In the 12 years we have been in Cabo I have met an array of interesting people who have packed up, left their home country and moved to Cabo to enjoy all it has to offer.
The other day I stopped by the Happy Ending Cantina in hopes of learning more about this popular bar in Cabo and how it came to be. I repeatedly noticed reviews on Trip Advisor and wanted to know more. It was mid day and Regine the owner was sitting at a table chatting with a local friend. I was happy to have the opportunity to meet her and to hear about her story and her life in Cabo. She was kind enough to share this story with me so I can share it with you.
| The owners of Happy Ending Cantina, Gene, El Jefe, and Regine, La Jefa, began living in Cabo San Lucas in December 1986 with their five-year-old daughter, Rena, and their one-year-old son, Rex. Shortly after moving to Cabo, Regine learned she was pregnant with twins and Rio and Regine were born in August 1987.
Since 1982, Gene has been a California licensed private detective who has traveled the world conducting international investigations. He specializes in conducting Complex Litigation Investigations and Covert Intelligence Gathering & Analysis. Gene and Regine visited Cabo San Lucas for the first time in the summer of 1986 and almost immediately fell in love with the lifestyle, weather, people, etc., and seriously considered moving there. Because Rena was beginning kindergarten they began inquiring about the availability of private schools and learned that Cabo’s first private school, “El Camino,” had opened two years earlier. After personally checking out and approving El Camino, they decided to purchase a beach home that was under construction on the best beach in Mexico. According to Gene and Regine, this was long before Cabo had golf courses, fancy hotels and time share resorts. There were only three flights per week from the USA to Cabo San Lucas. There was only one Pemex Gas Station in Cabo San Lucas and one in San Jose del Cabo. There were only a couple paved streets in Cabo. There were no divided highways, no supermarkets, no shopping centers, no traffic lights and virtually nothing to do but fish or lay on the beach or by the pool. All the beaches were accessible and virtually empty. Everything was inexpensive. Bottles of Corona were only 12 cents each when purchased by the case after paying the bottle deposit. It was a different world back then. It was incredible! In 1986, the only “nightclub” in town was the Giggling Marlin that had been opened by a couple of young American guys in 1985. Gene and Regine owned three ATVs and three scooters which they brought with them to Cabo. Everyday they would be flagged down by tourists asking them where they had rented it. There were no such rental businesses in Cabo at the time. Although Gene and Regine hadn’t planned on opening a business in Mexico they realized a business opportunity when they saw it. Gene returned to southern California and purchased 60 scooters and 25 ATVs. They purchased the property where Happy Ending is now located and opened “Chubasco’s,” the first scooter, motorcycle and ATV tour company in Mexico. Business was terrific! A couple years later Squid Roe was built, followed by the Melia Hotel on Medano Beach, Pueblo Bonito (Blanco)……and the rest is history. Rena attended El Camino school through the fifth grade and Rex through the second grade. In 1991, Gene and Regine decided to return to southern Cal so their kids could get an American education. They closed up Chubasco’s, built and rented three stores on the property and moved back to the states. Rena is now a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles County, Rex and Rio are Police Officers for the City of Los Angeles and Regine works for one of the world’s largest advertising agencies in Los Angeles. After moving to California in 1991, Gene, Regine and their kids vacationed almost every summer in Cabo San Lucas. They watched, year-after-year, as the prices of almost everything skyrocketed. It was as though Cabo was no longer part of Mexico and had become a beach resort town somewhere in Kauai, Hawaii. They could understand when many tourists told them the prices, from beers to tacos to activities, had become outrageously expensive in many Cabo establishments. In 2008 Gene and Regine reacquired two of the stores on their property. They decided the property was too valuable to keep as a location for retail stores and decided to build a bar and restaurant. This would be their first endeavor in the bar/restaurant business. They describe the property as being on the “50-yard line” in Cabo’s nightclub zone. One “end zone” has Cabo Wabo and the Giggling Marlin and the other has Squid Roe, the Hard Rock Cafe, Mandala’s and the Pink Kitty. Happy Ending Cantina opened on October 29, 2008. It’s motto has always