I am getting ready to go from 80 degrees to 30 degrees in a matter of a few hours. We had an incredible vacation. Mr. Milo is packing up as I type. I have about an hour before I have to jump in the shower and pack the last few 'get ready items'. Over breakfast this morning, we both agreed that we were gone the exact amount of time. We are anxious to get home to the girls and pets, our bed, and back to the 'routine' of life. Yet, we feel relaxed and made the most of every minute spent together. Six days of uninterrupted Milo and Jill time or in Mexico they call us 'Melo and Gell'. Si Senorita!
I have over 150 pictures to download and do some editing with as that is on my to-do list for tomorrow and am anxious to share!
After an uneventful trip to San Jose Cabo, we checked into the Royal Solaris, an all-inclusive. We had never experienced an all-inclusive before and it was wonderful to NOT have to get our wallet out for every meal and drink we ordered. Although we certainly would not rave about the food, the resort was well maintained, service was a 'bit' slow, and we learned that a Mexican minute = 15 - 30 US minutes. We met some great people there. Joe and Brandy from Washington DC, married 4 years. They were traveling with Bill and Bilanca from Denver, CO who were married for 10 years and had 4 children under the age of 10. Both were in the air force and met while stationed in Hawaii. Then there was Brittany and Dustin. They had been married 7 months, of which most of it he was stationed as a Marine in Iraq. Milo and I laughed as we both agreed we were looking back in time to about 15 years ago to our relationship as we observed their dynamics.
Monday through Thursday was spent enjoying pool time, daily walks on the beach, and staying up WAY too late!
Thursday morning we moved over to Cabo San Lucas, about a 25 minute commute to 'The Bungalow'. The Bungalow is a B&B that when planning and researching the trip was noted to be the #1 place to stay in Cabo San Lucas. The reviews were DEAD ON! A local family owns and operates the 16 unit tucked in a residential part of the city. A bit off of the beaten path, but only a 20 minute walk from the downtown buzz, it was probably close to one of the BEST places we have ever stayed. Eric met us when we checked with a HUGE hug! He is by far the BEST hugger I have ever known. Over and over as he gave us the tour of the facility and our 'bungalow' he kept saying, 'Welcome Home, Welcome Home!' The breakfast each morning was INCREDIBLE, with multiple flavors bursting forth, you just never knew what was coming next. Hibiscus juice made from hibiscus flowers, this amazing french toast with ricotta cheese and pecans in the middle, topped with grilled bananas. YUM!
I will admit I ate like a PIG this week and am PROUD of it!
Thursday and Friday were deemed as our excursion days. Thursday we went whaling watching in the Pacific ocean. 10 life vested tourist piled into a inflated 'speed' boat and we zoomed through the Sea of Cortes, around Lovers Beach to the Pacific ocean. Within minutes we spotted two Humpback whales, a mom and her pup. We continued to follow them for the next 40 minutes. It was an amazing site as we witnessed them diving and jumping. At one point the mama was about 80% out of the water. Do you think a 42 ton creature approximately 50 yards from you can make a splash? It was an experience I will never forget! I remember as we left the marina looking into the bright blue sky and thanking, God for his incredible creation.
After whale watching we jumped on a sunset cruise where we feasted on a Mexican buffet and enjoyed meeting 4 couples from Cedar Falls and Fairfield, Iowa as well as a couple from the heart of Chicago. He was Catholic and she was Jewish. He worked at a grocery store and she owned an ad agency. They had been married for 26 years and had much wisdom to share. They had just finished supporting their son through law school. They lived a simple life and what I loved was he shot you straight when you talked to him! He had that downtown heart of Chicago accent and I believe he had seen and experienced MUCH in his life. After a full day in the sun we ventured up the HUGE hill back to our 'bungalow'.
Friday we decided to be EXTREME and go zip lining. Mr. Milo laughed at what an 'extremist' I have become over the years! I love trying new things, in part to his willingness to always go along! We zoomed 400 - 500 feet above the canyons at speeds up to 50 mph! We even got to rappel down a 200 foot cliff. While I was not at all scared about the experience, it was the large picture of a diamond back rattler at the check-in counter that sparked some trepidation. I immediately went over to our guide and said, 'Are snakes out there?' Like duh...look at the rocky, catus laden, sandy terrain, Jill? He just gave me a big hug and said, 'Don't be scared'. I did however keep careful watch as I climbed high into the cliffs to our destination!
Back to our bungalow for our last night on the town! Eric recommended this Argentina steakhouse within a few blocks of our pad. We ventured out for our first 'meal' out and by far were not disappointed. A 'local' establishment off the beaten path, and from the outside not a place one might choose, but the food was INCREDIBLE. The meat literally melted in your mouth and the Merlot, by far the best I had ever had! We decided to call it an 'early' night, in bed by 9:00 for our long trip home.
And so here I am with only a few more minutes until the shower and suitcases stake claim to my last few hours in Mexico. Melo just gave me a 15 minute warning.
If I had to summarize in only a few sentences what was the biggest highlight of the trip. First I loved meeting all sorts of people and simply sitting and listening to their stories. How easily we get caught in our 'box of life'. How easily we forget how much is out there past the confines of my 'town'. EVERYONE has a story to share and because of their story they made a mark on my life forever.
And of course, reconnecting with Mr. Melo. Wednesday was our last walk on the beach and our conversation turned to love. Love is something that is hard for me to express and often times to give. We stopped for a moment and as tears filled my eyes, I simply thanked him for teaching me over the last 19 years that it is OK to give and to receive unconditional love. Love that is not tied to something I do or say. Because of him I am learning to do that better and better everyday. It was an amazing trip and ended on Valentines Day!
AND finally for the rest of the details?
'What happens in CABO, stays in CABO'!
Sunday, February 15th. 6:20 PM. Wash almost done, groceries purchased for the week, supper in the oven, girls home and sitters paid. We are celebrating Valentines Day today as a family! Enjoy pictures from last week. The girls were a bit home-sick, both decided to come home yesterday and spend the day together at home, until we got home around 11:00. It was a great surprise to be able to kiss their sweet faces and tuck them in!
Monday brings my to-do list, the start of my NEW job, and back to the routine of our lives! I am very excited!
Happy Belated Valentines Day!
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