Hola! Bon jour! Orana! Yes, that one is real, pronounced yo-rah-nah in French Polynesia (think Tahiti and Bora Bora).
Welcome to my blog, the part time expat. Why only part time? I’ll explain as I go.
I’m a midwestern gal from the small town of Cloverdale, Indiana, about one hour west of Indianapolis. I love where I came from, so much that I built a home and raised my own children on the very farm where I grew up. But I have learned through my 57 years on this planet (Did I call myself a”gal”? OK, old lady) that loving where you are and possessing wanderlust can and do co-exist.
My husband and I spend half of our time in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico and half in our hometown in the US. Some of our closest friends are in SJD. These friends tell us “welcome home” when we arrive in Cabo. I have to admit, it is an amazing thing to hear. But likewise, it is amazing to come “home” to the states and spend time with my family on our farm in Indiana. We can enjoy beautiful, crisp midwestern fall weather, snow (STILL not my favorite!) and celebrate the holidays with our three children, two grandchildren, all the significant others, and our parents, all of whom, blessedly, are alive and well and live nearby.
We have received some criticism for not being “all in” on the living abroad thing. But to dispel this, we have become permanent residents of Mexico (not renouncing our US citizenship), we volunteer with several local charities and organizations in the Cabo area, and we own a home and vehicle in Mexico, meaning, just like in the US, we pay taxes and contribute to the local economy. But the best part is getting to know the Mexican people, learning the language (not easy at our age!) and enjoying the amazing culture of the Baja.
The purpose of this blog is to highlight travel experiences that I have been blessed to enjoy, in Mexico and in other parts of the world. I also hope to include travel experiences from others. But mostly, I want to demonstrate that when it comes to travel vs.non-travel, you really can have it all!
Winter in Cabo…time for whale watching! I have posted before that Cabo Adventures, present in both San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas, offers an excellent whale watching experience aboard a catamaran. This includes a view of the famous Cabo San Lucas arch, a light dinner, champagne toast as you set sail, and a beautiful sunset, in addition to whales.
But there is also a simple beauty in just grabbing your binoculars, sunscreen, a beach chair, and just, well, watching for whales!
The whales came early to Cabo this season, showing up in early November. It is said that this is due to colder than usual currents in the Pacific Ocean. This could be due to climate change, as there were a few whale sightings in October 2025. By January 2026, they are fully active and putting on shows daily. These shows require focus and patience on the part of the viewers. These majestic animals will breach (come up out of the water slightly) and jump full force out of the water, giving visitors a full shot of their grandeur.
The best way to watch for whales is to look for sprays along the horizon. Sometimes that is all you will see of the whale, but often after spraying they will breach or jump. Again, it takes patience and focus to see the whales being lively. So which is better, a chartered tour or a solo watch? I would answer both! If you are in Cabo for a short time, and want a guarantee to see whales, check out a charter such as Cabo Adventures. If you have a day to rest and relax on the beach, grab your binoculars and enjoy the peace and tranquility that comes with a day on the beach trying to spot whales.
When the calendar turns and the world collectively counts down to midnight, there are few places as enchanting as San José del Cabo. This charming town at the southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula blends tradition, elegance, and seaside celebration, making New Year’s Eve here feel both festive and soulful.
A Festive Town with Old-World Charm
Unlike its lively neighbor Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo offers a more relaxed and refined atmosphere—perfect for welcoming the New Year with intention. As December 31st arrives, the cobblestone streets of the historic Art District glow under twinkling lights, and the town’s colonial architecture provides a romantic backdrop for the night’s celebrations.
Locals and visitors gather in the main square, Plaza Mijares, where music, laughter, and community spirit fill the air. Street performers, live bands, and impromptu dancing create a warm, inclusive energy that invites everyone to join in.
Dining Under the Stars
New Year’s Eve in San José del Cabo is also a culinary celebration. Farm-to-table restaurants and oceanfront bistros curate special tasting menus featuring fresh seafood, Baja wines, and traditional Mexican flavors. Many venues offer candlelit dinners paired with live music, allowing guests to savor the moment as the year comes to a close.
