The Surf Costa Rica program is off to an incredible start. Each correspondence with our leaders consists of great enthusiasm, and tales of awesome adventures and some serious bonding. When asked how the kids were all getting along, LE Leader replied, "Oh, it is an absolute LoveFest. Everyone gets along great and we are having an awesome time!" By Lovefest we are of course referring to the new friendship being formed of a strictly plutonic nature. LE Leader Brian noted that "Everyone was coming out of their shell and they were really starting to gel."
The program left the Arenal region and headed south to Monte Alto Reserve for some community service and cultural enrichment. The group participated in a refurbishing a local schools bathroom and entry way. They finished the project early and then joined the elementary school kids and helped the kids practice their English, while the kiddos taught the LE crew how to work on their Spanish. The experience culminated with an epic game of soccer. The locals, who were much younger, took an early lead but Team Longacre regrouped and really came together for the second half storming back to a 6-6 tie. Apparently, as a whole Team Longacre is a rather competitive bunch and not afraid of a challenge.
Next the trip shifted to beautiful beaches of Corazalito. The group had time for their first surf last night and everyone stood up on their boards at least once. This morning they also put in a long 4 1/2 hour session with Shayne and James paddling out into the "Lineup". All of the girls gave it there all and the leaders were especially impressed by their determination.There were also a few jelly fish stings today, but everyone is doing well. Last night, the group was hit by a "wild and crazy" electrical storm, and they were forced to leave there tents and slept in a nearby emergency shelter. Sounds a little scary, but will only add to the stories upon returning home. When we last spoke, they were meeting with the Sea Turtle Conservation organization Pretoma and are planning to do some sea turle monitoring this evening. The kids will be taking shifts, and should be rather sleeping in the morning. They will be able to rest on the drive to Uvita tomorrow, the longest ride of the trip!
We should also mention that the group has grown very fond Findlay's bedtime stories, and it has become a new tradition. We think it might be a combination of his British accent and super-cool life experiences. There has also been quite a bit of music in the evenings. Most of the guys play guitar, Brian plays the Madolin, and Shayne brought a Ocariner. Apparantly, "Smoke on the Water" is this new super groups go to song, but they are working on some other tunes as we speak. The group has also really enjoyed getting to know their private driver, Juan Carlos. They have been speaking to him in Spanish along the way, and Will has grown particularly fond of him.
The leaders will make an effort to get us some photos in the next 2 days and we will be sure to share them as soon as possible.
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