"The Milieu" Newsletter Article by K.M.
Anticipation was heavy in the air the morning after Thanksgiving as a group of seven students and three staff loaded themselves into a blue Hyundai van parked outside the dining hall. With two stacks of surfboards strapped on top and several boogie boards nestled inside, they set off, reggae music flowing freely. Their destination: warm sand, swaying palm trees, rolling waves and a long weekend of relaxed fun at El Hotel Pelicano. Hotel Pelicano is located in Puntarenas, about thirty minutes outside of Jaco. The main office and restaurant sat directly on the beach of Esterillos Este, giving a clear and dazzling view of the ocean at all times, perfect for surfers.
Upon arrival, the group quickly unloaded the van of luggage and surfboards, set their stuff down in their rooms, and then donned sun- screen and rash guards and dashed into the waves with boards in hand. The waves weren't perfect, but eve- rybody in the group managed to catch one and stand up.
Surfing is a big part of the culture at NSA, with surf club consist- ently ranking as the most popular club with the most members in- volved. Normally, the club gets to hit the beach once every few weeks, so the opportunity for three days straight was exciting for many students.
"Having the chance to surf for three days straight made me grow stronger with my homies, and I had a really good time," Charlie said. "It was also great not having to wait two weeks to craft the art of surfing."
Staff were also very excited for the weekend. Kelly, a therapist at NSA, took up surfing soon after she moved to Costa Rica, and she con- siders it to be one of her favorite activities here. "It really keeps me focused, and it's a great lesson in humility." Kelly said.
On the second day at Esterillos Este, the group woke up bright and early at 5 a.m. and was in the water by 5:30 a.m., surfing under the pink and gold light of the sunrise. Many said this was their favorite time they spent in the water. (Click "Read More"...)
Upon arrival, the group quickly unloaded the van of luggage and surfboards, set their stuff down in their rooms, and then donned sun- screen and rash guards and dashed into the waves with boards in hand. The waves weren't perfect, but eve- rybody in the group managed to catch one and stand up.
Surfing is a big part of the culture at NSA, with surf club consist- ently ranking as the most popular club with the most members in- volved. Normally, the club gets to hit the beach once every few weeks, so the opportunity for three days straight was exciting for many students.
"Having the chance to surf for three days straight made me grow stronger with my homies, and I had a really good time," Charlie said. "It was also great not having to wait two weeks to craft the art of surfing."
Staff were also very excited for the weekend. Kelly, a therapist at NSA, took up surfing soon after she moved to Costa Rica, and she con- siders it to be one of her favorite activities here. "It really keeps me focused, and it's a great lesson in humility." Kelly said.
On the second day at Esterillos Este, the group woke up bright and early at 5 a.m. and was in the water by 5:30 a.m., surfing under the pink and gold light of the sunrise. Many said this was their favorite time they spent in the water. (Click "Read More"...)
"Before this surfing trip, I'd never experienced surfing in the morning in Costa Rica," said Andrew, a student and enthused surfer. "This trip offered me the opportunity to maximize the amount of time we could surf, not only in the evening, but also in the mornings. The combination of the sunrise and the moon opposite from it on the horizon was breathtaking."
Overall, the group of surfers and boogie boarders spent the majority of their time in the water, always keeping an eye out for the perfect wave to catch. When they weren't in the ocean though, there was still plenty to do at the hotel. Yuker and other card games were a big part of the weekend for some staff and students, with some spending dinnertime until bedtime seated at a table playing together. "I like learning new things, and I like games, so card games are a good way to do both." Ryan said.
The hotel also had an Indo-Board, a type of balance board, outside the restaurant, which lured nearly every member of the group into its trap at one point or another. The sinister Indo-Board had a tendency to slip out from under the user's feet while he was using it, and over the weekend it successfully landed several students flat on their backs in the sand. "I felt pretty embarrassed to fall, but proud to have served the restaurant-goers with entertainment." Jamey said about falling in front of a dozen people enjoying lunch. The group also enjoyed a pool table, a game of pool volleyball, walks along the beach, swimming, and just relaxing and talking with each other.
After two surf sessions Sunday morning, the group packed their bags, loaded the van back up, and set off back to Atenas. The trip was exciting, although short, and despite their sore shoulders, the group didn't have much to say negatively about the trip.
Overall, the group of surfers and boogie boarders spent the majority of their time in the water, always keeping an eye out for the perfect wave to catch. When they weren't in the ocean though, there was still plenty to do at the hotel. Yuker and other card games were a big part of the weekend for some staff and students, with some spending dinnertime until bedtime seated at a table playing together. "I like learning new things, and I like games, so card games are a good way to do both." Ryan said.
The hotel also had an Indo-Board, a type of balance board, outside the restaurant, which lured nearly every member of the group into its trap at one point or another. The sinister Indo-Board had a tendency to slip out from under the user's feet while he was using it, and over the weekend it successfully landed several students flat on their backs in the sand. "I felt pretty embarrassed to fall, but proud to have served the restaurant-goers with entertainment." Jamey said about falling in front of a dozen people enjoying lunch. The group also enjoyed a pool table, a game of pool volleyball, walks along the beach, swimming, and just relaxing and talking with each other.
After two surf sessions Sunday morning, the group packed their bags, loaded the van back up, and set off back to Atenas. The trip was exciting, although short, and despite their sore shoulders, the group didn't have much to say negatively about the trip.
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