It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Cabo San Lucas!

Baja Sur Property Management

Cabo Coffee

Cabo San Lucas Vacation Rentals

Wall Mart Santa

Marina Cabo Plaza Nativity and Lobby

I recently had the opportunity to spend 2 nights at Villa Cielito, a beautiful 7 bedroom Cabo vacation villa located at Chileno Bay just outside of Cabo San Lucas.  Villa Cielito offers a relaxing vacation opportunity in a beautiful setting.

The staff, Carlos, Alicia, Dona and Vincente, take excellent care of the property and guests.  Upon arrival we enjoyed chicken quesadillas, guacamole, pico de gallo and chips with drinks. The breakfast they prepared was fabulous and included fresh fruit, delicious pancakes, bacon, eggs, beans, tortillas, pico de gallo, juice and coffee.  Both mornings we chose to eat at one of the outside palapas while enjoying lapping waves on the beach and the beauty of the morning.

Being located on Chileno Bay is a great advantage as this is one of Cabo’s best swimming beaches.  There is daily activity on the beach but does not interfere with the tranquility of this home.  Several kayaks are on site for guests and a 42 ft. fishing boat is available at a discounted rate.  Enjoy the activity on Chileno Beach,  the large pool and spa at the home, relax in one of the hammocks under the palapa or retreat to the other side of the home to a private beach.

This home can accommodate up to 16 guests and is perfect for weddings, family reunions and corporate retreats.  For more info about this home check our website at: http://www.bajasurvacationrentals.com/rentals/view/villa-cielito/

Every Month Events

Every Tuesday and Saturday:  9:00-1:00 Liga Mac used book store and donation center is open.
San Jose Del Cabo.  044-624-177-8507   www.ligamac.com

Every Wednesday  8:00 PM
Free movies from independent studios for teenagers and adults at the City Theater in San Jose del Cabo.

Every Wednesday:  8:00-11:00 AM
Organic market at the Pedregal.  Located at the back entrance to The Pedregal just before the Colegio El Camino School.  044-624-113-8376

Every Thursday 5:00-9:00 PM
Art Walk Night in San Jose’s Historic Art District.  Wine, munchies, and live entertainment.  Along Obregon St. behind the church.
Every Friday  9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Farmers Market Palmilla Shoppes
Every Friday 6:00-9:00 PM
Art Fest, downtown Cabo San Lucas.  Artists are exhibiting their art in the little Plaza by the church in downtown Cabo.  Also music, fire twirling, drum playing, clowns, acrobats, dances and etc.  Businesses in the area offer special discounts and events.

Every Saturday  8:00 AM to Noon
Organic market in the Pedretal

Every Saturday  10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
San Jose Organic Market at Huerta Maria on  the Los Animas road across from the Jockey Club.

Every Saturday  10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Golden Cactus Gallery in downtown Cabo San Lucas will feature a different live artist who will talk about his/her paintings, sculptures, poetry, music, singing, photography, performances, writings, or dancing.  On Hidalgo corner with Zapata street.  www.goldencactusgallery.com

Every Sunday  11:00 AM
Movie Club.  Lumiere, Childrens classic movies at the marine museum in San Jose del Cabo

Every Sunday  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Flea Market in the same place as the Organic Market across from the Jockey Club

Every Sunday 7:00-11:00 AM
Bicycle, walk, skate or drag your pet around downtown Cabo.  The main drag in Cabo San Lucas closes to vehicle traffic.  Great opportunity to exercise and mingle with local families.  Each week a different activity such as spinning, aerobics, or Zumba lessons.   clubcactusbike@tmail.com

November 2, 2011  All Souls Day  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_the_Dead

November 2, 2011
One day, 230 kilometer (135 miles) bicycle ride.  Participants may ride all four sections of the tour or the one of their choice.  The rides will be:  Cabo San Lucas to San Jose (17.5 miles).  San Jose to Los Barriles (41 miles), Los Barailles to San Bartolo, San Antonio, and el Triunfo to the Y intersection to Todos Santos (47 miles), and finally from the Y intersection to Todos Santos (29.5 miles). $800 to the winning team.  Sign up at www.giraXtreme.com.  624-123-5280

November 27, 2011
Third Annual Festival  DArte, La Paz.  At Marina Palmira.  This is an Art Fair with art to buy, food booths, and live music.

When visiting Mexico you are taking a journey into a foreign culture where some things are done differently.  Here are some useful tips for your visit and to assure that you will have a good time in Mexico.

