The Grinning Gargoyle Spills the Beans and other Yarns of Baja California
By:  Jimmy Smith Jr.

Having lived in Cabo for the past 10 years and driven the Baja Peninsula over 10 times this book is a fun read about places from the border to the tip of the peninsula.  The author started visiting Baja in the late 50’s and early 60’s and his adventures are entertaining and informative.

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Mi Baja No Hurry No Worry A fun tale of living and playing in Baja California, Mexico
By: Bernie Swaim

The author began visiting Baja, and in particular La Salina del Mar, about 40 miles south of the border, in the 60’s. His stories are about his experiences and the people of the area. Some things have changed since the 60’s and some have not. A fun read if you are interested in the places and people of Baja California.

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Casa Ballena is located on the quiet and prestigious Pacific side of the exclusive and gated “Pedregal Development” located in Cabo San Lucas. This beautiful 3,875 sq. ft. luxurious home features spectacular beach and ocean views and everything you would expect in a vacation home, including a private heated pool and adjoining spa. This custom home is rented as a 4 bedroom home and is loaded with plenty of amenities for your vacation enjoyment.

Beautifully decorated, Casa Ballena offers a rich and tastefully decorated interior, lavishly trimmed in Granites, Marbles, Cantera Stone and Mexican Saltillo Tile. High above the hubbub of town, Casa Ballena is located close enough to town to provide easy access to the Marina, shopping and enjoyable nightlife. Nearby, you will have access to tennis courts and miles of serene beaches, away from the crowded and busy public beaches.

Come and enjoy your relaxing vacation with us in Paradise. Casa Ballena is waiting for you!

Reserve Casa Ballena Today!

I recently re-read The Art of Living Treasure Chest by Wilferd A. Peterson. The following came from The Art of Traveling chapter:

When you pack your bags to explore the beauties of your own country or to travel around the world, consider these keys to a happy journey:

Travel lightly. You are not traveling for people to see you!

Travel slowly. Jet planes are for getting places not seeing places; take time to absorb the beauty and inspiration of a mountain or a cathedral.

Travel expectantly. Every place you visit is like a surprise package to be opened. Untie the strings with an expectation of high adventure.

Travel humbly. Visit people and places with reverence and respect for their traditions and ways of life.

Travel courteously. Consideration for your fellow travelers and your hosts will smooth the way through the most difficult days.

Travel gratefully. Show appreciation for the many things that are being done by others for your enjoyment and comfort.

Travel with an open mind. Leave your prejudices at home.

Travel with curiosity. It is not how far you go, but how deeply you go that mines the gold of experience.

Travel relaxed. Make up your mind to have a good time.

Travel patiently. It takes time to understand others, especially when there are barriers of language and custom; keep flexible and adaptable to all situations.

Travel with the spirit of a world citizen. You’ll discover that people are basically much the same the world around. Be an ambassador of good will to all people.

Some theories have been tossed around for nearly a decade:

1930s – Agua Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana and Bertita’s bar in Tasca, Mexico both claim to have invented the drink during this time.

1935 – “Willie,” the bartender at Las Dos Republicas in Matamoros, Mexico created the drink for Marguerite Hemery, a friend of the restaurant’s owner.

1936 – Danny Negrete at the bar of the Hotel Garci-Crespo in Puebla, Mexico, served the drink as a wedding present to Margarita, his brother David’s fiance, the day before their wedding.

1936-37 – Johnny Durlesser, head barman at McHenry’s Tail o’ the Cock Restaurant, tells The Van Nuys News in January 1955 that he invented the margarita in 1937.

1940s – Enrique Bastate Gutierrez claimed to have invented the margarita in honor of Rita Hayworth, whose real name was Margarita Carmen Cansino.

1942, July 4th – Francisco “Pancho” Morales at Tommy’s Place in Juarez, Mexico claims a woman requested a Magnolia, but the he didn’t know the recipe – only that it contained Cointreau.

1947-48 – Carlos “Danny” Herrera, owner of Rancho La Gloria, on the road between Rosarito Beach and Tijuana, Mexico fixed a drink for a showgirl named Marjorie King who stopped in the bar.  She claimed to be allergic to all forms of booze, except tequila, which she needed mixed.

1947 – At La Plaza Restaurant in La Jolla, California, bartender Al Hernandez and La Plaza owner Morris Locke claim to be the inventors of the margarita.
December 1948 – Margaret Sames, a rich, young Texas socialite claims she responded to a challenge to make a new cocktail that could be easily downed at the Christmas party she was hosting at her home in Acapulco.

From the Tap….the pourmasters newsletter – http://www.simply-servers.net

Workers have been busy this past year improving downtown Cabo by replacing sewer and water lines up and down both sides of  the main road through Cabo.  The new road is compressed concrete with a thin layer of stamped concrete on the top. There will be new street lights, traffic lights and some pedestrian lights.  The landscaping down the middle of the street will change with new foliage and planter boxes.   The new road has been a major undertaking and is scheduled to be completed soon.

See more pictures showing a new face for downtown Cabo San Lucas.