"and it’s been awesome!"

Not here for a long time, just a good time.

Ok, so have finally got a spare second to get a blog coming along.  Sorry for the lack of contact, been pretty hectic the last few weeks, and was sick for about a week so didn’t really have anything that exciting to report.

First exciting news, I’m now officially surfing with a normal looking board, not the mini mal I originally started with.  My surfing buddies were determined to get me out and teach me how to duck dive with a short board…so after much hesitation on my behalf they finally had the final say and it’s been awesome!  So much easier to manage in the surf, especially when I wipe out and the board catches the wind and smashes me on the head….that much more bearable with a smaller and lighter board.  Also my surfing buddies regularly enjoy taking the piss out of me, and vice versa, which I think is a good indication that the language is coming along well.

· Fresh shellfish night which the guys found at the point.

The last 2 weeks we’ve had a pretty full house, with another American guy, a Scottish family, a group of 5 medical personnel and then a few of the Waves directors arriving in Lobitos.  The medical crew were here to conduct surveys in households around Lobitos, which they encountered a classic ‘lost in translation’ moment when they spent the whole first day asking families if they used…which they thought they were saying ‘dental floss,’ which actually turned out to be ‘g strings.’

Pisco Sour Train

My second day back in the water after being sick, the waves were the smallest I’ve seen them yet, however after a week of not surfing nothing was stopping me from getting back out there.  Maybe not the best decision, since 2 hours later just as I was about to call it a day I managed to get myself stung by a stingray, not ideal!  As soon as I got out of the water and foot was pissing with blood, my local buddy came charging out after me, made me lie on the sand whilst he grabbed my bloodied foot and to my horror started sucking the wound!  I had no idea what was going on but apparently he was sucking the venom out.  Anyway next thing we flagged down a motor taxi to take us to the house, where a group of 30 gawking locals were waiting with cameras and local medical advice such as soaking my foot in boiling water, dousing the wound with fresh limes or another option that I should pee on my wound to fix it.  I opted for hot water and limes, however next stop was the hospital, where another motor taxi decked out with pot stickers and an ambulance siren whisked me away.  5 hours later the pain finally stopped, but my god was that the worst pain I’ve literally ever experienced.  It’s super unlucky too because it’s not even season for rays, however my buddies informed me that no locals have been stung so they must just like ‘gringo’ (white person) legs.  Definitely keen to get back out in the water though, surely lightning doesn’t strike twice right?

My Lobitos ambulance

To finish the week we had Waves International Surfing Day which involved a big community beach clean up and catering for approx 60 hungry kids.  It was a great chance to get everyone together for food and drinks, and get a feel for just how many families and local kids are involved with Waves.  All went well, and to top it off we had a big Waves raffle which the kids were stoked about.

Anyway this week from what I gather is pretty much dedicated to celebrating the local fishing industry, so no doubt they’re will be lots of festivities to keep us amused.  I think I’m gong to spend my whole 2 months here, as I don’t think I could bare to say goodbye to my Lobitos buddies just yet.  Besides, I’m finally getting the hang of this surfing so would be rude to quit just yet.

And yes mum before you ask, I can assure you that I’m eating well.  From seafood nights to Thai to homemade pizza to homemade bread, any hope of getting skinny in this country is definitely off the cards.  But I can assure you that I’ll be sporting some giant surfing guns upon my return.

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About the author: WAVES Volunteer

WAVES is only possible because of volunteers who come from all walks of life. Here, they share experiences and perspective from their time as volunteers.

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