LIVING THE AMERICAN DREAM!!!

By Nasiphi Sobahle

What does “Living the American dream” even mean?

How does one even comprehend “The Dream”?

I believe Dreams differ from person to person, depending on what really drives, motivates and keeps them alive, contrary to how the oxford dictionary defines “Dreams” and the actual act of dreams, Dreams keep you awake at night, they somehow haunt you until you attend to them and the dream I am about to talk about is a dream that has been haunting me for the past 3.5 Years.

Fast forward… it was January 11 2018 when my New Year began, when I uttered the words “Happy New Year Nasiphi” and for the first time in a long time, I believed that things will only get better from here going forward in regards to keeping my eyes on the price and the end goal. I woke up that morning with so much joy, contentment and all emotions positive as I waited for my dear Friend Keagan Meth (Mirasol Country Club) who wanted to tag along with me and witness my “American Dream” come to life, a friend that supports me on days that I don’t even have faith in myself.

I mean, I was heading to Miami to meet ASHLEY HORNER!!!

You probably wondering who Ashley Horner is, please allow me to tell you a little about her. Ashley Horner is a Humanitarian, A philanthropist that stands for the broken, above everything else; Ashley Horner is a Fitness Celebrity that I have been looking up to since three and a half years ago when I first discovered her on social media.

Now this makes sense to those that personally know me and those that follow me on social media because my passion deeply lies in Humanitarian/Philanthropy work and Fitness, apart from the Hospitality Industry, so one can only imagine how much this meant to me.

I will not bore you with all the details but all in all, this was a beautiful day, It doesn’t happen often that one gets to hang out with their Icon, It doesn’t happen every day that we get to have substantial conversations with people of Ashely Horner’s Stature and the highlight of this day was having a workout session coached by her, this was the cream of the cup. 

Thank you Workaway International for the Golden Ticket to the USA.

December Festivities

By Emma Seager

December time is always exciting in America! From the lights to the Christmas decor. But the events we do at the club are a treat all on their own! This year was my first year at Polo Club, and I was blown away! My favorite event had to be the polo street fair, I was in charge of the ice beer wall. The fair was all you can eat-all you can drink with unlimited rides! Basically heaven on earth if I do say so myself...

Then was the Arcade night, another favorite where they brought in a roller skate rink and transformed the room into a mini dave and busters! There were unlimited games for everyone and you bet I had my fun playing PAC man! 

I was also lucky enough to visit my boyfriend in New York and got to see all the Christmas decor and the famous New York Christmas tree!!! It was incredible! I am having such an amazing season and I can't wait to see what is in store for the next few months! 

I was also able to attend a friends Christmas party! It's always fun to see co-workers from previous clubs and have a change of atmosphere! I got to take my old roommate who is like my sister now, she and I had a fantastic night at the Jupiter Hills Christmas Party.

Not to mention all my other adventures on Atlantic Avenue! My favorite is the unlimited mimosas on Sundays which is always followed by a Sandbar session 👍

In a few weeks Polo is taking all the international staff to Universal Studios so I'll be keeping you posted on that!

“Keys” to unlock the New Year, 2018

By Nasiphi Sobahle

Let me begin by wishing each and every one reading this a Happy and Healthy New Year, May you find what you are seeking, and to the Workaways of this winter season (2017/18), Do not forget the reason why you are here because I believe we are all working towards something great, It is time to hit “Refresh” as the new year opens its arms with another 365 days for us to embrace.

It was January 02 2018 at 5.40am when we boarded the bus to Key West, Key West is one of the most beautiful places in Florida, it is an island city in the United States of America and in all honesty, I wasn’t too thrilled when our Country Club (Hunters Run) announced that they will be taking the Workaways of the club to the Keys for the New Year. I mean, I have done this trip with my club before so what was going to be different? I then had to speak to myself and change the negative thinking, this was going to be a trip with different people so the experience was inevitably going to be different, I was also reminded of how bad Key West was hit by Hurricane Irma and I was interested in seeing how the island city looks like after the terrible natural disaster, I wanted to see how the Florida keys were coming back to life and to my surprise, there was so much recovery, it was impressive.

The plan was to “bring and braai” at the beach, a famous way of gathering in our country but the weather did not permit, Plan B had to come into play and we decided to Explore the Island City of Key West, We visited Aquariums, Art Galleries, Museums, Historic Homes and the highlight for me was parading the famous “Duval Street” that is known as Key West’s main tourist strip, with restaurants/Bars and shops designed to entertain tourists. The day could have not been spent any better. We braved the cold and enjoyed the field trip.