been “Bringing Mexican Prices Back to Cabo.” It quickly became one of the most popular bars in Cabo. In August 2010, www.TripAdvisor.com rated it the Number One bar/restaurant among the 169 in Cabo San Lucas. Gene and Regine attribute their “Best Bar in Cabo” status to a variety of factors: They have the most affordable prices in Cabo; Ice cold bottles of Corona and Pacifico are always only $5; A double shot of their super-smooth tequila is always only $1; Or, you can get their “Promo” of 2 beers AND 2 shots for only $5. Everything else is similarly priced. For example, large freshly made margaritas made with Jimidor tequila are always only $5. Gene and Regine proudly proclaim their “No B.S. Pricing Policy” by never offering 2X1, Happy Hour or Ladies Night like so many others. Happy Ending is the only bar in Cabo that offers Beer Pong and Flip Cup. They actually have 18 regulation size Beer Pong tables as well as pool tables. When the second story is finished, smoking will be permitted upstairs and hookahs will be available. A professional Shuffle Board table, at least 20 feet-long will also be available upstairs. Other fun activities are in the works. Happy Ending’s bar and four bathrooms are kept spotlessly clean by the cleaning crew from 10:00 am until 3:00 am. Most nights will find a four women cleaning crew hard at work keeping everything immaculate. Unlike some bars, Happy Ending will never charge a customer for any drink that wasn’t ordered and consumed. You’ll only pay for what you drink and not a peso more. Gene and Regine only hire the best bartenders and servers in the business and require that all employees follow strict written rules of conduct. A day never passes without customers complimenting the way they’re treated by the employees. Happy Ending Cantina has become so popular that it’s constantly expanding. A 25 foot-long “Cowgirl Bar” was recently constructed to supplement the original 30 foot- long “Bikini Girl Bar” in order to provide more efficient customer service. The largest open air palapa roof in Cabo was just completed over the entire property. In a few months construction of Happy Ending’s new 45 foot-long Sky Bar on the second floor, as well as additional bathrooms, will be complete. Cabo’s only professional Shuffle Board table, at least 20 feet in length, as well as hookahs will be available upstairs. Other amenities are in the planning stage. Regular customers come from practically everywhere: Local Mexicans, Americans and tourists from around the globe. Many well known athletes and celebrities party at Happy Ending every time they visit Cabo. Almost every night bartenders and waiters from other clubs in Cabo come to party at Happy Ending during their free time. Gene and Regine hope they will be able to personally welcome you to Happy Ending Cantina the next time you visit Cabo San Lucas. Happy Ending always welcomes suggestions and ideas. Please send your comments directly to Gene, “El Jefe,” at HappyEndingGene@gmail.com, or to Regine, “La Jefa,” at HappyEndingRegine@gmail.com. |
This year Mexico will be celebrating 200 years of independence and a dramatic re-enactment of the revolutionary Father Hidalgo’s call to his fellow Mexicans to join the uprising takes place on the night before. This re-enactment takes place in city halls throughout the country. Mexican flags are displayed everywhere you go and celebrations continue throughout the night. On the 16th military parades are held in most cities. This is a time of great national pride and a celebration of Mexico’s cultural identity. If you happen to be in Mexico during this time be sure to take part in the celebrations!
Reading and learning have always been a big part of my life. I recently met Meg Graham the author of Ahora Hablo! Travel Edition, Seven Simple Steps to Authentic Spanish. Her book is designed for the native English speaker who would like to gain Spanish communication skills quickly and easily. This compact book offers readers a way to combine basic verbs and vocabulary to communicate in everyday situations. All words have a phonetic key, based on English pronunciation. I particularly like the phonetic key. After living in Cabo I discovered there are a number of words that look the same but are pronounced a bit differently with very different meanings. This book with its user-friendly approach is perfect for travelers who want to learn conversational Spanish. In addition to the Traveler Edition there is an Educator Edition and a Medical Edition
If you would like to review or purchase this book I have provided a link below.
Go away and enjoy your vacation…….Hot suggestions
Going on Vacation?? Leave your Blackberry behind. Experts say that people who are connected to the office, even while lounging on the beach are less likely to receive the full benefits of a vacation.
