Hola, from under the rainbow. My first day of surf lessons in Cabarete, Dominican Republic were auspicious with a huge end to end rainbow. I was going to strike a pot of gold or be visited by unicorns and mermaids. You be the judge.
Cabarete is on the north side of the Dominican Republic, not too far from Puerto Plata. A small town with laid back-vibe, beautiful beaches and restaurants lining the beach.
Cabarete is known as the water sport capital of the Dominican. It has gained international fame for its consistent winds on Kite Beach.
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The beautiful kites filled the sky |
Spoiler alert: Despite no photographic evidence of me actually on a surf board or wave, you'll have to trust I was there. We didn't bring our phones to the beach. Besides, we were in the water, not on shore 😉
Mornings were o'dark-thirty early. Really. We had coffee at 0630 hrs and were in the shuttle by 0645. If our surfer-dude Italian friend, Giuanluca, could convince our instructor Neno, or was that Michel the driver, we left even earlier.
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Even Lolita, the camp cat, thought getting up before daybreak was a little much |
We'd surf for two hours, come back to a big breakfast and then head out again for another hour. After being trashed and pummeled by the white wash of waves, I was ready for a little rest. It is exhilarating to be in the ocean and feel the power, but even more fun is finally managing to catch a wave and ride it.
Swell Surf Camp is a small boutique hotel offering half pension and surf lessons. It was perfect! Quiet, small, clean and personal.
Beautiful botanicals in the garden.
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Sunsets with the mountain range in the background |
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The hard working Araceli and Margaretha made our hearty breakfasts and dinner feasts with lots of care. I felt spoiled with their attention. |
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As if they knew, they made me extra salad... |
I was under the weather one day and didn't have the energy to go out for lunch. The kind Margaretha and Haudy made me a delicious tropical fruit bowl with homemade granola and yogurt. Exactly what I needed. The extra effort made me feel very cared for. |
A little extra rest for recovery, and I was ready to be upside down
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The joyful and radiant Molly assisting my headstand. |
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Improving our balance for the surf boards |
With a return of my appetite, I headed to the town for some sites and food. How about this for balance?
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Yes, he's solo on a moto with a flat screen TV... |
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A local restaurant lunch of mangu - a Dominican specialty of smashed plantain and onions, topped with avocado, arugula and a poached egg. So satisfying. |
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A little shopping with Christine and Urs |
On the theme of being cared for, my dear friends Barb and Don also gave me royal treatment. As they are snow-birding it in Cabarete this winter, I got to hang out with them as well. Barb fed me tropical fruit plates, walked me home at night and hung out on the beach and gave me the insider scoop on things.
Dining seaside with Barb. The beef in the Dominican is grass fed and delicious. It was a treat.
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We didn't eat here..... |
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Looking glam poolside! |
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I think the tropical weather suits me |
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Giuanluca thought he had the game.... |
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Until Christine the Pool Shark showed them how to play.... |
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Christine's cheering squad - Henry, Daniel and Melvin |
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Winning smile! Oh, and she's good at Super Mario race track too. |
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We'll just enjoy a glass of wine and watch |
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Well Hello! Our patient surf instructor Neno. His excellent teaching technique got my pop up! |
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Neno's surfer aides, Melvin and Daniel, who made sure we were safe in the water. Oh, and a lot of assistance with powerful pushes... |
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Henry making sure I was ready for the swell |
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One last walk on the beach before I catch my plane |
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Hasta la Vista! I'll be back for more surfing |
