An extremely surreal experience – by Candace Bennett

 

I cannot begin to mention anything about my experience in the USA without first thanking Workaway International. From my very first application up until now, Workaway has been the most efficient, reliable and supportive company I have ever encountered (and I've tried a few). 

                                             

I had a desire to travel and while looking around on how I could possibly do so on my salary at the time, I came across Workaway International. The opportunity felt extremely surreal the entire time until I placed my luggage in my new apartment in the Sunshine State of America, Florida. 

                                     

Think of all the perks you get from being independent and travelling. I experienced all of that and so much more. I began to grow as an individual and the program taught me a lot about life. Hard work gets high reward. Being surrounded by people constantly taught me patience in the work area and how to stick my head out of my shell and speak to people of so many different cultures and learn about them. But most importantly, become friends with these people. 

                                                                                                                                             

I've seen and experienced so much travelling in multiple states in America. 

The freedom is vast and the opportunity to really live your life to the fullest is offered to you every day. 

                                       

This is such a phenomenal experience and it is made possible by such an efficient team at Workaway International. It's really just a matter of deciding if you're ready to take it up a notch and go out there to work hard and live a little! I can't fully explain how this made me feel but I can tell you that everyone should do this at least once in their life!

 

                                      

 

My Summer Season Up-north – by Nondumiso Sibanda

 

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams”, Oprah Winfrey.

 

It has been a roller coaster year, we finally made it to the US for the winter season in January thanks to the Workaway International team who worked tirelessly to make it happen. Better late than never!

 

Doing our winter season in Florida for four months was g
reat. Time went by so quickly and it was soon time to do visa extensions for the summer season up-north for which l was accepted at Fairview Country Club in Connecticut.

We landed in Connecticut in May and so far it has been a good five months, meeting new people and staying in a different environment. Fairview is a smaller club but has a huge vibe right from the staff to the members.

                                          

One highlight that stands out to me has to be that some of the members here are members at my Florida club, Boca West. It was amazing to see familiar faces and have conversations about Mr D’s Restaurant at Boca West as well as about how certain menu items remind them of meals at the Roadside Cravings Food truck.

Amongst the close knit family of Fairview, one person stands out most and that is Chef Jeff Perez. He is the most humble, hardworking, welcoming and attentive Chef that I have worked with. It has really been a great learning curve.

We have had quite a busy season from Friday grill nights, pasta stations on Sundays, Memorial day, Labor day and many more events and parties.

                                               

The season is starting to slow down which means we will have some time to properly travel and explore.

I have however managed to cross a few things off my bucket list whilst I’ve been here including exploring New York City. We are about an hour away from New York City by train which is the easiest, cheapest and most convenient way to get there.

                                                

My first stop was to see Carlo’s (the Cake Boss) Bakery. I literally melted as l walked in as I have been watching Cake Boss for so long and have been wanting to see one of his bakeries since before I even came to the US. Even though he wasn’t there, knowing that l stepped into one of his outlets filled my heart.

                                            

It has been a good summer and we are almost at the end of the season. We head back to Florida soon for our winter season but first l still need to cross seeing the Statue of Liberty off my bucket list!