As midnight approaches, glasses of champagne—or local sparkling wine—are raised in unison, and the sound of celebration echoes across terraces and beaches.
Midnight Traditions and Fireworks
Mexican New Year traditions add meaning to the festivities. It’s common to see people wearing red for love, yellow for prosperity, or carrying suitcases around the block to invite travel in the year ahead. At midnight, locals eat twelve grapes—one for each chime of the clock—making a wish for every month of the coming year.
Fireworks light up the sky over the Sea of Cortez, reflecting off the water and illuminating the palm-lined shoreline. Whether you’re on the beach or watching from a rooftop bar, the moment feels intimate and unforgettable.
A Peaceful New Year’s Day
The celebration doesn’t end at midnight. New Year’s Day in San José del Cabo is calm and restorative. Many visitors start the morning with a beach walk, a sunrise yoga session, or a leisurely brunch overlooking the ocean. It’s a gentle reminder that this destination isn’t just about celebration—it’s about balance.
Why San José del Cabo for New Year’s?
San José del Cabo offers a unique way to welcome the New Year: festive without being overwhelming, luxurious without losing authenticity, and deeply connected to culture and nature. Whether you’re celebrating with family, a partner, or on a solo journey, the town provides space to reflect, connect, and step into the new year with clarity and joy.
If you’re looking for a New Year’s celebration that feels meaningful, beautiful, and refreshingly unhurried, San José del Cabo just might be the perfect place to begin again.
If you’re thinking about a trip to San José del Cabo, spring is one of the most rewarding—and surprisingly underrated—seasons to visit. With warm weather, lower crowds, and exceptional outdoor activities, spring brings together everything travelers love about Los Cabos without the peak-season rush.
Spring weather in San José del Cabo is comfortably warm—ideal for beaches, pools, and dining outdoors. Unlike summer, when humidity and heat peak, spring days stay pleasantly sunny with refreshing ocean breezes.
Why spring weather is ideal:
warm but not too hot
low humidity
breezy evenings
great beach and pool conditions
This “just right” climate makes outdoor adventures incredibly enjoyable—from morning golf to sunset walks on the beach.
🌴 Smaller Crowds & A More Relaxed Vibe
Spring falls between winter high season and summer travel, making it a fantastic time for visitors who prefer a relaxed pace.
You’ll enjoy:
quieter beaches
easier restaurant reservations
more availability for tours
less competition for activities
If you want a Cabo trip that feels laid-back and personal, spring is perfect.
🎣 Fishing in Spring (Prime Season!)
Spring is one of the most active fishing windows in Baja California Sur. Depending on timing, you may see dorado, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, and snapper—making spring unforgettable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Los Cabos offers world-class golfing, and spring delivers the best playing conditions:
cool mornings
ocean breezes
bright, sunny afternoons
From championship courses to oceanfront greens, this region is a golfer’s dream. Book early morning tee times for ideal light and temperature.
🚙 Outdoor Adventures: ATV, Hiking & More
Thanks to comfortable weather, spring is the best season for outdoor exploring around San José del Cabo.
Top outdoor activities:
ATV desert tours
guided nature walks
hiking coastal viewpoints
estuary & wildlife tours
sunset beach walks
Want to discover more outdoor adventures? We’ve collected ideas in our Activities section.
🎨 San José Art Walk (November–June)
One of the most charming cultural experiences in the region, the San José del Cabo Art Walk transforms the historic district every Thursday evening through spring.
Stroll the galleries, listen to live music, and discover local artists. It’s a perfect night out before dinner in the historic center.
🌅 Baja Sunsets & Slow Evenings
Spring sunsets here are gorgeous—soft skies, warm evenings, and ocean breeze. It’s the perfect atmosphere for beachfront dining or cocktails by the pool.
For more inspiration, enjoy this local perspective:
🌊 Final Thoughts: Why Spring Is the Best Time to Visit San José del Cabo
If you love sunshine, ocean views, and relaxed days outdoors, spring in San José del Cabo might be the perfect match. With smaller crowds and perfect weather, this season lets you experience Los Cabos at its most peaceful.
