By Marlon Goodwin
I was inspired to start my adventure almost 9 years ago by
a post on Facebook. I then looked up what Workaway International was all about.
I never thought that from taking that first step and applying, I would
get the amazing adventures, friendships, relationships, and experiences I have
now.
After the interview’s, embassy visit and police clearance,
I was on my first international flight to America. The country club that best
suited me was Windsor. From the very first interview, I had a feeling that this
could be the chance I needed to better myself. Nestled in the exceptionally
beautiful Vero Beach, I started my first winter season in America. I never
thought that I would be there for 8 seasons!
I started as a normal server. After hard work, I am now a
server captain. It is difficult but fun. We have members that are interested in
learning about us and where we come from. I've been pulled into conversations
by members wanting to know more about my beautiful homeland, South Africa. Some
of the hardest and longest shifts I’ve had to work were around Thanksgiving,
which just happens to be at the start of the season. As hard as it was, it was
also so amazing to experience new traditions. My friends and I even have our
very own ‘Friendsgiving’.
It took a little getting used to being away from home, but
when I realized that the team around me was going through the same thing, bonds
are formed. Going through this Workaway International experience has created a
new family that I would never have found.
From having our very own Secret Santa to our own little New
Year’s gathering, this experience has opened my eyes. Getting to exchange
stories of different cultures and traditions has been amazing. My club
initially only hired South Africans and Irish. It was an interesting experience
speaking to an Irish person for the first time. A few years later, we also had
Portuguese and Italians working with us. Getting to learn from all of them was
just such a blessing.
When Workaway International told us there were opportunities
to go up north to other clubs in the summer season, I had to take it. I went
with a club that most of our members were already in. I got to meet more people
there. Some from Jamaica and others from Eastern Europe. This was an entirely
new journey that was just as amazing. Going through all of this after so many
seasons has been so amazing and it all started from just taking the chance and
applying.
I have had so many memories from all the places I have been
to and the things that I have done. My favourite memory was when our club took
us to Universal Studios Florida. It was such a joyful day. I loved the place so
much that I got a year's pass. There was just so much to see and do there. It
was a much-needed break from work for the team. Orlando is a tourist
destination and I took it all in. The next place we visited was the happiest
place on earth, Disney World. The inner child in me went crazy. As silly as it
sounds, riding Space Mountain with my friends is still one of my fondest
memories.
I could not be in America and not visit New York City. It
is truly the city that never sleeps. There was so much to see and do. My first
stop was the Empire State Building. I was playing 'Empire State of Mind' by
Alicia Keys on repeat that day! As someone who works in hospitality, I was
crazy about the different food trucks in Brooklyn. Next on my journey was Sin
City itself - Las Vegas.
Vegas was everything I expected and more. My friend managed
to arrange a suite at the iconic Caesars Palace. The casinos and shows were so
amazing. I will definitely be going back if I get the chance. That is all I can
say about my experience because "What happens in Vegas, stays in
Vegas".
Some of the best trips I got to take were the scenic trips
to Georgia or the drives down to Miami or West Palm Beach. I will hold the trip
to Napa Valley close to my heart. The club was kind enough to arrange a tour at
one of the wineries there. It was just so breath-taking.
You might be wondering how I could travel to so many
places. The club would always allow us a little downtime towards the end of the
season. The managers are always looking for ways to make the season as
memorable as possible. That is why I keep coming back. They treat us so well.
From wine and food tastings to better our knowledge to health and safety
classes. The club always aimed to better us, so that we can give excellent
service to our members. That is the knowledge I am so grateful to have gotten
from them.
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