The Elon University women's soccer team is currently spending its Spring Break in Costa Rica. The team is spending its time exploring San Jose's historical "central Mercado" with other full-time Elon study abroad students. The players will also run a soccer clinic for the local girls in Quepos while playing the Costa Rican national team and the Saprissa women's team.
 
Today, Katie Boyle shares her thoughts on the team's trip thus far.

Hola de dia cinco! Our adventure today started by waking up with an amazing view looking out over the Pacific Ocean at the hotel Parador with an early breakfast around 8 a.m. Breakfast included made-to-order omelets, French toast, rice and beans and other familiar foods with coffee and juice. After breakfast we loaded the bus and headed down to the local Quepos beach to catch some waves for a surf lesson.
 
We split into three groups and took turns surfing, soaking in the sun at the beach and walking around town (some soaked up a little more sun than others!). For many of us it was our first time surfing but we all did well and a lot of us were able to stand up and ride the entire wave. For lunch, we all ate at various places around the local area.
 
After lunch and surfing we went to a local elementary school and presented them with a donation of school supplies. We sat in the front row as they performed multiple traditional Costa Rican dances. Many of the kids did not speak any English but everything said was translated in English and Spanish for everyone to understand. After the performances we broke out in dance with all of the kids and everyone had a great time despite the language barrier. Bringing the school supplies and watching how much fun the kids were having was a very rewarding experience for everyone on our team!
 

 Back on the bus, we headed back to the hotel for some relaxation time. Some took a dip in the pool while a few took a 10-minute walk to a private beach. Around 6 p.m. we made our way to a field a few minutes away where we met women employees of the hotel we are staying at for a quick game of pick-up soccer. We mixed the teams up and once again, despite the language barrier, had a great time sharing our passion for the game we all love! After learning a few more words in Spanish during the game we went back to our hotel to enjoy another fantastic dinner with traditional Costa Rican foods.
 
It is hard to believe that our week in paradise is coming to an end but we are looking forward to our last match tomorrow night and the other adventures that lie ahead!

-- ELON --