Centrally located in Burleigh, just over 1km from the pristine Gold Coast coastline, the Burleigh Sports Club has long held a reputation on the Coast as the go-to place to spend time over a beer or a meal, discussing all things AFL.
Being a Community Club means that proceeds earned from the Club are distributed back to the community. This supports grassroots AFL, local cricket teams, golfing initiatives, and the unique sport of dragon boat racing. Don’t let the “smaller than average” size fool you. The spacious restaurant can comfortably seat over 180 diners, while also offering a wide selection of tap beers from the newly renovated Sports Bar area. In addition to a well-appointed bar, The Sports Bar is one of the few remaining “good old-fashioned” venues offering full TAB facilities. Burleigh Sports also holds a Trivia every Wednesday night and Bingo each Wednesday morning with fantastic jackpots to be won.
Winter Menu of 2021
The Club has just launched its 2021 Winter menu with plenty of variety for everyone. From shared meals, hearty burgers, cooked-to-your- liking steaks, there are plenty of options for those with dietary requirements. And there’s a selection of homemade desserts. Back by popular demand is also the famous weekday lunch specials. Choose between rump steak, classic parmy, a mouth-watering burger, or a classic carvery roast. These delicious meals are available between 12 pm and 2 pm, Monday to Friday. The bar also offers plenty of variety with an extensive wine list, local and imported beer on tap, and a range of boutique cocktails. There is definitely something to sip on that is right up your alley! Membership at the Club gives you access to a range of discounts at the bar, restaurant, and bottle shop. Your membership card also means if you fancy a flutter, you can earn reward points as you play any of the 60 pokies in the gaming lounge.
Burleigh Sports Club Membership
Only $1 for 1 year, membership gives you a $2 discount off your mains and varying savings over the bar. Signing up is easy, just bring your driver’s license or photo ID. As well as the discounts and reward points, you are directly contributing to a community club. This adds an extra layer of warmth and fuzzies to your dining experience. The Club is open from 10 am every day and will definitely become your new “local.”
Good entertainment at an event helps your guests have fun. And who doesn’t like to have fun? Whether it is a wedding, a wedding anniversary, a big birthday bash, or a corporate event, hiring roving entertainers is a great way to break the ice between acquaintances.
BY ROISIN MURPHY
Wedding Entertainers
Some events go down in family history. And usually, it’s because of how great everyone felt while attending them. I recently attended a wedding that had two entertainers on staff. One was a sexy, fire-twirling goddess who mesmerized us before the drunken dancing started. The other was a magician that was hired to bring the kids to the side for an hour and let the parents eat their meals in peace without having little fingers in it.
These two entertainers made a normal wedding into a fantastic one. A lot of selfies were going on with these two roving entertainers. And it made me think about my next event and how I could make it memorable with roving entertainers.
Work-Related Entertainers
At events that are work-related, it is a really good idea to have entertainers, as it can break the ice between people who don’t know each other that well. Entertainers can help the event stay upbeat and keep the attention of guests and put them in a stimulated state of mind, ready for learning. In other words, they will be in a great frame of mind to hear your sales message.
Matt Hollywood at an event
Making your potential clients feel great cannot be underestimated. If you have ever been at an event where an illusionist has been hired to wow the person with who you want to do that big deal, then you’ll know how well it works. These roving performers can be worth their weight in gold.
Matt Hollywood Magic
Back in the Naughties, I went to a party in London that had a psychic reading everyone’s palms… and the biggest topic of the night was what she had predicted for us. It was a great way to start a conversation with a total stranger…and boy did it work! Two of the people were told they would find their soul mate that night. I wonder if they hooked up later? I hope so.
Matt Hollywood with people
Make Your Event Stand Out By Hiring Matt Hollywood
At the Gold Coast, we have our own illusionist who puts on the wow factor for events – Matt Hollywood. For anyone who has seen his live shows at Sanctuary Cove and Broadbeach, you’ll know him to be witty and clever and be very, very slight of hand.
Now, Mr. Hollywood has branched out into event entertainment. Whether that means an intimate gathering of 15 people or a larger event with 600 guests, he rolls up with illusions and tricks to stump and beguile. This is the type of stuff people remember for a long time.
