro fort, which dates back to 1539; the Cathedral of San Juan, where the island's first governor, Ponce de Leon, is buried; La Fortaleza, the oldest governor's mansion on U.S. soil; several colonial plazas; and the triumvirate of Calle del Cristo, Calle San Jose and Calle Fortaleza for shopping. Calle del Cristo, in particular, is chock-full of art galleries, artisan studios and distinctive boutiques.

San Juan

According to RCCL, they are only offering 2 excursions in San Juan. What's up with that? And one is horseback riding and one is a zip line thing. Not my cup of tea. And it also looks like we get there around 3pm and leave later that evening. Maybe we should look for a sunset cruise or something there. Or just stroll around by the ship. SL

Cabs

From what I've been able to figure out, it's about 10 miles from the airport to the pier. One web site I found said it's $24. The hotel is less than 3 miles from the airport, but we have shuttle to it. I say we CAB it to the pier and back to the airport after the trip. What do you say? SL

New Digs

This blog is BORING so here's a photo of our room!

2 Months!

TWO MONTHS!!!! How AWESOME!!!! Start making your packing list!

Bling

I do have 2 pair of BEAUTIFUL beer goggles! Should I see if I can round up a 3rd pair????

It's Official!!!

I am glad to inform you ladies that confirmation has come! We are paid and confirmed on the Freedom!!! Could I be any more excited??? Can't wait to cruise along with you. Does anyone have any bling? I know Sharmi has only two bracelets. I think we will definitely need more bling. I'll keep my eyes peeled (or splitted as Matthew said when he was about 4.)!
SKS

I'm IN

Okay ladies. I managed to log in and get all pre-checked in. It said I couldn't print out the set sail pass until you both register, but I did print it out. I'll double check it after you both get done! There is Mystery Dinner Theater while we're there in one of the nice restaurants. It's $50 but might be fun if we don't spend all our money in the casino. We should get on booking it though, as I think they only do it once. I haven't checked out shore excursions but will try to do that this weekend, before I have to go back to work full time Monday. Poor me! SL

Check us out!

How cool are we?? Balcony suite! We rock!

Out Of Our Hands

It's done!!! I mailed off the certificate today. It had to go Priority and should arrive by Monday. I have a tracker. I'll get online on Monday and print out the delivery notification. Our work there is done and now we just wait to find out WHERE we'll be sleeping. Yippee!!!
SKS

ME TOO!

I tried to add the beach puzzle but couldn't get it so I'll add that song instead!!! Good idea for a song! Any others???

3 months, 3 months, 3 months!!!

Wahoo!!! Three months from today we set sail. I am for ANY shore excursion you choose. Just get me on that ship and away from the real world. I know it's not a "cruisy" song, but going through my head right now is "I'm So Excited"!
SKS

Shore Excursions

I was just looking at shore excursions--since we are 3 months and 3 days away!!!--and I'm sad to say there are no cooking schools offered! There is a rum distillery, but that doesn't appeal to me nearly as much as the tequila factory did in Mexico. I think we'll end up probably wanting to do city tours. What do you think? Have you had time to look? I know, I'm hilarious!

WOW!

3 Months, 3 Weeks, and 3 Days

until we go.

That sounds so cool and calls for some sort of celebration.

Any ideas???

4 months!

Four months, sister!

Can you dig it?

Four months!!! WAHOO!

Something else

Something else cool about the music...if you click where it says "pop out" you can keep listening to the music on your computer even after you leave this site. Let the relaxing being!

It's added!

Okay, I've got that fun song on there too. Any more?

Check out the tunes!!

I've added music to this site. Turn up your computer to hear it. It's crusin' music. What other songs should I add to it???

This is what St. Thomas looks like!

This is what San Juan looks like!

This is what St. Maarten looks like!

Go Me, Go Me

I figured out how to drag the cool sparkly stuff to the top. I'm a freakin' blog hero!

Check it out...

Check out the sidebar. I've done some updating!

Airfare Cheer

I've got airfare, yes I do. I've got airfare, how about you!!


