T
here is this inexplicable feeling, a pit at the bottom of your stomach, some call it butterflies, when your plane departs the ground. Energy and potential are all present, you’re excited. It’s the limitless opportunity that exists at the beginning of every trip that elevates the flying experience. The opportunities are endless, the possibilities only restricted by our imaginations. A sea of travelers all bound for unique experiences yet sharing this immense feeling. We all have travel companions, but once this year, leave the buddy pass at home. Find your own destination and see what the wide world holds for you and your predilections. I’ve chosen to rest my toes on Medano Beach at the Hacienda Beach Club and Residences, for three rounds I’ve been teeter tottering with myself over frozen or on the rocks, which is the better margarita? This philosophical inquest only hampered by my waning sobriety, the glowing sunset behind Land’s End and the Cabo San Lucas Marina, and of course last call at the beach bar. My rumination has been replaced by an appetite and before long I’m tucked into a corner booth at Hacienda Cocina y Cantina. The cast of evening light leaves the sky, replaced by a midnight blue in the low-lit dining room. I order a Tamarindo Margarita, in the blink of an eye the bar man’s lighting hands have my drink table side. In one sip my debate is answered—on the rocks or frozen isn’t of importance, what matters is the flavors, and this margarita owns flavor. Tamarind puree, fresh squeezed lime, sugar cane syrup, and a chile dust rim all molded together in a perfect balance of fresh, full flavors.
88 | MAY/JUNE 2018
I order the Hacienda Salad, with tamarind dressing. Like the margarita, I’m wowed. Crisp and fresh ingredients accented by the sharp sweet and sour tamarind dressing. The spiced pecans elevate it from lukewarm to Mexican picante. For my main course I have the Tinga de Pollo (chicken gorditas) and a final margarita. The last taste of the evening is much like the first, I’m contented on Mexican fare and regional specialty margaritas. My eyes are bigger than my appetite and as I’m leaving I remind myself to return for the chocolate churros. In the morning I’m up early, having coffee poolside, the cast of light a sun salutation offering before a day exploring the town. I have a soft goal of movement, other than that I want nothing more than a spontaneous day. After a quick swim in the pool and an egg white omelet at the Cantina I’m exiting the Beach Club into downtown— you can’t beat this location. My destination: the marina and anywhere else my feet can carry me. The marina is for anyone who appreciates yachts and the people watching is top notch. I wander aimlessly in awe, not only with the yachts but the endless line of luxury shopping, dining and tour offerings. The marina is unlike any other I’ve set foot on. There are street vendors and storefronts every other step. If you have a buoyant imagination you could find any experience needed just a few steps away from the Beach Club entrance. I tend to hide behind my camera when I travel, I’m not sure if it’s the margaritas coursing through my veins from last night’s debate or the
