Living Life through Workaway

By Vasti Fourie

My adventure began on the 12th of October 2017 when I landed in Fort Lauderdale. The nervous, exciting feeling kept me awake even though I was so tired after the long flight. From that moment, my life changed.  I've always had family, friends and loved ones surrounding me. In that moment I realized this is my time, from this day onward I have to look after myself, make my own decisions deal with situations. Since that day I have never doubt my decision. YES I miss home, my loved ones, my dogs, my life in SA but this "life schooling" is the best experience you'll get.

The best advice I can give is to GO AND EXPLORE as much as you can. I haven't even been here for 2 months and I already had the privilege to experience Miami, Key West,  the most beautiful beach - Hollywood, the best food etc. etc. etc. Next on my list is Orlando, then Disney World and end with a bang in the Bahamas.

I am fortunate enough to have met the most beautiful American friend who show's me all the ins and outs about Florida, in exchange for some Afrikaans tutoring.

Girls/ guys the people you meet on this trip will become your family. Appreciate them, respect them. I have met some amazing friends that have taught me so much about myself.  You will celebrate Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, perhaps your birthday with them. If you feel "homesick” just know that they're also going through the exact same feelings. Support each other. The housing is really exclusive and based in a central area where everything you'll need is, within walking distance from you.

If you have second thoughts about joining this program, please don't. Just go all in and do it!!!

Florida: Round Two

By Emma Seager

So it's been one month since I landed back in South Florida... I can't even believe the time has gone so FAST! 

Everything is exciting when working at a new club, I love that I have made such amazing friends already and meeting a new team is always great and interesting.

So far I'm getting back into the swing of things and learning about the Polo Club, which is amazing by the way... we just had our welcome back party for the members and the event was sensational. The event was done outside with tables set up amongst fairy lights and palm trees!! It was a lot of fun seeing old members that I have got to know through my previous seasons.

Polo in general is a beautiful club, it's not as big at Boca West however it is exquisite and more intimate when it comes to dining. 

Christmas week is slowly approaching which I know is going to be extremely busy with maximum sleep deprivation (not fun)...however the overtime pay will make all the hard work worth it! The best part about it is the amazing team work that you experience during this time because everyone is in the same boat, you are never alone and always have others to help get you through the rush. I'm looking forward to the challenge and having lots of work to keep me busy. 

First though- thanksgiving holiday party!!! I love the Christmas season because there are so many holidays and events to celebrate which makes work so much fun, especially when you always have a new theme and a new venue to work in! I'll keep you posted on what goes on in the next few weeks 🙂

The Adventure Has Began!

By Megan Volker

Where do I even start...the few days building up to leaving I was nervous, excited and had all kinds of mixed emotions.

Arriving at the airport and saying goodbye to my loved ones was the most daunting feeling. But once I went through security and got to the other side I felt a bit relieved. 

We were all chatting and super excited to get on that plane. It was a long flight but better than expected as we were all starting to get to know one another.

Arriving at my apartment complex and walking through those doors to meet my new housemates was a bit nerve wracking but I honestly felt at home the minute we started talking.

Training was tough and settling down into my work routine has been tough but I absolutely love every minute of it and what comes along with it.

Great being back

By Claire Smith

So it's been around 3 weeks since I left home sweet home SA. It was so much fun flying with all the new and returning Workaway recruits. Everyone from different provinces flocks to each other in OR Tambo when they see the red Workaway flight folder. It's great having these it's a definite ice breaker when getting to know one another.

This was my 6th flight back to The US and by far the easiest! I was lucky enough to Sleep majority of the way! Many of us got rows to ourselves as the flight wasn't full. I saw many recruits from all different Workaway country clubs on the plane.

It's been great being back at work, getting into the swing of things. All our new recruits at Mirasol are fitting in well and working hard.

I can't wait to see what other events and adventures we get up to in the season.

Florida is a beautiful State...

  

By Arthur Petersen

I left South Africa just over 2 weeks ago and made my way to sunny Florida in the USA. Where I have made new friends along the way, reconnecting with old friends from home who also have been working with the program and making new friends from various countries such as Ireland, Portugal, Romania and of course our host America.

My flight was long from O.R. Tambo connecting to JFK International and then Fort Lauderdale, but it was probably one of the more memorable and enjoyable ones I've had in a long time. We were greeted warmly by our Workaway International hosts in the USA, who took us to our new homes for the next 6 months, which I must say I am impressed with. Our living quarters are spacious and comfortable and I have no complaints on this matter. My housemates are awesome people and we're already bonding well together as a unit I have no doubt we'll all have a great season for the next 6 months. 

Boca West Country Club Is So Amazing. On our first day of orientation we took a general tour of the Country Club and we were acquainted with all the heads of departments where everyone introduced themselves and told us a little more about the Country Club and where we would fit in the bigger picture. The next day, our 2 week training program began. This wasn't as easy as it seemed but I already knew this, as the training we were given by the restaurant managers is simply world class and could equate to studying in a hotel school. 

After many tests, quizzes and practical’s, we find ourselves working the floor in the number 1 Country Club in the State of Florida and the USA. I'm proud of how far I have come, I miss my family and friends back home, but my journey has only begun and I'm grateful for every day I get to spend on the other side of the world. I see room for growth and have re-imagined a future for myself that I wouldn't have seen before. So I'd like to say once more and probably won't stop saying thank you Workaway International for this life changing opportunity! Till next time, stay blessed, and wishing everyone back home peace love and happiness!

It’s Good To Be Back

By Catherine Lindebaum

Hi everyone!

So I’ve been back in the States for about 2 weeks now, and I must just say, it’s like I never left. It’s a very special feeling coming back to a place where you’ve made amazing memories with the best people. We also got put into different housing this season and I’m loving it!

Tip: There’s been a couple of random rainstorms happen when we least expected them, so make sure to always have an umbrella and/or a raincoat handy for when you may need it.

Soon after I arrived, did I begin work again, and it was super great to get back into the swing of things, to see both the members and my colleagues. We have a super great team of interns from Austria, Ireland, America and of course, South Africa. They have just completed their training with flying colours and I am really excited to work alongside and get to know them all.

With most of the members back from up North, Team Addison is getting ready for our season opening party and our next big holiday Thanksgiving - which is my absolute favourite American holiday!

Anyways, I wish you all the very best and a happy season in the Sunshine State.