When Stopped by the Police
When stopped by the police be polite but firm. There is no need to pay the officer any money and you are not required to show your passport. If stopped for a traffic violation the standard procedure is to surrender your driver’s license. At this point you have the choice of following the officer to the station to pay your fine or go to the station later to pay your fine and retrieve your license. At the time you pay the fine your license will be returned to you. They don’t want your license and they don’t want you in their jail. Many times when the police stop you they are looking for a bribe. Just say no. Most of the time the officer will let you off with a warning and give your license back to you.  If not, the worst thing is that you make a trip to the station. As you are on your way to the station think of the great story you will have to share with your friends when you return home.

In Need of Medical Services
If you need medical help we have a local doctor we recommend to our clients that we have used ourselves. He is knowledgeable, fair, and reasonably priced. Most hotels have a Dr.on call. Wherever you end up for medical care take a polite but firm hand.  If a procedure is suggested that you feel is not warranted stand firm. A common typical procedure is to automatically hook up and IV.  Use your best judgment and don’t be intimidated. Make sure you ask how much each procedure is going to cost before allowing the procedure. In an emergency situation it is advisable to have a friend or family member with you.

Using Credit Cards
We rarely use credit cards when traveling internationally. The simple fact is there is more credit card fraud in Mexico than in the US.  If you use your credit card check your balance frequently to look for activity that is not your own. ATM’s are easily found and using an ATM to get the cash you need may be a better choice.

Think Smart, Act Smart
Don’t take chances.  Don’t walk down the street alone, drunk and after midnight.  This is good advice no matter where you are in the world.  Don’t associate with anyone on the street after midnight.  If someone offers you drugs or sex, keep walking, don’t stop.  Don’t even slow down to say no. If you do you are then associating with drug dealers.

Gas Stations
In the 10 years I have lived in Cabo I have been taken twice.  You can’t fill your own tank so are dependent upon the guy at the pump. With the exchange between dollars and pesos, and change with a foreign currency visitors are easy marks.  For instance the 50 peso is a magenta color and the 100 pesos bill is red.  Upon giving the attendant a $100 peso bill and waiting for change he reported I had given him only a 50 peso bill.  I argued but lost the argument.  A better plan is to make sure the attendant sees the bill you are using and naming the bill.  Look them in the eye and tell them the amount you will spend.  They will move their shell game to someone less alert.

Changing Money
Everyone takes dollars but not at the same exchange rate. Most places will give you a price in dollars and in pesos. Ask what rate they are using and then compare to make sure you are paying an equal amount.  Many places will bring your change in pesos after you have paid in dollars. Again, confirm the exchange rate to make sure you have the correct change. We usually exchange our dollars at a bank or ATM for the best rate.

Consumer Complaints
Profeco is Mexico’s agency for consumer complaints.  The website is www.profeco.gob.mx. To file a report in English go to http://www.profeco.gob.mx/english.htm and click on “quejas y denuncias”.  Profeco is one of Mexico’s most respected government branches and famous for not being corrupt.

I believe a great part of Mexico’s charm is the wonderful people.  However, as in all communities around the world, there are those who would take advantage of those that appear vulnerable.  The best posture is to be alert, and polite but firm in any situation.  The Mexican people love tourists, are helpful and want you to enjoy your stay.

Cabo San Lucas Schools

Thinking about moving to Cabo or San Jose del Cabo? If you have children there are several choices for local private schools.

Cabo San Lucas

Colegio El Camino
Kindergarten through 12th Grade
011-52-624-143-2100

http://www.colegioelcamino.com/INDEX%20ENGLISH.htm

Centro Educativo Intergral Juan Bosco
Grade 7-9
011-52-624-173-0042; Cell 011-52-1-624-155-7918

http://mexico.pueblosamerica.com/c/centro-educativo-integral-juan

Montessori Casa de los Niños Cipactlicali
Kindergarten through 6th grade, Bilingual
Near Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach
011-52-624-144-4716

Corridor Schools

Colegio Amaranto
Preschool and Kindergarten through 6th grade
011-52-614-145-8701

http://www.amaranto.edu.mx/

Instituto Peninsular
Grades 7-12
011-614-104-3454

http://www.institutopeninsular.edu.mx/principal/INICIO.html

Centro Escolar Picacho (Colegio McGregor)
Preschool, Kindergarten through Gread 12
011-52-624-144-5595

Instituto Baldor
Grades 7-12
011-52-624-194-3700
Fax: 011-52-624-104-3701

http://www.institutobaldor.com/

San Jose del Cabo

Instituto Internacional Libertad
Preschool, Kindergarten through grade 12
011-52-614-142-0428

http://mexico.pueblosamerica.com/c/instituto-internacional-libertad