Surfing on Maui...

This time we start a bit earlier in the day because today I want to try the sport that was invented in Hawai'i: surfing. Just watching the locals is boring, I want to be able to join in the conversation!

We booked a surf lesson for me at 8:00 a.m., and I'm starting the adventure with a boy from California and a woman from Arizona. After some dry exercises on the beach, we head into the water. Exciting!

With the help of our local surf instructor, 'Cool Boy,' who looks just like you imagine a typical surfer (but really nice), I find myself standing on my first wave before I know it, although it takes me a while to realize it while busy with all the technical stuff.

Mom watches the whole thing from the beach and captures every one of my attempts. She's having a lot of fun watching, and you have her to thank for all the photos!

On my second attempt, I end up in the water right away. It seems my balance failed me, but it's not a big deal. Just get back on the board and continue. I'm having a lot of fun, and at some point, you stop thinking and just go with the flow - that's how it should be. Before I know it, the two hours are already over, way too fast!

If I lived here in Hawai'i, surfing would definitely be one of my top leisure activities, and I would be one of those who go for a round of waves before work!

And who knows, maybe I'll borrow a board again in the next few days and try it out on my own - let's see if I still have as much fun then! :)

Unfortunately, I can't upload any videos of the spectacle because they can't be transferred to my iPad, but I'm sure you would have enjoyed watching them!

But if you think the day couldn't get any better: then you don't know the Hula travelers!

We make a detour to the swimming pool, where the lifeguard introduces me to a swim coach who observed me here a few days ago and gave me some technique tips. It reminds me of home and I feel honored that I'm remembered by the people here!

While snorkeling at our house beach, we are almost out of the water when Mom spots a turtle in the water, and of course, I'm immediately called to come and take pictures. This specimen is quite small this time, but it's pretty agile, doing handstands and somersaults in the water just for us. And we have it all to ourselves like a private cinema because no other snorkeler thinks to look for our friend so close to the shore.

And how could this day end any better than watching my 'colleagues' surf at sunset, now with a completely different perspective. And who knows, maybe one day it will be me surfing at sunset in this dream location and entertaining Hula Mom at sunset!