Another amazing Peruvian sunset.
Lastly, I have to say thanks to all my Peruvian friends who helped make this trip, as memorable as it was. Without them, it would have just been a surf trip. The relationships I have formed with my Peruvian friends over the years, has taught me so much.
First, that a large heart can make you a better person. One example was Carlos and his lovely wife Alexandria. When we first arrived, Carlos told me. “I want to have you, your brother, and Tom over for lunch.” As we got closer to the date he told me, bring everyone. We were a large group, so I felt bad, but he insisted that everyone in the group join us. We basically took over his sister in laws house, as all nine of us came for lunch. But lunch did not do it justice, it was a feast. A three course meal that Alexandria cooked up herself. Alexandria is an amazing cook. She made everything herself from scratch. We started with Papa a la Huancaina, Peruvian Tamales and Taquitos. Next came the main course of the best Lomo Saltado I have ever had. We washed it down with some Beer and Chicha Morada. Finally, came dessert, which was almost like Flan, but warm. Delicious does not do it justice. I walked out of there ready to puke from eating so much food, but it was so good, I could not stop myself.
Feast Time
Lomo Saltado
Edgar, Alexandria, and Carlos
A second thing they have taught me is less can be more. Miguel had introduced me to Tato, which he called the legend of Pacasmayo. Tato has been surfing El Faro since 1972, so he is truly a local. When I first met him, he had a board. The next time we were at the point, he did not have his board. He asked about my brothers Rusty, wondering if it was for sale. He told me that his other board was damaged, and he needed a new board. Tom had brought one of our old Roger Hinds longboards that my brother bought new, and had traded to me. I asked if he was interested in buying that one. Tom was game, because he did not want to lug it back to the states. Erwin was OK with it also. Tato told me he could not afford that much. I then asked Erwin, “What should I ask for it, or should I just give it to him?” Tato then said, “Surfing is my life” It was that statement that pushed me over the edge. I understood completely, and not having a board at such a world class wave, would drive me crazy. I told him that when I left, he could have it.
“Surfing is my life” -The Legend
The Legend Tato, riding the board we gave him.
Lastly, do unto others, as you would want done to you. We all love surfing, and it is such a gift from God, that it is natural that we want to share it with others. In 2015 we had played Soccer with our Peruvian friends. We had played them pretty tough losing 3-2. Of course it came up again this year. Tom said it best. “We love surfing and want to share it with them. They love soccer and want to share it with us. We have to play this year” Play we did, and we got our ass kicked 7 to 2. However, even though we lost, it was a great time. A bunch of 50+ guys chasing a ball, was a sight to see. After watching the video, we had our chances, but just did not capitalize. (They had a wall as goal keeper.) Next year, team Peru better be ready for an improved Team USA.
