C6 - Wednesday, June 30, 1982 - North Shore News BASKING IN BAJA Finding that ‘place in the sun’ The Mexican’ Tourist Authority’ may well be surprised at this column. Indeed, the last time I wrote about Mexico, they sicked their Ambassador on me — who indicated in his letter that I needed my head candied. Muggings, robbings, murder and mayhem in Mexico? Impossible. As for gastro-intestinal complaints — obviously too much sun or too many Margaritas. Never the water or the food. I guess we don't have to discuss the well-publicised hazards of Mexico. You go at your own risk — with full knowledge that some rather unfortunate things can happen. Many can _. be prevented by using your head. I've always looked mostly in vain — for that ideal “place in the sunl”. Preferably, a spot un- discovered — but not to the extent of outdoor plumbing. A steady chmate — no devastating rain that can give you two weeks in a suana — such as Hawaii in January. Beaches? White sand, marvellous cliffs, sport fishing to get Brian out of my hair for a couple of days. trayel- Barbara McCreadie Beachcombing to get me out of his for a few hours every day. We've found the place! Baha California, nght at the tip — CABO SAN LUCAS. This place is hke I expect Puerto Vallerta’ was 25 years ago - a sleepy litle fishing village, population 7000, including tourists. There are hotels — nine of them some gorgeous, some cheap. We did as much checking out as our time ashore from the Island Princess per- mitted. For openers, at the luxury level and this means in the vicinity of $80 per person per day, luxury suite, beach front and all meals — check out the Hotel Cabo San Lucas (about 20 years old, built back in the day that luxury meant something) or the Twin Dolphin (new, fancy and glassy. A lovely beach.) 1. The Hotel Cabo San Lucas (Los Angeles office P.O. Box 48088, Bicen- tennial Station, L.A., California, 90048). Has more greenery and I preferred it. 2. Twin Dolphin (1730 West Olympic Blvd., Ste. 402. L.A. Calif. 90015) Brian liked this one best. Short on character, though. All rates are Amenican, escalating while you sleep. If you wnite and plead poverty. they may be ready to present deals. On the moderate level, we looked at 1. The Hotel Cabo Baja (U.S. Office, 7484 La Jolla Bivd., La Jolla, Calif. 92038). 2. The Hacienda (Hacienda Reservations P.O. Box 48872, L.A. Calif. 90048). These two have lovely beaches, a more moderate approach to money and the units are big, neat and clean. Both include all meals and start at $25 a day — per person. Like I said, these are only four of the nine offered. WHAT WASN'T OF- FERED, BUT IS AVAILABLE, IS CON- DOMINIUMS. Everywhere I asked, the person to speak to was, A. Not in, or B. Just left. Rather than relying ona restaurant for an extended visit, (d rather have my own stove, fridge and freedom to cook some of the lovely fresh fish I saw being hauled out of the water. I wouldn't mind a bit, buying fresh produce in a sleepy htule village, bringing it back to the “shack” and grilling it to sult. I tried a few obvious sources for condos but came up with a complete blank. If, and | think SOON, I want one, Ili try checking an L.A. paper for someone who has one to rent. Failing that, I'd advertise myself in the L.A. Times and hope I get lucky. I wouldn't spend more than $40 a day for a condo on the beach with pool. I think it is available. Cabo San Lucas is hot, dry, dusty and typically desert country. The people — all I met in a frannc four- hour dash around, were gracious. If I could tran- splant one of the beaches in front of my house, you couldn't touch the place for five million. In the winter, the whales mate mght outside the harbour. Sport fishing. for those unspeakable in search of the inedible, is probably the best in the world. You'll get more satisfactory results by dragging a hne off the dock and filing your food needs for a day or so. To get there, check: AREO MEXICO - from L.A. and Tijuana Continental Arrlines from El Paso, Alburqueque and Denver. Tourism prints fulfillment book Everything you need to know Almost everything the traveller always wanted to know about B.C. is now contained in a_ single publication, Tourism British Columbia - The Traveller's Handbook, Tourism Minister Pat Jordan said today. “Until now, we've never had the ultimate ‘fulfillment’ piece for tourists. The new handbook, with bright photographs and _ bursting with useful information, makes B.C. come alive for visitors who have never visited our province ,” Jordan said. “The publication is