Now if we can get the ship we want. This is soooooooooooooooooooooo risky!!!

Check us out

Check out the sail boat. It's PAST 5 months and moving toward 4 months. Maybe we should get that airfare booked!

Check out the Bling

Look at the very bottom of this page. Cool, huh? I'm trying to figure out how to move it to the top of the page but so far, no luck. I've had enough fun with it for one night. Coming soon...tropically themed music when you're looking at the blog. But not tonight. Probably not until after B's graduation! Go ahead. Say it. I know. I'm awesome.

Not to worry.

Don't worry sisty. We'll just defect to the Caribbean! :)

Houston!!!

Houston--we have a problem.

Guess who has been summoned to jury duty?

YEP!! Me!

Guess when?

October 22, 2008 until December 5, 2008!!!

I could have sworn that when I filled out the paperwork they sent me a few months ago that it said I would be assigned a time before Oct. 22. So, I wasn't too worked up about it. Guess I'll have to call the clerk and put them on alert.

SISTER!!!!

Sister,

Did you notice the cool countdown I added??? That's what I wanted on the last trip but couldn't figure out. Now I've got it!!! Doesn't work on my apple computer at school but works at home. Hope it works on your computer! Let me know!!!!

The cruise after this one!

OH MY GOODNESS!!!

Have you seen this ship? This is the new Royal Caribbean Genesis. These are the "INSIDE" rooms. I want one of those! So let's go on this ship the next time--you know, the cruise after the next cruise!! :)

WOW!

Do you think that's real grass????

199 Days Until We Set Sail

Guess what??? Only 199 more days until our November 2 cruise!!! I say, when you're under 200 days, it's time to start counting!

The Choice is Made!

This is it so plan to join us:

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, leaving Miami, FL on November 2 for 7 nights.

The itinerary looks like this:

November 2: Depart Miami 4:30 PM
November 3: At sea
November 4: San Juan, Puerto Rico 3:00 PM-11:00 PM
November 5: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas 8:00 AM- 6:00 PM
November 6: Phillipsburg, St. Maarten 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
November 7: At sea
November 8: At sea
November 9; Arrive Miami 7:00 AM

My Top Two Choices...

Choice Number One:

Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas out of Miami on November 2 with stops in San Juan, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Choice Number Two:

Royal Caribbean's Liberty of the Seas out of Miami on January 3 with stops in San Juan, St. Maarten, and Haiti.

Hmmm...decisions, decisions.

I see that the Nov. cruise is cheaper which means we might have better luck getting a free cabin on that ship. What do you think??

Check it out!

Who am I kidding? I can't let this blog sit dormant.

Check out this cool Caribbean slide show! Who wants to go now??


http://travel.msn.com/Guides/beachSlideShow.aspx?destinationid=5970&cp-documentid=444869

Adios Blog Amigas

Unless Mom or Libby decide to post some photos, the blog has been cleaned out a bit and will sit sadly alone until Shelley and I start planning the BINGO cruise--as I'm going to call it. Please think about joining us!! Seven nights. Caribbean. Either early November or early January, if I have my druthers! One last photo to entice you...

Sharmi's Cruise Fun

"How I spent my cruise vacation...."







So many men, so little time!

Never one to back down from a challenge...she drank her tequila as instructed.

An aspiring model herself!

"This is what escargot does to me!"

Chef Sharmi!

Sharmi with one of her many men!!! (or "boyfriends")

New Career?

Shelley is giving serious consideration to a new career in modeling. The Mexican beaches are calling. I have sent the following proofs into a local modeling agency. I'm sure she can expect a call any time now!!

Yacht Shopping!

While in Mexico, the girls did a little yacht shopping.



Rich told Sharmi to go ahead and purchase this one, aptly named "My Gal."

Not to be outdone, Chuck told Karen to go ahead and buy a bigger, better model. It's only money.


Giddy with excitement, the gals headed to the ship casino that night, lost BOTH boats, got kicked off the ship, and had to paddle back to the States in this beauty!

