Surf and sun

We went surfing today! But before I get to that, let me back up a bit and explain the morning. We had classes at 8 - but even though we learn things, we also get to play a lot of games. I even heard a big group of students playing some number game outside as I was trying to study really hard :) as soon as classes were over, we changed and walked down the beach to Chocos Surf School. We met some pretty awesome instructors (Choco, Marco, Marcelo, y Jose) who taught us in English so that we would perfectly understand the safety rules and instructions. We were given rash guards to wear and I personally was thankful for the sun protection. After we learned how to surf on the sand (which I prefer - MUCH easier) we were divided into 4 groups and went with our instructor. Our instructors helped us choose waves, told us when to get on, paddle, and get up and even gave us a push. After a few times of individual instruction (or a couple more if you did not pick it up quickly...) we gained more Md more independence as the instructor gave less and less instruction. In the end, we were choosing waves for ourselves and trying to surf them in. We had a blast! The great thing is that now that we have had the class, we can rent the surfboards and go out in our free time. Now with going surfing, we had to skip lunch. This was because the high tide was coming in and our window of opportunity for good waves was quite small. We had snacks during our break and went out to eat after surfing. We found a nice little restaurant that had group discounts so we each only paid $6 for a full meal. Some had casado which is a typical dish with rice, beans, meat, salad, vegetable and plantains and it comes with a drink. While we were not rushed at our meal, we did have to hurry back for our dance class. We learned 3 different merengue dances and got to dance in pairs. Our dance instructor praised us for paying attention and having "good discipline". She even said many of the students had good rhythm and should continue dancing :) Once dance class was done, the students had some free time so of course many of them chose to go swimming. It's rainy here for the first time. It's not raining hard (not like 2 years ago) but it i a nice refreshing sprinkle after some hot days. Tomorrow we are hoping for good wether and calm seas as we go kayaking out to an island in the morning. I'm hoping to get pictures up soon - maybe tonight!