| By :
Ken Ingraham
Imagine for a moment taking surf lessons in the morning and learning Spanish in the afternoon. This is actually a real possibility when you attend a Spanish school in Lima. Combining an intellectual pursuit such as studying a language with a fitness activity such as surfing works both your mind and body while on “vacation”. "Lima" and "surf" are not usually mentioned together, but the sport is very popular in Peru's seaside capital. When you get to Miraflores, Lima's preferred tourist neighborhood, don't be shocked to see surfboard-toting beach-goers strolling amongst the lawyers, bankers, and other "suits". While expert surfers prefer to head out of the city for bigger waves at the famous beaches of Punta Rocas and Cerro Azul, beginners and intermediates are best served at the surfing schools right in Miraflores. These are located below Larcomar, an impressive shopping/restaurant/bar complex built into an ocean-side cliff that puts almost everything you want to do, other than surf, in one gorgeous area with stunning views. A common program will consist of 20 hours of language class plus 3 to 5 surf lessons. When you learn Spanish in Peru, a typical class is only 4-7 students, a sharp contrast to the 30 or more classmates back home in (also considerably more expensive) Spanish 101. Then add to the mix cultural activities such as visiting pre-Inca archeological ruins, venturing out for a weekend in the jungle, or dancing salsa until 4 AM, odds are you will have trouble finding time to even e-mail anyone back home. Peru is also well known for its affable population and colorful indigenous groups, whose customs you can experience at the many nearby festivals and whose crafts are perfect gifts for friends and family who stayed behind. Peruvian food is widely considered South America's best, with the seafood appetizer “ceviche” gaining popularity worldwide. As American chef Jared Hucks put it, “Peru is such a beautiful country, rich in history and culture. The people here are very friendly and welcoming with a good vibe. The food is excellent and I admire the unique and wonderful flavors.” Worried about prices? In Peru you get nearly three soles to the dollar, so get ready to live well on a low budget. Enjoy Peru's famous seafood at a $5 lunch and get anywhere in Miraflores for a $2 cab fare. A private surf lesson will add about $15/hour. Throw in language courses at $170/week and a family stay (with breakfast and dinner) for $150/week and you see how inexpensive it is to experience a Spanish school in Lima. With low costs, cultural experiences, surfing, and all-night dancing, when you study Spanish in Peru your education comes from all angles.
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