BUSTED!

How to drink a shot of tequila:

First you toast with, "Salude!"
Then you drink (look at Libby's hand).
You don't dump really good Mexican tequilla on the floor!!!
BUSTED!!!

Grandma's "liquid" vacation!

I'll just finish this margarita before I start cooking.
I'll take another shot of that!

Couldn't resist posting these favorite photos!

3,2,1--here we go!!

Sadly, this is the last PRE-cruise blog. Don't worry, there'll be a recap after the trip. But ladies, it's time to go! I finished packing last night and ALMOST forgot my money!!!! That would have SUCKED! I'd have to have taken out a big ol' loan from Cruise Mothah! But it looks like I'll have some cash. Don't worry.

Yep, it's time to pee a ring around yourself and GET OUT THERE!!! See you in LA!

Cruise sistah, signing off!!!!

3 days to go

In Spanish that's TRES DIAS!

Gather your passport, money, drivers lic., SET SAIL pass from Royal Caribbean, and any other important paperwork you can think of and set it aside--preferably somewhere where you won't forget it. It's time to get ready!!! I'm packing this afternoon!!!! YAHOO!

4 days to go

Four days to go, senoritas!!!

Final weather update for the days we'll be there:

Cabo--75*

Puerto Vallarta--75*

Mazatlan--79* Looks like this will be out sunbathing day!!

Also, bad news in Vegas--49* and rain/snow mix I could SWEAR that's the same forecast for Billings next week!!!

Los Angelas--55* and rain Good thing we're headed south!!! One good thing, if it's raining during the safety drill, they'll let you do it in the hall, by your room. I know--it's happened to us before!! Meet you at the bar!!

5 days to go

It's time to get those phone numbers and other information together for the loved ones you'll be leaving behind. That's right--behind. As in, NOT WITH YOU. That would be kids, spouses, employers... Here are the two numbers I'll be leaving with my family:

To reach us on the ship they should call (888) 724-SHIP.

To reach us at the Mirage in Vegas they can call 702-791-7111.

I'll have my cell phone with me, but I don't think it'll work in Mexico, and having it with me does NOT mean I'll actually turn it on!! :)

Only about 100 hours left until we sail!!!

6 days to go

Time to iron those cruise clothes and make sure you have your sunglasses ready. Don't be like me and leave them in your car. I do that almost every trip!

7 Days to go!

One week from today, ladies, we'll be setting sail.

My beloved husband has informed me that I look jaundice. Says my "tan in a bottle" is turning me yellow. I have assured him that I am not yellow. That's my Mexican tan!!! But in case he's right, I've been thinking about it, and maybe, if I turn yellow enough, I'll start to glow in the dark. I figure that's a bonus for Shelley if she needs to pee in the middle of the night. I'll be her night-light to get to the bathroom in our cabin. Also, if I should fall overboard into the murky Mexican waters, maybe if I'm glowing, it'll be easier for you to see where to throw the life preserver!

On another note: the US dollar is currently worth about 100 pesos. Just a little FYI for you when wondering if you're getting a good deal on that Mexican trinket. Also good to know in the event that one of us ends up in a Mexican prison. If they tell you bail is 40,000 pesos, you'll be needing to come up with about $400 US dollars!

It won't be long now, ladies!!!

8 days to go!

With just over a week to go, it's time to finalize those carpool details, after-school plans, purchase those frozen dinners...you know, all those wifely-duties you'll be leaving behind soooooooon! Ahhhh......it won't be long now!

9 days to go!

Not for nothing, but I'm suggesting that you pack an extra bra.

Why?

Well, if we happen into ex-rocker, Sammy Haggar's cantina, Cabo Wabo, while in Cabo San Lucas, we might, like many women before us, be compelled to donate our bras to his bra wall. You know, what happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico and all... So pack an extra, just in case!

10 days to go!

Those are MY temps for the next few days! Yep, I'm ready to be in a warmer, sunnier climate! Bring it on, BABY!


