*We received this via e-mail from our new friend Sheila…
Shawna/Elizabeth/Anyone!
I just had to write you a note to let you know how life-altering my trip was to WRSC last week. There’s no way I couldn’t write because I literally had the best time of my life – and I’m “old”!
I went by myself – first trip abroad alone ever. The only time I’ve ever traveled alone has been for work and that doesn’t count. I’m a single mom to 3 kids and they live with me full time, so when I found out they were going to visit their dad over spring break, I knew I couldn’t just sit home in Chicago and squander a precious week alone doing nothing. I did some research, talked to a couple of people, and looked and looked and looked. When I came upon WRSC, I knew immediately that that was the trip. Shawna answered all of my questions and reassured me that I wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb traveling alone.
On the day I was picked up at the airport, I immediately met 3 others who were also getting picked up and we instantly became fast friends. Along the way, we picked up a few more friends and I can safely say that they will all be life long friends of mine. My face still hurts from laughing and I will never forget how much fun we all had.
And Andres – wow, what an amazing teacher. So patient, so kind, so good at what he does. As a snow boarder who used to be an instructor in Colorado, I COULDN’T BELIEVE I wasn’t a professional surfer my first day in Tamarindo. Andres totally related to me, telling me he just got back from a trip learning how to snow board and he got so frustrated he almost quit his second day. The next day, with his patience, I got up every time and I was riding bigger waves by day 3. I will miss him – such a great guy.
Long story short (or long) – you guys all made my one and only vacation I’ve had in 13 years–and my first ever alone–a completely unforgettable, relaxing, ridiculously fun experience. Everyone who works there is so kind, so helpful, so sweet. I haven’t stopped smiling since I’ve been home and I already can’t wait to go back. You guys are all amazing and thank you so very much for such a fantastic week.
Sheila