The end is near!

By Emma Seager

I have about 6 weeks left until I leave the Polo Country Club. I need to make the most of the time I have left and do some more site seeing. I am excited that my mom is coming to visit from South Africa so I want to plan a trip to Key West and Tampa to see a few springs and show my mother a little bit of Florida.

I have been lucky enough to have done some site seeing already. I recently spent the day in Miami at Wynwood Walls which is an art district that has become extremely popular. The graffiti is phenomenal and it was such an amazing day out.

My favorite thing about this program is that one receives the opportunity to see so many amazing things. We do not get much time off but if you plan and use your days wisely you really can make the most of it!

I am busy planning a short road trip to Chicago before I start my next season. I will be stopping in Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana and hoping to do some fun things along the way. I am most excited to explore Nashville and do some hiking in Tennessee. Watch this space!

Last year this time…

By Megan Volker

The Workaway International programme has been amazing so far. It has been filled with emotions, unforgettable memories and valuable experiences.

Around this time last year, I attended my first presentation with Workaway International. It was an informative day, learning about the programme and what it has to offer. 

We did screenings on the same day and I was invited back for an interview. The next few days were filled with suspense as I waited to hear if I had a country club interview. Not too long after that I was thrilled to have my interview with the Boca West Country Club.

It was a nerve wrecking day, waiting in the line for my interview with all the other the applicants and when it was finally time for my interview, it went better than expected. I felt so comfortable during the interview and really at ease once I had finished.

After a few days, I got a call saying that I had been accepted as a hostess at the Boca West Country Club. I was so excited but did not know what to expect. However, I can definitely say that this has been such an amazing experience so far.

The season is coming to an end and I have made the decision to return home to see my family and friends. I can definitely say Boca West is like a second home to me and I will be sad to leave. If I get the opportunity to return next season, I will definitely take it in a heartbeat.

I wish all the new applicants the best of luck during the upcoming recruitment season.

Almost over

By Arthur Devon Petersen

Working in the USA is something I would recommend to anyone who is willing to learn, be pushed to their limits and grow within the hospitality industry.

I am not the same person I was when I started this programme and I am happy about of that. The knowledge and experience I have gained, the people I have met and the fact that I am part of something bigger than myself, is absolutely priceless.

I have been fortunate enough to work in 3 different restaurants at the Boca West Country Club and I would not have it any other way. Although each restaurant has a different way of doing things, our core standards and systems in place will always remain the same – ensuring that each restaurant operates smoothly.

Would I do this again? Definitely! I am always happy to be here and always grateful for this opportunity that Workaway International has given to me.

Till next time! Ciao!

We have Passed Halfway!

By Catherine Lindebaum

Wow! I cannot believe it’s already March. Just goes to show that time certainly flies by when you’re having fun!

Well done for making it thus far. To some people, this job is a huge adjustment being away from your surroundings, your friends & family, all while having to adjust to a new culture and work ethic. And that is why I love it: it matures you and helps you become world smart. As well as giving you the opportunity to learn new things with people from other countries - who come into this feeling the same way you do. So WELL DONE, we’ve passed halfway!

February was jam packed with some pretty great events here at Addison Reserve. The one that stood out was our Ladies Member Guest Golf Tournament, which was themed “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. It was probably one of the best ones yet! Set over two days, it was absolutely fabulous.

March is looking quite exciting too.

The flu seems to be going around again now with the more humid weather coming along. You can read back in the blogs to find a post I wrote with a couple tips. But basically, this is your flu survival guide in a few images:

So look after yourself and keep on going, we’re almost there!

(thank you to Gideon Heller - @gdariyal - for the photos)

Road trip!

By Latella Smit

My friends and I decided to hire a van and go on a day trip through Florida. Best idea ever!

Our time on the road was filled with laughter and good music, complementing the excitement in the atmosphere.  We came across an alligator themed store!

We also made a mandatory stop at a store called ‘Meal in a Pie’- a store that sells South African products and treats. Of course, we indulged in pies and biltong! The time spent at ‘Meal in a Pie’ had everyone feeling nostalgic. These snacks brought us closer to home. 

We got back on the road and found a statue of the American flag and we decided to check it out. We also saw the most beautiful dam right next to it.

Our next stop was Naples Pier and it was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen! White washed sands and blue waters made for a mesmerizingly beautiful view. Winter in Florida makes for cold nights at the beach; however, it did not detract us from taking in the stunning sights and sounds.

A few of us had a teary moment experiencing the sunset. Moments can often be captured in a photo but the feeling we got will stay with us forever.

A perfect ending to a perfect day! We then took a drive home through Miami South Beach.

I have to say that I loved every moment in the US so far and have made friends for life! Our road trip was an exciting experience and I am looking forward to the next adventure. Next destination? Bahamas!