Today Jan 17 Snow Shower / Wind
High 34°/ Low 20°


Fri Jan 18 AM Snow Showers
High 29°/ Low 18°


Sat Jan 19 Snow Shower
High 37°/ Low 8°

Sun Jan 20 Few Snow Showers
High 14°/ Low 1°

Mon Jan 21 Partly Cloudy
High 20°/ Low 0°

11 days to go

Perhaps today would be a good day to dig out the suitcases, clean them up a bit, pull off the tags from our last cruise, and make sure they're still going to work. If not, lots of sales on luggage at Penney's this weekend!

12 days to go

Practice these NEED TO KNOW Spanish phrases:

Quantos muchas por la cervesa? (How much for the beer?)

Quickly followed by:

Donde esta el bano? (Where's the bathroom?)

You might also like to know the following:

Mom--madre
sister--hermana
ship--barco
money--dinero
beer--cervesa
vino--wine
margarita--yes, you guessed it, margarita!

Adios, amigos!

13 days to go

Weather update:

High temperatures today in sunny Mexico:

Mazatlan: 76*

Cabo San Lucas: 75*

Puerto Vallarta: 77*

14 days to go

Do you hear it????

That's the two week alarm going off! Two weeks! WAHOO!

15 days to go

Hair cut and highlight: $65

Tan in a bottle: $4

Extra underwear: $10


Being days away from husband and kids and responsibility: PRICELESS!

16 days to go

Call me crazy, tell me I have too much time on my hands. It's true. But here's what I've figured out. While sailing, we'll have 129 luxurious hours of time to do nothing! Other than show up for fine dining or an occasional activity, we are free, free, free to do nothing! I can hardly wait! While doing all this calculating, I also figured out that we are in port for 29 hours of hour trip. Not to be left out, as of this morning, we had about 284 hours until we sail! But who's counting, right?

THE RED ISN'T FOR MERRY CHRISTMAS--IT'S FOR HOW HOT I AM AT RCCL'S WEB SITE!!

I KNOW THE EXCURSION WE WANT AS YOU TOLD IT IN AN EARLIER BLOG, SHARMI. I WENT THERE AND WAS ABLE TO RESERVE IT {I THOUGHT}. AFTER BEING TOLD WE COULDN'T GO AS WE HAD PRIOR COMMITMENTS. I KNEW BETTER SO CANCELED THE NON EXISTENT PLANS. RESERVED THE FUN, GAVE THEM THE CREDIT CARD INFO AND THOUGHT I WAS DONE!! THEN IT STARTS AGAIN AS IF THEY WILL BILL THE CREDIT CARD FOR EIGHT!! I CANCELED AND HAVE TRIED TO REBOOK ALL DAY, BUT CAN'T GET YOUR RESERVATION TO EVEN COME UP. I'M SURE YOU HAVE THE SAME OLD NEW PLANS!

LOOKS LIKE I CAN RESERVE FOR OUR RESERVATION, BUT NOT YOURS. LET ME KNOW IF I SHOULD DO THAT AND ONE OF YOU CAN DO YOURS. MAYBE IT'S BOOKED AND THEY DON'T HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO TELL US THAT. WHO KNOWS. LOVE THEIR CRUISES AND HATE THE WEBSITE!!

GUESS I'LL JUST GO AND BUY UNDERWEAR!

17 days to go

Sad news. I broke a fingernail yesterday. Now my nails won't be long and glorious during the cruise! Alas, all hope is not lost. I might have my eyebrows waxed when I get my hair colored on Saturday, so I won't look like a total looser!

18 days to go

If we were wanting to book my cool Mazatlan Cliff Diving shore excursion in advance, I think we have until 10 days before our sail date to do that. Do you know, Shelley? I don't get any updates from RCCL, but when I look at the cruise online, that's what it says. Remember it was a 4 hour tour of Mazatlan that included seeing cliff divers, and it was $34 per person. It might have included shopping, a church...

Let me know if you think we should book it in advance or if you think we'll be okay booking it when we get on the ship. Have a great day!