Stay healthy on vacation……
Before you go, start adjusting your sleep schedule to your destination’s time zone. If you are heading overseas or your itinerary includes outdoorsy type activities, check to make sure all of your vaccinations are up to date. You do not want any nasty diseases for a souvenir.
During your stay seek out sightseeing activities that incorporate fitness like a hiking or walking that will burn about 300 calories an hour. Start you lunch and dinner with a salad or broth based soup. You will consume approximately 12 percent fewer calories during your stay.
After you vacation, schedule a post massage with a really good masseuse. Even a short massage will ease your travel aches and boost your mood.
While on the plane, turn off the air nozzle above your sat as it can circulate airborne germs…….
Cabo San Lucas Fun is where it all begins
Now more than ever it is time to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoor activities offered in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. With its near perfect climate, spectacular beaches & romantic sunsets, Cabo San Lucas fun is the ideal year round getaway offering a vacation experience like no other.
Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway or a long leisurely stay, Cabo San Lucas offers everything you can imagine and you are invited to come along and enjoy our paradise….
Incomparable Destination:
With numerous water & land activities offered in one place, you will run out of time before you run out of things to do! Whether it is playing golf on one of the many World Class Golf Courses in Los Cabos or fishing the blue open seas in the Marlin Capital of the World, you will create vacation memories of a lifetime.
Outdoor Activities:
Championship Golf, World Class Deep Sea Fishing, ATV’s, Sunset Cruises, Water Activities, Horseback Riding, Dolphin Adventure, Snorkeling and Scuba Tours, City & Local Tours plus plenty more can be booked by Baja Sur Vacation Rental Company during your stay.
The Beach, of Course:
With miles of pristine beaches, there are 3 recommended swimming beaches in Los Cabos. Medano, Santa Maria & Chileno Bay are perfect for swimming, snorkeling and scuba or just relaxing and taking in the spectacular pristine beach, rock outcroppings and beautiful water.
Still Looking for More:
For your perfect vacation to Cabo San Lucas, contact Baja Sur Vacation Rental Company and we will make all of your arrangements for you during your stay. We offer spectacular vacation rentals so you can enjoy your vacation in the privacy of your own home, villa or condo. In addition we can make all of your transportation, provisioning and local activity reservations during your stay.
Need help? Our friendly team of specialists is available to help you find the perfect property for your vacation needs or answer any questions you have!
Phone: +1 (888) 332-8477
Email: reservations@bajasurvacationrentals.com
5 things you should always bring with you on your vacation to Cabo
- Passport
- Money
- swim suit
- flip flops
- sunscreen
Bonus….vacation mentality & good attitude
The area that is known as Los Cabos was first populated by the Pericue tribe. Starting in 1533, Herman Cortes sent expeditions to explore the Californias. He founded the Puerto de Santa Cruz (Port of the Holy Cross) in 1535 which today is known as La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur. In 1697 the conquest of this region truly began when Father Kino and Father Salvatierra, Jesuit priests, founded the Loreto mission and began the evangelization of the Indians. In the 16th and 17th centuries the Sea of Cortez side of the peninsula was a favorite hiding place for pirates who plundered the Spanish galleons.
Not much was heard about Cabo until the early 1950’s, when private yachts, wealthy Americans and Hollywood celebrities began mooring in the Cabo bay to get away from it all. In 1973 the Transpeninsular Highway #1 was completed offering 1,050 miles of peninsula to be traveled by car, motor home and motorcycles. The area has been transposed from a small fishing village to one of the fastest growing resort areas in Mexico with excellent sport fishing all year round.
The area known as Los Cabos today is actually comprised of the city of San Jose Del Cabo and the city of Cabo San Lucas that are joined together by what is known as “the corridor”. Resorts, housing developments, beaches and places to visit are located in both cities and all along the corridor between them. There is something for everyone in this vacation paradise.
- Beaches
- Weather
- Fishing
- Golf
- Scuba Diving
- Shopping
- Whale Watching
- Culture
- Restaurants
- Night Life
Need a Doctor in Los Cabos?