This is a common greeting used in restaurants in Mexico. Think “Bon Appetit”! Wait staff often will say this when they deliver your meal, and it is also customary for diners entering or exiting the restaurant to say it to you as they pass by your table.
So it seems a fitting title for today’s blog about one of my favorite things…food! The food on the Baja is outstanding, whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or a good old taco stand. I would like to feature one of my favorites in today’s blog, Burritos La Palma.
Nestled at the foothills of a curvy mountain road between San Jose del Cabo and Las Barillas, Burritos La Palma is an experience in local Mexican fare. Chilaquiles (maybe best description is breakfast nachos), tamales, burritos, empanadas, all homemade and authentic. There is a woodfire for brewing coffee, simmering pazole and menuedo (Mexican soups) in huge pots, and cooking fresh tortillas.
While the food is the star at Burritos La Palma, the service and atmosphere are a close second! We look forward to visiting on Sunday mornings to enjoy an excellent breakfast that lasts us all day, usually taking leftovers home. But we also enjoy the company. Despite often being the only gringos in the place, we are welcomed and enjoy conversation with the waitstaff and other diners. This has become a fun place to practice “Spanglish”, as some of them are practicing English and I am always looking for an opportunity to practice Español. And of course, it is always a bonus when the staff knows your order, by now asking “Same?” every Sunday. We often enjoy a second cup of coffee, (orange Fanta for Todd) just visiting and soaking up the atmosphere.
If you find yourself in the area, please do check out this local gem. You will be glad you did, and let me wish you “provecho” (enjoy your meal) in advance!
Love the staff here!Beautiful cactus behind the restaurant.Best tortillas made fresh!
El Dia de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, was celebrated in San Jose del Cabo this weekend. Beginning with tours of the cemetery on November 1 through the parade of the Katrinas on the evening of November 2, this holiday is rooted in strong tradition and respect for those who have passed from this world. So much work is done in the cemetery as the families utilize this day to clean, decorate, and often play music at the alters of their loved ones who have passed. The second day has a more festive air, with parades and celebrations in the city center.
There are colorful altars throughout the town, displaying the ofrendas adorned with photos and memories of loved ones. It is a true celebration of life and has its roots in the traditions of Aztec and Spanish Catholic cultures. Adding to the splendor of this celebration are calaveras (decorative skulls) and marigold flowers, which are believed to guide the spirits with their fragrance and bright color.
While El Dia de Muertos is not widely celebrated in the United States, as we become a more global society, the blending of traditions of various cultures is inevitable. We now recognize holidays that we did not in the past and demonstrate respect to those who have always celebrated them. As a former school administrator, I personally have observed public school art teachers who were teaching about El Dia de Muertos, and the beauty that lies within this colorful holiday. Students were excited to learn more!
So while Coco remains one of my favorite Disney movies, there is still nothing like experiencing El Dia de Muertos in person in Mexico!
One of my favorite water sports is snorkeling. I have been fortunate to snorkel in Mexico, Bora Bora, and Hawaii. So far, I haven’t taken the steps to become a SCUBA diver, but there is still time! The beauty that lies beneath the ocean’s surface is exquisite.
This week we snorkeled Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park. This contains the oldest living reef in North America and is also home to sea turtles, whale sharks, dolphins, and manta rays. We were blessed to experience the beauty of the coral, in addition to sea turtles, sea lions, and varieties of fish. We watched a school of silver fish spiral in a tornado-like manner, reminiscent of a synchronized swimming show.
Cabo Pulmo is a small village and there are several choices of water sports vendors. I personally recommend Cabo Pulmo Eco Adventures. We have gone out with them twice now, and both times had an amazing snorkeling experience. Caesar was our guide for both trips, and he is professional, personable, and was willing to tailor the trip to our wishes.
Even though Caesar and his team provide you with snacks, you will likely want to check out the restaurant Tacos and Beer across from Eco Adventures after your snorkeling adventure. They serve, well, tacos and beer, but also other menu items.
