We had the pleasure of having Hashem as a guest for a week. From surfing and playing football with our Surf Coach Michel to abundant tropical breakfasts, read his take on Taíba Surf & Yoga.
Taíba Surf & Yoga is a crown jewel in a beautiful part of North Brazil. It was exactly what I had hoped it would be. Tucked away in Taíba a short drive from the village center; it is a beautiful house which Stefanie built from scratch after meeting Michel and moving to Taíba with him.
Michel is probably the strongest man I’ve met. His nickname “homem peixe” (Fish man) was so appropriate. Homem peixe would become my best friend for a week. He wakes up super early. Surfs in the morning. Surfs in the afternoon. Drinks beer at night. And does it all with a big smile. I’ll fondly remember our billiards showdown at a local pizza place (he beat me 4:3 :/) and our football play dates on the beach where push ups or sit-ups were necessary if you dropped the ball.
Learning a craft from someone who loves it with a passion felt life transformational.
Learning a craft from someone who loves it with a passion felt life transformational. I felt an immense pride and joy when Michel shouted out to me from the water “boa boa!” whenever I caught a nice wave. And when I started to improve and Michel complimented me on my style of surfing “bom estilo”. Hearing that from him made me feel on top of the world. That will forever ring in my ear whenever I catch a good wave.
Michel is an inspiration and I do not say that lightly. When invited to come visit my home country Jordan, his one and only question was: “tem ondas?” If I had any doubts about his obsession for the ocean and his love affair with waves – that was all I needed to hear. In another life I dream of being a Michel, dreaming of waves and surfing the ocean with a big smile. Life does not get much better.
In another life I dream of being a Michel, dreaming of waves and surfing the ocean with a big smile. Life does not get much better.
And what about Stefanie. She brings to the table all things you expect from a Swiss surfing yogi who left all to be with the man she loves and in a house she meticulously built to serve your every need. The rooms are all equipped with brand new ACs, beautiful bathrooms and showers and very comfy beds. The terrace is a beautiful place to have breakfast, do yoga and look out into the garden where yummy fruits grow and are happily eaten for breakfast every morning (my favorite was the mamão which I happily took seeds to plant at home).
I have not done much yoga in my life but I must admit the Stefanie yoga classes consistently hit the spot. Whether we did chilled out sessions early morning pre surfing or more intense sessions to stretch out knots in our bodies from the intense surfing sessions. Post yoga I always felt rejuvenated, clear minded and just simply happy to be alive after. It doesn’t get much better than that.
For me – excellent authentic food is a must. Taíba Surf & Yoga certainly did not disappoint. From some of the best scrambled eggs you can have for breakfast, to the fresh fruit and fresh juice, to the absolutely incredible churrasco made by Michel – all of my meals were exactly what I had hoped for (and more).
What else do you expect from a vacation? For me – excellent authentic food is a must. Taíba Surf & Yoga certainly did not disappoint. From some of the best scrambled eggs you can have for breakfast, to the fresh fruit and fresh juice, to the absolutely incredible churrasco made by Michel (the picanha was insane) – all of my meals were exactly what I had hoped for (and more). If that doesn’t sound good enough, what about a dried coconut fire pit that grilled sword fish to absolute perfection in the backyard just like the fishermen of Taíba eat it. I had never had such tender, crispy and tasty fish in my life. Simplicity, authenticity and yumminess to the farthest extents imaginable. It could very well have been a food orgasm. A meal that will cling to my taste buds forever.
And while you read this and think this guy’s exaggerating. I’d like to add one more element that ties it all together. The soundtrack to this beautiful place. The music was always spot on and my Shazam was constantly on in search of this beautiful music that made my heart sing. Fela Kuti will always remind me of Taíba.
The soundtrack to this beautiful place. The music was always spot on and my Shazam was constantly on in search of this beautiful music that made my heart sing. Fela Kuti will always remind me of Taíba.
Living in sync with the ocean and waking up early and sleeping early has never felt so rewarding. I fell in love for a week with surfing, with Michel and Stefanie and with Taiba. When I left Taiba I had separation anxiety. But looking back at it – I am ever grateful for the experience and I will certainly be back.