Dr. Alfonso Jurado is my top recommendation if you need medical care while in the Los Cabos area. My husband and I have both used Dr. Jurado during our 11 years of living in Cabo San Lucas and he is the first we call for ourselves, friends or clients who are visiting Cabo. I can always count on Dr. Jurado to be responsive to any call, honest and open in diagnosis and his prices are fair and equitable.
Dr. Jurado obtained his first degree of Medicine and tenure in Biochemistry at the National University of Mexico, in Mexico City in 1982. In 1984, he won a competition for a fellowship at the WHO Training Center in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he worked in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. Following, he engaged two postdoctoral positions, first, at the Pre-Clinical Research Division of Sandoz Lts. And later at the Pharmaceutical Research branch of Ciba-Geigy in Basel. He carried out research in Immunology and immune memory. He was also a consultant for the AIDS program at the WHO headquarters in Geneva.
In Canada, Dr. Jurado was Research Associate and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1993, he won a Canadian National competition for International Development through a CIDA grant. Dr. Jurado has published several scientific reports in international scientific journals and obtained his second degree of Medicine from the Canadian Medical Council of Canada. He also received training in Internal Medicine from 1994 to 1998 and in Geriatrics from 1998 to 2000. In the USA he attended courses through CME programs from Harvard Medical School in Boston Massachusetts, in 1998, the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 1999 and the Alzheimers Research Center at the UCSD, California, in 1999. He is a member of the Medical Research Council of Canada, the New York Academy of Sciences, and a founding member of the International Society of Neurovirology. Due to his extensive international exposure, he is fluent in English, French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. He established his general medical practice in Los Cabos in 2004.
I didn’t know about all of his credentials when we first called Dr. Jurado. What I learned upon meeting him is that he is an excellent Dr. who truly cares about his patients. His Walk-In Mediclinic is located in San Jose del Cabo, Carret. Transp. Km28, Plaza el Zalate L-3. (Next to La Jolla). He handles walk in consults, emergency consults, Ultrasound, X-Rays, EKG, MRI, Emergency room services, Ambulance, Ground and Air and Paramedics.
In addition to his clinic services Dr. Jurado makes house calls and offers home care. He actually came to our office one day when one of us became ill. He is on call 24/7.
Phone: 624-130-7011
This is a copy of a letter sent to Dr. Jurado that I wanted to share
Hola Dr J,
Thank you Thank you, we are still here in the Sharp hospital in San Diego. We both wonder if Larry would even be alive had it not been for your professional skills and knowledge. He had a clot in his leg, more than one clot in his lung, phemoinia and was in atrial flutter. The medical staff are very good and he has several Drs. checking in on him. They are trying to get his heart rate at a steady slower pace so we can travel but out of the blue it will just go high and we are waiting to see if that can be corrected. He is still quite weak but defiantly improving.
I tell everyone what a wonderful Dr. and man you are. Brings tears to my eyes when I think about all you did for us. I don’t know many Dr’s that would have done everything you did. You truly did go above and beyond the call of duty, I am sending you the biggest hug full of gratitude and thanks. It sounds like we may be here for a couple more days. My friend Heather is also glad to have crossed paths with you. We will let you know when we return to Canada. I’m not sure if you realise it but besides being a Dr. I truly believe you are a angel. I tried my Visa when I got here and it worked, thank you for taking me to the bank.
Forever gratful Larry and Peggy
No Reported Safety Concerns
In Cabo San Lucas
“You have to make a distinction between the border incidents that are going on and the places like Playacar, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta, which are exceedingly safe.”
-NBC News
Reported February 26, 2009
Recently, the media has reported several drug cartel skirmishes occurring along the Mexican border. These problems are happening mainly in the border towns of Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez. Due to the increase in cartel activity, the State Department has issued a travel alert for these areas of Mexico. Cabo San Lucas is geographically isolated from these reported problem areas. Located on the southern tip of Baja California, Cabo San Lucas is approximately 1,000 miles from the problem border towns. Cabo San Lucas is a key tourist location where thousands of people from all over the world travel to every year. As a major spring break destination, Cabo San Lucas is visited by thousands of college students annually. Cabo San Lucas is a safe place to vacation but like any travel destination, travelers should exercise common-sense precautions.