I settled into my beach chair in Cabo San Lucas, toes sinking into the warm sand as I leaned back and took my first sip of the margarita the hotel attendant had brought me. The cold blend of tequila, lime, and a hint of sweetness was refreshing, the salt rim adding just the right touch of zest. It was the perfect start to a lazy midmorning, the icy drink a welcome companion under the sun’s warm glow.

The day stretched out before me, painted in shades of blue and gold. The sky was cloudless, the water sparkled under the midday light, and the sound of gentle waves created a soothing backdrop. I let myself sink deeper into my chair, letting the sun’s rays warm my skin and the cool margarita ease the last traces of tension from my body. Kenny Chesney’s lyrics played softly in my mind, “Is the tide gonna reach my chair?” It was a passing thought, a perfect question for this carefree moment, as I watched the shoreline shift with the rhythm of the waves.

Around me, the beach buzzed with life. Vendors wandered back and forth, each one calling out their wares—sunglasses, hats, colorful t-shirts—all displayed like treasures in their hands. Their voices mingled with the sounds of the beach, creating a lively, musical harmony. “Lentes! Camisetas! Recuerdos!” they sang, each pitch rising above the other, offering pieces of the day to those who passed by.

Couples walked arm in arm, some holding each other close as if they were about to part for a long time. There was an unspoken intimacy in their embraces, as they absorbed the moment together, sharing whispers and quiet laughter. For them, the beach was more than just sand and water—it was a place where time seemed to slow, allowing them to hold onto each other just a little bit longer.

I watched as panga boats came and went, shuttling tourists to hidden coves and snorkeling spots. The boats moved gracefully, rising and falling with the gentle swell of the waves, each one a promise of adventure and exploration. The anticipation on the faces of those boarding was contagious, a blend of excitement and a hint of nervousness about what awaited them beyond the horizon.

Out in the distance, large rocks jutted up from the water, their rugged forms breaking the line of blue with their imposing silhouettes. They stood like sentinels, timeless and unmoved by the passage of days, framed by the endless sky and the rolling sea. The waves crashed against their bases, sending sprays of white foam into the air, a reminder of nature’s quiet power.

The call of the ocean became irresistible. I stood, feeling the cool sand beneath my feet, and made my way toward the water. Each step was filled with a growing anticipation, my mind imagining the sensation of that first touch—the cool, refreshing embrace of the sea. The thought of it was exhilarating, a welcome respite from the sun’s heat.

As I waded in, the water greeted me with the perfect temperature—neither too hot nor too cold, but just right, as if it had been waiting for me all along. It washed over my feet, climbed up my legs, and soon I was submerged, floating in the gentle cradle of the ocean. The coolness tingled against my skin, a soothing balm that instantly put me at ease.

Turning around, I faced the beach, letting the water carry me. Between the sounds of mariachis serenading the beach and the classic hits of Pat Benatar playing in the background, the atmosphere was an eclectic mix of vibrant tunes blending local culture with familiar rock vibes, the melodies weaving through the sounds of the waves. I watched the scene before me, from the sunbathers on the sand to the vibrant vendors and the couples lost in their embraces. Everything seemed perfectly in place, as if the world had paused just for this moment.

I whispered to myself, “Self, you’re OK.” It was more than just words; it was a quiet affirmation that everything was exactly as it should be. The water, the music, the sun—all of it combined into a perfect blend of tranquility and joy. I stood there, absorbing every sensation, feeling deeply connected to the present.

Eventually, I made my way back to the shore, the water’s cool touch lingering on my skin as I returned to my chair. As I settled back into my seat, the hotel attendant, Benjamin, appeared again, smiling as he gestured to my now empty plastic cup. “Another margarita, señor?” he asked, with a warm and welcoming voice.

I glanced back at the ocean one last time, feeling the sun begin to dip lower in the sky. I nodded, smiling, knowing that this moment was something worth savoring. “Bueno amigo! Dale pues!” (Ok my friend, Bring it on!) I said, sinking back into my shaded chair, ready to let the day continue its slow, perfect rhythm.

Salud! Right Turn!