![\"\"](\"http:\/\/164.68.121.224\/wrsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/deena1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBy:\u00a0Deena Giles<\/p>\n
Seems silly not wanting to shower after returning to the states just so my hair will continue to smell like the Pacific Ocean, my skin like coconut Sun Bum, and the fine Tamarindo sand would remain on my feet\u2026.for one more day.\u00a0\u201cOkay Google, play ocean sounds\u201d used to be so calming, yet now seems incomplete without waking to the birds\u2019 morning chatter, crashing waves, and the ebb and flow of the morning locals commuting to work.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
No one wants to go home after a vacation in paradise. In this case, Witch\u2019s Rock Surf Camp Tamarindo, Costa Rica, redefined paradise for us. Clearly warmer weather, a beachfront view, and being able to enjoy a free breakfast every morning has its perks…and not without the occasional entertainment of iguanas fighting over ripe fruit, grackles jumping from table to table trying to get their own free breakfast, and listening to the circus of monkeys in the trees above. But that\u2019s not what made our time in Tamarindo the perfect vacation for us.<\/p>\n
We found ourselves waking before the sun touched the water. We were not only anxious to start the day, but rushing to embrace it. Our sore muscles, our salty bathing suits, our freshly waxed boards, our butterfly filled stomachs, and the chatter of our new friends\u2019 encouragement.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/164.68.121.224\/wrsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/deenac-300x150.png\")
<\/p>\n
To know that TODAY, I\u2019m going to turtle roll, let the water flow, and not get stuck in the tidal \u201cwashing machine\u201d. TODAY, I\u2019m going to dig deeper and paddle faster. TODAY, I\u2019m going to look forward and ride a longer wave. TODAY, I\u2019m going to make myself proud. TODAY, I am a surfer.\u00a0Every day those expectations were exceeded with the perseverance of our surf instructor, the congratulatory cheers of our surf mates, and our own personal drive to catch \u201cone more wave\u201d.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/164.68.121.224\/wrsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/deena4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
This vacation wasn\u2019t about escaping life. It was about facing fears, challenging ourselves, and chasing our dreams. Our memories won\u2019t just be framed by a picture perfect Costa Rican sunset. They\u2019ll include stories of tears as we survived being tossed and turned by waves, stories of hesitation on a zip line platform as we launched ourselves through paths in the sky, and stories of gratitude as we shared new beginnings through birthday, soon-to-be newlyweds, and Witch\u2019s Rock Surf Camp veteran celebrations.\u00a0Paradise has a new meaning for us. It is the feeling of allowing yourself to dissolve what you thought you were here for, and embrace what here has for you.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/164.68.121.224\/wrsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/deenac2-300x150.png\")
<\/p>\n
My hair won\u2019t smell like the ocean tomorrow. My skin will be washed away of Sun Bum and sand. Our suits, hats, and flip flops will be tucked away in the closet as we lay our clothes out for work tomorrow. The phantom tug of the board leash will soon dissipate and our surf stance will settle back into our work posture. But our relationship with the ocean has only just begun. I promise to always remember the wise words of Andre \u201cDeena, not everything goes bad\u201d. Trusting yourself in the ocean on a freshly waxed board for the first time, among new friends, and an unconditional surf instructor…is paradise! Oh, and not only are we surfers now, but we\u2019re engaged!<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"http:\/\/164.68.121.224\/wrsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/deena7-240x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Until we meet again (June 2019!)…Pura Vida!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
By:\u00a0Deena Giles Seems silly not wanting to shower after returning to the states just so my hair will continue to smell like the Pacific Ocean, my skin like coconut Sun Bum, and the fine Tamarindo sand would remain on my feet\u2026.for one more day.\u00a0\u201cOkay Google, play ocean sounds\u201d used to be so calming, yet now 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