Members Tournament!

By Jasper Burger

When you walk up the hill at Jupiter Hills club you see one of the most beautiful sunrises Florida has to offer. We are preparing for a golf tournament today. First coffee is out of the way and work needs to start for the day’s event.

Our ladies member tournament is a busy one with 120 ladies playing 36 rounds of golf over 2 days and the Food and Beverage department is responsible for all the events within the clubhouse such as breakfast and lunch being served and a cocktail reception with delicious h’ordeuvres.

 All departments have to work closely together to make this event enjoyable for the ladies. Golf/ recreational staff, kitchen and dining room staff have to pull together to make this a memorable event which is never a problem as we all respect one another. Around 6pm our sunset almost matches our sunrise and gives us a second wind to finish the day.

It is all worth it to work hard in a place like Jupiter Hills. One just needs to remind oneself that sometimes to take a good look around. See these beautiful photos!!!

Going up North for the summer!!!

By Julie-Ann Blom

Happy New Year!!!!!

Hope everybody is doing well and enjoying the New Year so far!

Well as you can guess it's that time of the year here in Florida. Your asking what that time is?

Drum roleee! It's time to apply for the clubs up North!!!! 

For everyone that does not know this, this is the time of year all the Florida recruits get an email from Workaway stating that the time has come to apply for the Northern Clubs which are located in New York, Philly, North Carolina, Chicago and the Hamptons. For the returnees that were up north last season it's a bit easier as their clubs usually invite them back. But for the new recruits the interview process is a bit nerve racking.

The positions are limited up north so only a few get the opportunity. Some of the clubs up North will do face to face interviews and others will do Skype interviews. Some of the clubs came down to Sailfish Point and did interviews at the club. The nerves were obviously running high the days when the interviews took place.

But I'm happy to say that most of my friends from Sailfish have been accepted up North to clubs such as the Hamptons, Philly and North Carolina!!!! And I'd like to say to those who are still interviewing for the clubs up North, good luck and I really hope you will be successful!

Speak to you soon.....

Back in the USA!

By Julie-Ann Blom

So it's been 2 months since I've been back in the USA. 

Work is going well and we are going into the holiday season which will be our busiest time.

So far, we as, a group, have had many adventures. We have been to Universal Studios which was really exiting! I have celebrated my birthday here as well with all my friends around me. I felt very special being here especially as I am away from home and not have my family with me.

I think all the international staff are very blessed to have made friends here through especially as it is their first time away from South Africa.

We have had great times here so far at Sailfish Point. I’m on my 4^th season as a returner but I still learn new things every day. 

Soon we will be going into the New Year and I can't wait to see what new adventures will be waiting for all of us in 2015!

I would like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and remember you have your Workaway family and friends with you this holiday season!

Speak to you again in the New Year!!!

Jupiter Christmas!

By Jasper Burger

After 7 seasons Christmas here at Jupiter Hills have always been merry but this year just felt extra special! Besides the fact that my dearest mother is here to enjoy it with me staff here at the Hills have grown into a very tightly knit group of individuals.

Our staff Christmas party was something members would rate as 5 star quality and fun. There is nothing like having to dress up and have a glamorous evening with colleagues and friends after a already very busy first 2 months of the season.

Being graced with some time off to show my mom around this epic town called Jupiter is a blessing especially this holiday season. The water of the intercoastal is looking blue as ever with the sun shining on creating beautiful sparkles just once again makes me realise how much I appreciate the town of Jupiter.

The club is looking festive as well with beautiful decorations all over with real trees giving the club a very fresh Christmas aroma.

So I would like to take this time and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from Jupiter, Florida!

Hellllloooo Sunny Florida!!!

By Julie-Ann Blom

Hi everybody!!! So this is my first blog since I've been back in America!

I really hope everybody is doing well at their clubs in Florida and enjoying it!!!!

My flight to America left on the 15th of October, the goodbye on the airport was very hard. I only saw my family for a short six months before heading back to America.

I met all the new recruits at the airport heading to Sailfish Point my country club, I work for in Florida.

We all were a bit nervous but became fast friends as we were going on the same journey together.

The flight was long but full of laughs and talking about our new adventures.

We landed in JFK early in the morning my friend Mel and I headed straight to Starbucks!

We flew down to West Palm and a Workaway representive picked us up and took us down to Jensen Beach where we live.

We were met by our managers from Sailfish Point and it was fantastic to see them again after 6 months!!!

We received our uniforms and then met all the new staff from Ireland. I saw all my friends that had returned from up north.

I have made so many new friends and had so much fun working and just enjoying Florida since I've been back and I hope everybody else does as well!!

All the guys from Jozi please invite me on facebook book I would love to hear how YOUR experience in America is so far!!!

See you soon 

KEY WEST

By Jasper Burger

Deciding to go to Key West in the spur of the moment is something I thought would never happen, but I’m so grateful I got the chance to go and experience it!

My recent visit to Key West was truly a great adventure – both exciting, but also very relaxing at the same time.

I allowed myself some “me-time” and much deserved relaxation while I was there.  I can safely say that afternoon naps on the water in a hammock just outside your hotel room can do wonders.

The restaurants and cuisine are unique and quite different when compared to the country clubs and even back home.  I really liked that fact that there were various styles of dining offered because it’s always nice to have choices.

The beaches are tranquil and peaceful, which really complements the lifestyle and attitude of the locals – they’re very laid back and easy-going which I found quite refreshing.

One of the most fascinating aspects of my trip was realising that I was standing at the most southern point in the US!  It is crazy to think that Cuba is only 90 miles away, as well as the US 0 mile mark.

Landmarks like Ernest Hemingway’s house, where he produced some of his best work, made the trip very enjoyable, and certainly made the long drive from Jupiter to the Keys worth it.

Upon my return, reality struck once again as work started straight away and there was no more time for relaxation.

As the new season starts with new recruits joining various county clubs in Florida, I wish you all good luck, and share a friendly reminder to enjoy your surroundings each and every day while you’re here!

Bon voyage Cape Town, Hello Florida!

By Prudence Smart

My American adventure with Workaway International is almost here and I am so excited to start this journey!

I first heard about Workaway through a friend of mine, Robin Miller, who has previously been on the programme.   After he told me about how amazing Workaway is, I carefully considered joining, but nearly passed on it because I thought I would probably need to pay a lot of money to be a part of it.

Needless to say, I was wrong, and I am so happy I didn’t let this opportunity pass!  Robin kept persuading me to go to a presentation, which I finally did, so I owe it to Robin who helped me kick-start this adventure.

When I got that phone call to say I was successful, I literally did a happy dance and my bags have been packed for two weeks already.

Ok, so let’s rewind a bit: First I had to attend one of Workaway’s presentations (there were quite a few running this year from 5 August onwards). Team Workaway is very organised and everything is explained in detail at these presentations.  All participants are reminded of the dates for interviews, visa appointments and all other relevant dates during the entire process, which makes it so much more convenient for the applicants. This also made it easy for me to carry on working while getting all my paperwork ready for the visa.

I worked until the very last week, and then spent five days being a tourist in my own city.  Cape Town is truly a beautiful place and I will surely miss waking up to the splendid Table Mountain every morning.

My motto for this adventure is “I believe in myself and my ability to do my best.” I know that it will be hard work and that I need to give it my all, but my aim will be to also take some time out of my busy work schedule to see a bit of the environment I will be living in. So keep reading as I will be sure to update you on ‘all things Florida’ and maybe a few trips into the greater America too!