also unique in that almost all the information concerning B.C. necded by a visitor is contained under one cover,” the minister said. She said three ministry publications All About B.C... Calendar of Events (two editions spring/summer and fall/winter), and the official BC. Road Map have been incorporated in The Traveller's Handbook “The result is considcrabic savings in production and in distnbubon partic ularly WAIKIKI All Only WAIKIKI $499 14 Days 19 Naynts LAS VEGAS 8259 5 Days @ Nights At & Mote: RENO *189 4 eyn «€ Naynin An & Mote: 8249 TORONTO All Oley ~ MAPLE LEAF TRAVEL | 736-3555 postage -- costs,” the minister said. Jordan noted that the handbook is designed to remain in circulation for a longer time than the former “dated” publications. “We hope readers pass it on to their relatives and friends after using it because of the fact that it contains a wealth ef facts about our province.” When visitors arrive in B.C. they will be able to abtain more = specialized information from the British Columbia Accommodation and Travel Information Guide and official B.C. Road Map. The ministry pnnied 500,000 copies of the 55 page book which will be distributed through Tounsm B.C.’s information centres and offices and by Canadian Offices of Tourism The four colour pubhcation contains some 90 photographs and maps, as well as information about hundreds of destinations, attractions, activities, events, and transportation services to and within the province. Visit four SAN FRANCISCO Visits to the world’s most resplen- dent, exotic and culturally diverse ports will be featured on Royal Viking Line's 10th annual Around the World cruise in carly 1983 The tunerary” features visits to sixteen ports on the four continents) of North Amenca, South Amenca., Afnca, and Asia, and will enable passengers to board on either the East or West Coast The Royal Voking Sky The Traveller's Handbook is more than a catalogue. It's an efficient and inexpensive advertising tool, a lure which I expect will be very ef- fective in attracting visitors here,” Mrs. Jordan said. “The handbook informs people from around the world who we are and what we have to celebrate. It reveals something about our history and cultures, and why we love to live in B.C.” continents offers all-first-class ac- commodations for ap- proximately 700 passengers. most of whom will occupy staterooms with an outside view Single-scating dining and a main lounge large cnough to seat the cnatrre compicment of passengers at cach per formance are among the line's most attractive features on long cruises Additionally. the cuisine aboard Royal Viking Line vessels is so plentiful and NOT TO BE MISSED! SEMI-ANNUAL SALE AIRSTEP reg to $42 95 HELENA - SELBY reg to $43 95 CELEBRITY reg to $59 Y¥45 WHITE CROSS reg $52 95 ARCHLOCK - GUILDCRAFY) - reg to $75 OO $2 l > $25.°° +36.?° +36.°° WALLACE $42 _?5 _FOOT HEALTH SHOES | 619 DUNSMUIR STREET Telephone 681-6811 (Between Granville & Seymour) diverse that passengers can cruise for nearty a month without seeing the same menu twice Additonal informabon 1s available from local travel agents or Royal Viking Linc. One Embarcadero Centre, San Francisco, Cahforna 94111, (415) 398-8000 Lightwenght Herbed Ca sevygpbertesty wish veal ber Vowel Keg Sone, Lie oH. Ho pers tok an Ce A Weioluae © oc atl cere PURE Le Oe es ee soto *22°° er re oO pee a tt ‘ ULL Sole Ss f 922-9650 i 844 Park Royal North, West Van. _ Mexicana from Los Angeles All arive at San Jose del y Cabo, Cabo San _ Lucas International Airport. It will cost you $55 American, per person to get yourself from the airport, by taxi, to the town. I'd check to see if car rentals are available on the day you arrive. It’s about a three hour drive, so if your flight is late you'd be better taking a cab. You wouldn't catch me wandering in a rental car, at night — even with the best local map. One of these days, that couple you see hauling in the fish off the dock, might just be Bnan and me. Jay of Jay's Exotica Egyptian Handcratts will be taking a small group on another of his hughly successful tnps to Egypt If you have ever dreamed of visiting the mystical land ot the Nile here is your opportunity to see it with one who knows and loves the country. its language and its people Marvel ai the opulence of the Pharoahs thet tombs and temples and experience the vibran of today’s Egypt. This ay. all-inctusive tour leaves Sept 22 For details phone Jay, o1 drop by his shop tor an itinerary $1270. can. + Air Fare PR6E 14th St. N Van cushioned trae koest Uber oe emt geeneae