This has been one of our favorite day trips for two years running. Can’t wait to make it three!
Hola! It’s been a while since I have added a post to the Part-time Expat blog. No traveling this summer due to la boda de mi hija (my daughter’s wedding), but it has been a wonderful summer leading up to a celebration day of love, good friends, and family. And of course, she was a beautiful bride!
Now that the festivities are over, we are back in Cabo. We often spend the early part of September here, but this year we came a little later. As a bonus, that’s when the butterflies arrive!
It is hard to describe and even harder to photograph how beautiful these massive hordes of butterflies are. We see constant flocks of them flying around, mostly in the morning. These are not the Monarchs, which migrate to Central Mexico, but the Cloudless Sulphers, also known as Phoebis sennae, or as I prefer, “little yellow” butterflies! Apparently, they migrate south during the rainy season due to changes in the vegetation. They travel from the mountains in search of warmer climates. Just one more layer to the beauty of San Jose del Cabo!
While we have seen many butterflies, not necessarily the same is true of travelers. This is the low season for travel in Cabo, and some of our favorite restaurants and stores are closed this month for vacations. That’s fine; there is just a little different vibe here right now, and we all know that the cold weather up north will bring the snowbirds flying down here soon! In the meantime, I plan to do some snorkeling (this might be the next blog post topic) and relax on my porch enjoying the beaches and butterflies!
Welcome to Viva Condo #7—where every day begins with beauty and ends in bliss. Nestled along the sparkling Sea of Cortez in San José del Cabo, Viva offers the kind of lifestyle most only dream about. Whether you’re working remotely, soaking in the sun, or simply embracing the rhythm of coastal living, Viva is your sanctuary for balance, connection, and joy.
☀️ Morning Magic: Sunrise & Serenity
There’s no better way to start your day than with a cup of coffee on the patio of Condo #7, watching the sunrise paint the sky with hues of gold and coral. For an even more breathtaking view, stroll down to the beach and witness the sun emerging from the horizon over the Sea of Cortez—a scene you’ll never tire of.
Want something sweet with that coffee? Take a short walk to La Comer and grab a warm, flaky pastry from their fabulous bakery. The morning is yours—peaceful, flavorful, and full of promise.
🧘♂️ Move or Motivate: Your Morning, Your Way
Once you’ve eased into the day, it’s time to energize. Viva supports every kind of morning routine:
💻 Work from home in a quiet, inspiring space with strong Wi-Fi and natural light.
🏃♀️ Run through San José del Cabo, where colorful streets and ocean breezes keep you moving.
👣 Walk or jog along the beach, with sand between your toes and the rhythm of waves as your soundtrack.
🏊 Swim laps in Viva’s heated pool or stretch out with a poolside workout.
🎾 Join a game of pickleball or tennis on Viva’s on-site courts—great for fitness and community.
🌮 Midday Delights: Food, Friends, and Freedom
When lunchtime rolls around, Cabo delivers. Walk to nearby taquerías for authentic Mexican street food, or cook up something delicious in your own fully equipped kitchen. With perfect weather year-round, dining indoors or al fresco is always a treat.
Afterward, it’s time to recharge. Some residents head back to work, while others ease into relaxation mode. Common afternoon rituals include:
📖 Lounging by the pool with a good book
🌊 Watching the waves and drifting into a seaside nap
🎲 Playing board games with neighbors and new friends
👣 Taking a casual stroll on the beach or around town
🍹 Golden Hour & Evenings to Remember
As the day winds down, the community at Viva comes alive again. Late afternoons are lovingly referred to as “Happy Hour”—a time when owners, renters, expats, and newcomers gather around the BBQ area to socialize and enjoy the warm Cabo breeze. Everyone is welcome, and everyone feels at home.
