It’s Saturday night, which is normally the typical party night for the Dutch and well probably most people. This Saturday one of my best friends is celebrating his birthday, so instead of hitting the club we’re having fun with the friends at the birthday-boy’s home. Unfortunately for me I can’t be partying tonight like the rest, since I have to stay awake for that god-forsaking hour when it’s time for me to drive towards the airport; supposedly that’s at 3am. I have a flight to catch to the beautiful Canary island of Fuerteventura! Not to bad actually hey?

As it’s getting later and later my friends are starting to tell me that they love me way to often and I am starting to see their eyes going to snooze mode. It’s almost time to make my way to the airport, but first I’ll drop some people back home. I even have already packed everything and placed it in my car so that I won’t have to go back home no more, but around 2am I realized I forgot the GoPro memory card converter that I’ll highly need to download all the surf images and videos on my computer. That’s right, surfing! It’s going to be a week full of waves near sandy beaches and riffs in Fuerteventura.

It’s dark on the road and there’s basically no one to be seen on the highway. Within a smooth 50 minutes I reach the Airport of Weeze, also known as the low-fare airport of Dusseldorf. I’m flying from Germany this time as the prices are low and it’s close to the Dutch border near my hometown. Upon arrival at the airport I park my car at the P2, where they charge me a subtle €45 for a week of open air parking.

Remember, it’s late in the night – or early in the morning, and I didn’t sleep… My Ryanair flight leaves at about 6:30 and I have about an hour to close my eyes in a chair in front of the gate. Finally. By the way, did you know Ryanair changed their luggage policy since December 2013? Nowadays you’re allowed to bring an extra handbag together with your cabin luggage. So no more luggage check-in fees! At least, if you pack right that is! You even get a seat number nowadays before boarding. Not the best for me this time, since it’s a seat in the aisle and that means no place to rest my head on and sleep comfy. I’d love to have a window-seat right now! Now if only those babies would stop crying – I have a bit of sleep catching up to do.

After about 4 hours I reach my destination, having slept an itsy bitsy tiny bit and ready for breakfast. I order a cappuccino and a bocadillo con jamon serrano, which I’ve missed terribly since last time I visited Spain, and walk outside the airport to catch a bus. I have to take one bus towards Puerto del Rosario and change buses there for my surf destination; Corralejo. It takes me about an hour to reach the town of Corralejo, but I still have to find the surf house of Planet Surf Camp where I’ll be staying these days. I figure that if I just ask people they’d know where it is and point me the directions. Bummer they keep sending me to the wrong place… After about an hour of getting lost and eating some lunch I finally give up the asking and check my mail for the correct directions. First I go to the wrong place with old directions in my hand and luckily five minutes later, with the final correct up-to-date address, I reach my humbly home for the next seven days. I have arrived, yay! What a home! A white beach house with a pool, way to many lounge sets, a pool table and basically everything you desire in a house.

I am greeted by my Italian surf instructor who was preparing some diner with a German guest, followed by meeting two Austrian guests and a Polish, Welch and another German who work at the surf house. The whiskey and the beers are being shared and food is placed on the table for those who would like a plate of it. Sharing is caring and I know I need to go get some groceries! Luckily there’s a supermarket right across the street. It’s time for me to go back to memory lane as I walk through the aisles of the Spanish supermarket and flashed of my life in Calella pass my mind. I get a warm feeling when I see products I used to buy every week but haven’t seen in such a long time. I even get memories of the Spanish Christmas treats named Polvorones and I have to take some with me!

When I get back to the house we chitchat about surfing and tomorrow’s surf lessons. I’m so curious if I can be in the beginners group or in the intermediate course! We’ll find out tomorrow! In the meanwhile surf quotes are being thrown on the table like

You’ve been doing it right when you can lick the salt of your upper arm!”

and

Good things only happen when you smile or when you’re naked…”

Well, that totally sets the mood!

We finish the day with a glass of wine and turn on a movie in the TV room downstairs which is filled with mattresses and pillows to get cozy with. Over here a surf movie officially ends the day and with that said I highly recommend you to watch the classic Endless Summers. Tomorrow it’s my turn to get on a board, but for now first a good night’s rest at the surf house.

Lindos sueños!

About Renate Rigters

Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.

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