As the plane descended towards San José, Costa Rica, a thrill of excitement surged through me. This was the start of my four-week adventure in a country renowned for its vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes. Eager to master surfing and immerse myself in the Pura Vida lifestyle, I couldn’t wait to begin this journey.
Stepping out of the airport, the warm tropical breeze caressed my skin, and the lush greenery immediately captivated me. The friendly faces of the Maximo Nivel staff holding a smiley face sign made it easy to spot my driver in the crowd. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I knew right away that I was in good hands. They whisked me away for orientation, where I received a thorough introduction to life in Costa Rica and all the exciting opportunities that awaited me. Being from the Netherlands, I had never been this far from home, and without any family or friends nearby, the orientation was a great way to feel like I had a solid support structure. We learned where to eat, how to use public transportation, who to call in case of an emergency, and what not to do while in Costa Rica.
The next morning, I took the bus to the charming coastal town of Quepos-Manuel Antonio, nestled between lush rainforests and pristine beaches. It was here that I would embark on my journey of learning Spanish and surfing. But before diving into the waves, I decided to sign up for some Spanish classes at the Maximo Nivel Institute. I didn’t speak a word of the language, but with the help of my teacher and the Maximo Nivel team, I managed to string together a few sentences and quickly learned how to communicate and get around town on my own. Thanks to the classes, I soon felt very confident, and it really improved my experience. I was surprised by how quickly I was able to learn a new language when immersed in the culture.
The Spanish lessons were not only educational but also incredibly immersive. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, I found myself picking up the language quickly, thanks to the patient and supportive instructors. Soon, I was confidently ordering food at local restaurants and striking up conversations with fellow travelers.
With my Spanish skills steadily improving, it was time to tackle the waves. The surfing program in Manuel Antonio offered everything I needed. As I paddled out into the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, I felt a surge of adrenaline and anticipation. With each tiny wave I caught, I could feel myself improving, thanks to the guidance of my instructors and the camaraderie of my fellow surfers. The waves varied from gentle swells perfect for beginners to more challenging breaks that tested my growing skills.
Each morning, I would wake up with the sun, grab my surfboard, and head to the beach. The feeling of riding a wave, the wind in my hair, and the salty spray on my face was exhilarating. Surfing became a meditation, a way to connect with nature and push my boundaries. The sense of accomplishment I felt after catching a particularly challenging wave was indescribable.
As the weeks flew by, I found myself forming deep connections with people from all walks of life. From fellow Spanish students and volunteers from all over the world to locals I met along the way, each interaction enriched my experience and broadened my perspective. Whether we were sharing stories over a sunset beer or exploring hidden waterfalls in the jungle, every moment was filled with laughter, friendship, and a sense of adventure.
I really wish I had stayed longer because as my Spanish improved and I got the hang of surfing, I started to feel at home. Greeting people as I made my way down to the beach for a morning run, grabbing breakfast at one of the “sodas” (small, inexpensive restaurants), and dining on variations of rice and beans became part of my daily routine. The lifestyle in Manuel Antonio was very healthy and wholesome. Not only did I learn to surf and communicate in Spanish, but I also became much healthier.
As my four weeks in Costa Rica drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving this beautiful country behind. But as I reflected on the incredible experiences I had; I knew that the memories would stay with me forever. From conquering waves to immersing myself in a new culture, my time in Costa Rica had been nothing short of life changing.
As I boarded the plane back to the Netherlands, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the countless adventures that awaited me in the future. And as I looked out the window at the receding coastline of Costa Rica, I made a silent promise to myself – this wouldn’t be the last time I chased the thrill of the unknown, wherever it may lead.