19 days to go

It has occurred to me that you might want to count your panties, ladies. We'll be gone a long time, and you might want to run out to Walmart for a 3 pack! I have to work the day we leave so I won't be doing any laundry that day. Better stock up!

20 days to go

If you aren't going to a tanning booth, today is probably a good day to start your tan in a bottle!

21 days to go

Are you ready for this big beauty? Our reservations say the beds will be APART. I like you guys and all, but I'll sleep in my own bed. Thanks!

22 days to go

Have you printed out your set sail pass? Now's the time.

23 days to go--temps

Weather highs yesterday (Thursday):



Puerto Vallarta 77*


Mazatlan 77*


Cabo San Lucas 78*

24 days to go

Those of us living in cold weather climates can probably put our summer clothes in our suitcases now--if we're so inclined! At least make sure they don't stink from sitting in the drawer for a few months now! Happy Thursday!

25 days to go

Offbeat Cabo San Lucas


Cabo San Lucas, located on the tip of Mexico's Baja Peninsula and a marquee stop on Mexican Riviera itineraries, is surely a party central kind of town. At Sammy Hagar's Cabo Wabo, folks start doing tequila shots around 10 a.m., or whenever the first cruise ship arrives. A short time later, dancing on tabletops is likely to ensue. But Cabo San Lucas is also a naturally beautiful destination and offers an excellent chance for visitors to experience Mexican culture -- beyond tequila shots.

That's not to say first-timers should not miss a boat or kayak tour to see the otherworldly El Arco rock formation protruding from the Sea of Cortez at Land's End, wide and pristine Lover's Beach, the rock and roll shrine that is Cabo Wabo, and the indoor souvenir market near the pier. And if you really need to unwind, party boat expeditions abound.


But what about next-timers or intrepid cruisers who want to venture away from the barrage of touristy restaurants and shops and vendors to see another side of Cabo? Well, there is more to the place than first meets the eye including quiet beaches, unique shops and the kind of food your Mexican grandmother would prepare (if you had one). Here are our favorite offbeat experiences in Cabo whether you are a repeat visitor, or coming for a unique first-time experience.


Sample real Mexican food. Dive into local delicacies including tortillas prepared in front of your eyes at Mi Casa Restaurant & Cantina (Avenida Cabo San Lucas, 624-143-1933, open for lunch except Sundays and dinner daily). Located in the center of the city, this cheerful, vibrantly colored place -- think red and turquoise -- thankfully does not attract the crazy tourist crowds of the beachfront establishments. The margaritas are massive and you can sip them on the patio; half the dining room is open-air. Try chicken with mole (a thick chocolate/chili sauce), carnitas (braised pork) and other favorites, all mouthwatering and reasonably priced.


For an even more authentic experience, head to the very casual Mariscos Mocambo (Leona Vicario y 20 de Novembre, 624-143-6070, open for lunch and dinner). This restaurant is a favorite among locals, known for fresh seafood that won't break the bank. The menu includes seafood soup, fresh fish in a variety of sauces, and even empanadas stuffed with shrimp or crab. There's also a children's menu and a few selections for land lovers.


Have a cigar. A bench at the plaza is a good place to sit and enjoy a Cuban or other premium cigar purchased at J & J Habanos (on Madero St., off Boulevard Marina, 624-143-6160). Though it is located in Mexico, this place sells stogies from around the world and is well known by cigar aficionados, locals and tourists. In addition to an extensive cigar stock, owner Pepe offers accessories and even a cigar-themed casual clothing line. The shop also sells rare tequilas. It's a connoisseur's must-do. Remember, though, you can't bring Cuban cigars back into the U.S. (if you try you could face major fines).


Get your church on. While the main attractions in Cabo are parties, beaches and watersports, history lovers should pay a visit to the Inglesia de San Lucas (Avenida Cabo San Lucas and Zapata Street, 624-143-2666). This stone church was established in 1730 (construction was completed in 1746) by a Spanish missionary who was later killed by local Indians who did not like his teachings on monogamy. Still, Catholicism took and this simple church -- little changed since its beginnings -- is still the main Catholic Church in town with services on Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at noon an 8 p.m.


