Opinion | I went to Cabo for spring break… just like everyone else
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is a popular destination for college students during spring break, so I decided to pack my bags and have some margaritas and nachos, along with what seems like the entire Chapman community. Photos courtesy of Megan Forrester. Photo collage by EMILY PARIS, photo editor
I have grown quite fond of a good margarita since I turned 21.
I don't know if it's the salt on the rim, the lime garnish or the taste of some Casamigos tequila, but I can always go for a margarita, frozen or over ice, no matter the location or the occasion.
When I realized I would be traveling to Mexico for my last spring break of college, I was so unbelievably excited for the beaches and the food, but more importantly, the margaritas.
Megan Forrester, Features & Entertainment Editor
You know the scene from "Friends" where Ross (played by David Schwimmer) makes a whole pitcher of margaritas and drinks it all himself? That was the mentality I was planning to set for myself when going to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
While my two friends and I packed our bags and headed to the airport, we realized one unique aspect about our trip — the entire Chapman community would also be traveling to Cabo at the exact same time as us. Sure, all the stories about Cabo over the years made us want to go even more, but what could be so special about this place that literally every single person I know was also going?
Well, let me tell you: Cabo is just as fun as people tell you. But think of it like Las Vegas — you can only handle a certain amount of days before the hangovers begin to creep up on you. We spent four days and three nights drinking Coronas and basking in the sun, and it was one of the best trips I have ever been on.
And honestly, running into fellow Panthers made it that much more special.
Sure, there were some things we had to remember to be cautious on while on the trip. Everyone says to avoid drinking the water, but that just gave us more of an excuse to drink another mai tai or mudslide, and another was to be aware of our surroundings.
On March 13, Dean of Students Jerry Price sent an email warning students to "be aware of the fraudulent and dangerous prescription drugs in Mexico," which also heightened my concerns to be vigilant while also having fun. At the end of the day, we were in a different country.
We made sure that the three of us followed the buddy system and stuck together — knowing that no one could get through three strong, independent communication students. Plus, one of my friends can speak Spanish, which not only impressed our Uber drivers, but also made us feel that much safer.
Throughout each day, we had a routine for how our activities would pan out. First, we would go to the hotel breakfast (which strangely had some of the best French toast I have ever had), then we would lounge at the pool and kick off the day with a mimosa or a piña colada, then we would go to our favorite restaurant/beach club, the Mango Deck.
Ah, Mango Deck. Think of the best nachos you could even dream of, along with the freshest shrimp cocktail, accompanied by the entertainment of an MC encouraging people to do a push-up contest and vendors behind a fence showcasing their selection of headbands for sale.
I'm not sure if it was the margaritas making me tipsy, but I was crying laughing at some of the headbands. Unfortunately some of them are too promiscuous for me to restate — but of course we purchased some, with one of them saying "I'm in Cabo, bitch."
The late afternoon and early evenings consisted of the occasional siesta and a walk on the beach. When we were running around on the sand, splashing our feet around in the water, I felt absolute happiness.
With the sun barely out, the sand feeling like you are walking on air and being surrounded by some of my best friends, these moments felt like utter bliss. I know I am romanticizing this for sure, because in reality I bet we looked like a complete mess as we were giggling a little too hard while almost tripping over in the sand.
After we showered off the chlorine and SPF, we commenced each night with listening to our co-created playlist, which included hits like "Despacito," "Rasputin" and a number of country songs. Once we applied copious amounts of glitter on our face and adorned our heads with cowboy hats, we grabbed a quick dinner.
Normally we ate at our resort, but our last night in Cabo, we went to the restaurant The Office, which featured a variety of seafood and Mexican cuisine. Not only was there a gorgeous view of the beach and multicolored ribbon strung in the air above us, we also had margaritas (finally!) the size of my head and ate the best yellowtail fish tacos that came with rice that tastes just like my grandma’s.
With our tummies full of chips and guacamole, we always ended each night at El Squid Roe, a three-level bar and restaurant. While I ran into countless sorority friends and people from class, it was so much more enjoyable compared to going to the District Lounge in Orange. Along with the added bonus of free drink coupons, the remixes of Miley Cyrus and Black Eyed Peas music and the waiters dancing along with everyone made it unlike any other bar I had ever been to.
The main takeaway from my trip to Cabo, besides that I should probably start using Duolingo to learn Spanish, is that I was so amazed by the amount of kindness and generosity received by the locals and people who worked at the resort and restaurants. Their consideration and hospitality made all of us feel extremely welcomed and like we walked away with new friends.
Will I ever go back to Cabo? I absolutely would love to. But nothing will quite compare to this trip with my friends. Now everytime I sip on a margarita, I will think of mi amor, Cabo San Lucas.