Once again, May you have a prosperous 2018! 

Making The Most Of Your Days Off

By Catherine Lindebaum

Days off are gold, especially during peak season. And by all means sleep in and catch up on those Z’s, but be careful not to sleep the sunny days away. Off days should be you out and about, exploring and enjoying Florida as much as you possibly can.

Recently I was lucky to get a couple whole days off with my partner, Gideon. Since we’re in different departments, our schedules are completely opposite most of the time.

So on the first day off, we decided to get a train through to West Palm to walk the streets and take photos. West Palm is a great part of Florida. It’s got vibey restaurants and a really great promenade harbor area to walk along and watch the sunset.

We were late for the first train, and got so caught up taking photos that we missed the second one. Instead of waiting around for an hour at the train station, we made use of the free tram service running from the Delray Beach Tri-Rail to the end of Atlantic Avenue. We killed some time there taking photos and then caught the tram back to the train station where we were 3rd time lucky.

On the 2nd day we got up early, made breakfast and then headed out to catch the next train through to Miami to spend the day roaming the streets of the Miami Art District – Wynwood. This is my absolute favorite part of Miami!

Some art stays, some art gets painted over, but there is always something new to look at whenever you go to inspire creativity. The vibe is great and there are people from all around the world making their mark on the walls, or just visiting.

I’d definitely recommend you visiting the Art District before you leave. And when you’re there, look out for the free tram service that takes you on a round trip of the District.

Instead of staying home and watching series each day off, go out and make the most of your days off! They’re limited and so is your time here.

Seasons greetings from the USA

By Claire Smith

We're gearing up to Christmas time, some of the members at Mirasol have welcomed their families in earlier for the festive season.

We have all been busy getting the club and all our events ready to go. It takes real team work at these times during the season.

We have also decided to do a secret Santa amongst our houses to get in the festive spirit. 

We may be far from our families over this time, but we definitely have a family away from home here in the USA.

I can just see the New Year is going to bring soooo many more amazing times...

Making The Most Of Your Days Off

By Catherine Lindebaum

Days off are gold, especially during peak season. And by all means sleep in and catch up on those Z’s, but be careful not to sleep the sunny days away. Off days should be you out and about, exploring and enjoying Florida as much as you possibly can.

Recently I was lucky to get a couple whole days off with my partner, Gideon. Since we’re in different departments, our schedules are completely opposite most of the time.

So on the first day off, we decided to get a train through to West Palm to walk the streets and take photos. West Palm is a great part of Florida. It’s got vibey restaurants and a really great promenade harbor area to walk along and watch the sunset.

We were late for the first train, and got so caught up taking photos that we missed the second one. Instead of waiting around for an hour at the train station, we made use of the free tram service running from the Delray Beach Tri-Rail to the end of Atlantic Avenue. We killed some time there taking photos and then caught the tram back to the train station where we were 3rd time lucky.

On the 2nd day we got up early, made breakfast and then headed out to catch the next train through to Miami to spend the day roaming the streets of the Miami Art District – Wynwood. This is my absolute favorite part of Miami!

Some art stays, some art gets painted over, but there is always something new to look at whenever you go to inspire creativity. The vibe is great and there are people from all around the world making their mark on the walls, or just visiting.

I’d definitely recommend you visiting the Art District before you leave. And when you’re there, look out for the free tram service that takes you on a round trip of the District.

Instead of staying home and watching series each day off, go out and make the most of your days off! They’re limited and so is your time here.

’Tis the Season

By Catherine Lindebaum

I’m nearly 2 months back and it has been go go go ever since our Season Opening Party and Thanksgiving. With the Hanukkah and Christmas season just around the corner, the families are filling up Addison and we aren’t about to get a break until the New Year. Not that I’m complaining, I’m actually really excited for the fast work pace and to be filled with adrenaline.

Even though it’s the festive season, it also happens to be the flu season. So remember to look after yourself. Drink loads of water, get your rest, and take your vitamins.

Also, remember to have your medical insurance card printed out and handy in case of any emergencies. I recently had an ER visit and it saved a lot of time having it handy.

My household is getting ready for the festive season and recently put up our Christmas tree. We still have a lot to add to it, but at least this is a start. We’re planning a Secret Santa game and also a Christmas bring and share dinner. Which I highly suggest. It’s so much fun to be around the friends you’ve made so far - they really are your family away from home, which will help make you feel less homesick.

I hope you all have a merry and safe holiday season!