Soak up the ambience. The church is in an area of town where the architecture and ambience makes you feel like you're in real, sleepy Mexico. On a recent visit, we almost expected to see someone wearing a sombrero ride by on a donkey. What we did see are shops, art galleries and restaurants surrounding a traditional main square, Plaza Amelia Wilkes -- also known as Plaza San Lucas -- with a little garden and wrought-iron gazebo. The renovated adobe buildings facing the plaza are among the prettiest in town.


Shop 'til you drop (we mean it!). Okay, shopping may not seem offbeat; after all, much of the purchasing power in town centers on international brands, T-shirts and swimwear. But we're always on the look out for real Mexican goods that go beyond the tacky stuff near the pier. You'll get the idea when you view the colorful Mexican masks and crafts at the ethnic art gallery Faces of Mexico (Calle Hidalgo, next to Pancho's Restaurant). The nearby Taxco Silver (also on Calle Hidalgo) is a family business selling good quality silver jewelry by artists from Taxco (a town about 100 miles from Mexico City known to produce the best silver in Mexico). El Callejon (Vicente Guerrero, across from Cabo Wabo, 624-143-3188) offers good quality (but not inexpensive) Mexican furniture, ceramics, tableware and religious art.


Go fishing. Most of the seafood served in town comes right out of the sea here in the "marlin capital of the world." Catch-and-release sport fishing is also a major activity, and a great option for cruisers visiting Cabo. Though there are private operators you may want to book an excursion through your cruise ship to assure you get back in time for departure. Carnival, for example, offers a new four-hour search for marlin, mahi mahi, wahoo and tuna.But even if you don't do an excursion you can feel part of the action if you hit the marina between 3 and 4 p.m. when the sport fishing boats come in. Some 50,000 bullfish -- marlin, sailfish and swordfish -- are caught here each year. It's easy to spot boats with a bullfish catch since they fly a blue flag signaling a catch is onboard (have your camera ready).



Hit the beach. Almost all roads on Cabo's Pacific side lead to pretty beaches. If it is solitude and rays you are seeking, a favorite spot with locals is Widows' Beach (Playa Las Viedas) which is about 15 minutes from town on the Transpeninsular Highway, Km 12, near the Twin Dolphin Hotel. You will have to rent a car to get there, and will have to drive or walk a dirt road of about 3/4 of a mile to get to the beach, where quiet coves and volcanic rock formations await. Bring food and drink (there is none available there) and only get in the water if it's really calm. Another sunny spot away from the crowds is Divorce Beach, near Lover's Beach at Land's End (accessible by water taxi from Cabo for about $5 per person, each way).


Editor's note: Unfortunately, most of these beaches are for sunning and picnicking only -- rip tides make swimming dangerous.


If you can't beat 'em, join 'em... Crowds, water sports, pushy vendors, popular bars and restaurants, and general beach craziness can be found at Playa El Medano (Dune Beach), the main beach, the closest one to the marina (you can walk or take a water taxi there), and the one with generally safe swimming. Yet despite the touristy scene, we have to admit a fondness for sitting with a cold Pacifico beer at The Office (Medano Beach, 624-143-3464, open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.), because we're not at "the office" -- we're in Cabo.

26 days to go

Which came first? The chicken or the egg?

And what do you do about packing? Figure out your wardrobe and then find bags to fit it all in (remember 2 bags and a carry-on per person and you pay extra if any of those bags are over 50 pounds) or figure out which bags you're taking and then make the clothes fit into them.

And then there's always the issue of leaving a little room to bring home souvenirs.

Of course, I have no answers for you. Just points to ponder as you begin thinking about what to take. I do think that I might try to plan it so that--if possible--the shirt/capris I wear to dinner one night might be the clothes I can wear the next day. That might work once or twice though I doubt I have anything casual yet nice enough to pull that off. Maybe I need to go shopping!

Until tomorrow...