Evenings unfold with endless options:
🍖 Fire up the grill for dinner with friends
🍝 Walk to local restaurants, from low-key taco joints to upscale seafood, Italian, and steakhouses
🌌 Wind down on your private patio, taking in the peaceful quiet of the evening, with the gentle sounds of laughter and conversation drifting up from the beach as locals and visitors enjoy the last light of day
🌅 Wake, Repeat, Enjoy
At Viva Condo, each day is yours to design. Whether you’re here for a season or forever, the blend of comfort, community, and coastal magic creates an experience unlike any other.
👉 Ready to live, work, and relax the Viva way? Visit VivaCondominium.com to learn more and schedule a visit. Your Cabo story starts here.
I have found that this phrase, “First time in Cabo?” is a frequent one spoken by the locals in the service professions. I have been asked this by countless cab drivers, time share salespeople, and shop keepers throughout the years. Guess I still do not look like a local!
I’m sure that this is a common ice breaker around the world. As I have moved from answering, “Yes”, to “First visit in a long time”, to “I live here part time,” I have witnessed various reactions. The first two answers elicit recommendations for restaurants, the best beaches, and discounts for tours. Once you say you live here part time, the timeshare salespeople walk away in search of new potential clients, and most others do not share their recommendations. So I started asking!
There is no better way to get to know a new place than to talk to the locals. And I think that when you share that you are in their home year-round, or even part time, like us, you get some recommendations beyond the tourist traps. This requires some stepping out of my comfort zone. If you haven’t read before, I was a shy kid and remain an introvert (as they call us now!) so I struggle to initiate conversation. Throw in a language barrier, and I am even more reluctant to engage. But I continue to force myself for three reasons: 1. The benefits far outweigh the risks. I have learned so much about our new home by talking with local people. 2. This is the best way to practice and continue to learn Spanish. 3. Casual conversation is much more expected in Mexico than in the US. The people are friendly and assume that you will exchange the occasional “buenos dias” and “como esta? “ It is also customary to wish strangers “provecho” (enjoy your meal) when passing by their table in a restaurant. These are just a few of the customs I have noted, and I have much to learn. So, “First time in Cabo?” “No, but more importantly, it won’t be my last”!
One of the most defining choices you face as an expat or long-term visitor in San José del Cabo is how you decide to experience your new environment. Do you stay nestled within the familiarity of your expat community—comfortable, safe, and full of shared backgrounds and languages? Or do you venture out, step into the unknown, and allow your experience to be shaped by genuine connections with the locals who call this place home?
Over time, we’ve come to learn that there’s something incredibly special about choosing the latter.
We’ve been fortunate to meet wonderful people here—many of whom came into our lives initially as service providers: a warm and talkative driver, a kind gardener, a Spanish tutor, a restaurant owner, a fishing captain, a tequila catador, or even a helpful physical therapist. But in many cases, those first interactions sparked conversations, and those conversations grew into friendships. These aren’t transactional relationships. They’re rooted in mutual respect, shared stories, and laughter over meals, sunsets, and everyday life.
These local friendships have opened up San José del Cabo to us in ways we never could have imagined. We’ve been taken to tucked-away beaches, hidden eateries, local festivals, and special spots that don’t show up on TripAdvisor. Often, friends ask us, “How did you find that place?” The answer is simple: we were willing to trust, to say yes, and to step outside of the comfort zone of our expat circle.
Of course, the expat community can be a source of deep friendship and support—it’s one of the great joys of living abroad. But it’s equally enriching to cultivate connections with the people who grew up here, whose lives and stories are rooted in this land. These friendships give depth to our experience and help us develop a deeper appreciation for the rich culture, history, and everyday beauty of Los Cabos.
Being an expat isn’t just about finding a new place to live—it’s about letting a new place live within you. That only happens when you open yourself to new people, perspectives, and ways of life.
So if you’re considering life in San José del Cabo—or are already here—take a moment to look beyond your circle. Say hello to your Uber driver. Strike up a conversation with the barista. Ask your gardener where he likes to eat. The door to a fuller, richer experience might just be waiting in that first conversation.
Because while the beaches and sunshine brought us here, it’s the people—especially the unexpected friendships—that make it feel like home. If you want to visit our second home check out our condo for rent at https://vivacondominium.com.
