Mi Feliz Cumpleaños!!!

Birthdays in my experience can be a let down. They’re like these hyped up things, but when they roll around it feels like just another day.

But this year, this year’s was a whole different story. First off, I ticket over into my second quarter of a century. Shit! How did that happen? I still feel like I’m 18.  So how should one celebrate this undeniable process of aging? With a trip to surf the World’s longest left, of course!

Chicama and I have a serious love affair going. We first met on a magazine trip almost 5 months ago. She lies about a 10 hour bus ride south of where I’m living in Northern Peru. So two days before my birthday I set off, leaving the Lodge to fend for itself. I opted to for the 9pm night bus so I could catch some shuteye and arrive bright and early for the morning session.

The bus sucked. I’m chicken bus broken in, so it really takes a lot for me to say that. But eight and a half hours with no toilet and no toilet stop is not ok. The brochure lied. The seats were tiny, but the worst part was how ridiculously back they reclined, completely squishing the person behind them. This resulted in a bus full of three quarters lying back trapped passengers. I couldn’t even reach my bag at my feet.

But a miserable overnight bus is a small price to pay. It was the only little blip of a challenge in an otherwise completely mind-blowingly perfect trip. What do you know, birthdays can feel special! And here is why:

1). Waves: Long. Left. Empty. Perfection.

2). A Blinging Hotel: As a gift I got to stay in the insanely lush Chicama Surf Resort. Best hotel I’ve been at in my life. Also the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept in. And then there’s the steam room, the sauna, the hot tubs… www.chicamasurf.com 

3). Food: For breakfast I had French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, fruit… then at lunch a cake bigger than my head. Spoilt.

4). WSSM: Got to see for the first time the latest issue of WSSM. Holding six months of hard work in your hands is a wonderful feeling.

5). A Proposal!!!! (not mine, don’t worry). But seriously! I met the most lovely Aussie couple on my bus ride from hell, Shorty and Mel, and on the night of my bday they got engaged. We were all sitting around playing guitar and having beers when he got down on one knee and popped the question. It was so special to share such an important moment with them.

The exact spot where Shorty popped the question to Mel. Cuties! 

6). Internet love: So much Facebook love. It was overwhelming. The outpour of beautiful happy birthday messages was just incredible. This birthday marks five years of travel and meeting amazing people all over the globe. I feel so blessed.

So that’s it for me, the perfect birthday at the longest left in the world. It doesn’t get any better than that. I can’t help but think every single day - I’m one seriously lucky girl. 

First 25 down, many more to go :) 

Getting my birthday wave on