His roving show consists of magic packages (the ultimate ice-breaker) where he strolls amongst guests with mind-blowing close-up magic. Plus he does stage shows suitable for sit[1]down dinners. He also does other performances where he’ll take your guests on an unforgettable journey of comedy and magic. I have witnessed the show he puts on, and he is definitely worth considering for your next event.
Matt Hollywood’s Shows
Matt Hollywood is very experienced at this game. He has performed at countless events across the globe, made countless television appearances. He has performed at theme parks, special functions, and more, as well as having his own show. But the best thing about his performance is always his natural X-Factor. He’s just so funny.
Magic and Illusion have been around for a long time, for a good reason. It beguiles even the staunchest grump. Matt Hollywood delivers his fast-paced action-packed show with mind[1]blowing performances at almost every type of function, from conferences to business functions, private parties, weddings, corporate events, and more. He’s definitely worth having around.
Brett Marks of the Noah Group recently said, “Having Matt Hollywood at our event was the best decision we ever made. We have already sold out for next year. His show is mind-blowing but also the funniest thing we have ever seen. World Class.”
If you are seeking a close-up magician for a cocktail function, pre-dinner drinks entertainment or simply to rove the crowd with some classy card tricks, floating objects in the air, making things disappear, and mind-blowing close-up style magic that is a guaranteed hit at any event, then he’s your guy.
All this has led me to the conclusion that I want to hold a ridiculous bash when Covid goes the hell away. And I know the type of entertainment I will be having at this party to end all parties. The people in my life better start sucking up to me fast if they want an invitation! ■
To book Matt Hollywood for your event, call 0412 662 442 or log on to matthollywood.com
Erfan from Shiraz Persian Restaurant in Surfers Paradise teaches us how to make a classic Persian dish, Fesenjan.
Ingredients for Fesenjan
■ 3 Large brown onions
■ 500 grams of walnuts are needed.
■ 1 full jar of Kambiz pomegranate paste (available from Shiraz Bazaar online store: orders.shirazexpress.com.au)
■ 1.5 kg chicken thigh fillet, skin off (cut into 3 cm pieces)
■ 1 tablespoon salt
■ One tablespoon honey
■ 1/2 tablespoon sugar
History of Fesenjan
IF YOU HAVE BEEN TO IRAN, or if you have any friends who have ever been to Iran, probably one of the highlights of the trip would be the food. And one of the most amazing dishes they would remember is fesenjoon.
This beautiful dish is simple to make, but most people think it is hard to make! I have been married to my wife for three years and she has never made it! We make it in a different way at the restaurant with our own recipe, but at home, I make a simple version.
This dish can be made in a lot of different ways. But the ingredients should include ground walnuts, pomegranate paste, and meat (although there is some argument about this) plus simple seasonings like salt and sugar.
All the ingredients of Fesenjan
Different Representations of Fesenjan
This dish can be made in different ways because different parts of Iran have different tastes. In the north of Iran, there’s a very big mountain chain called Alborz, which works like a big, tall wall. Humidity and rainfall are stuck behind it, which is the north part of Iran. Those areas in the North are lush and green. The trees are acidic and the food is quite sour.
If you go to the North of Iran and have a fesenjoon, it’s ultra-sour. They don’t add honey. They don’t add sugar. None. Zilch. Zero. In the North of Iran, poultry is very popular. But if you have fesenjoon, they will make it with chicken, rather than the duck meat of the other parts of the country.
In Iran’s southwest, people love meat. They just love meat to death. Mostly they would probably have it for breakfast if they could. They make their fesenjoon with meat, meatballs et cetera. In other parts of Iran, like Esfahan with its historic sites, you’ll find everything is ultra-sweet.
Accordingly, the fesenjoon there is super sweet. The capital Tehran is where I was born and raised for 23 years of my life. The flavors there are subtle and balanced. It is a balance between sweet and sour and salt. So my recipe is the Tehrani version – we call it the dancing of flavours. It’s amazing.
Procedure
We start off by peeling the onions. If you have a mincer at home, go ahead and mince three-quarters of the walnuts and the onions. A good food blender will also suffice. Just blend the hell out of the walnuts and the onions.
Then put it on the stove and let it boil with medium heat. Add 750ml of water, and let it boil for about 45 minutes, or until it becomes thicker. Use a spatula to basically stir it every now and then, because walnuts tend to stick to the bottom of the pot.
After 45 minutes, add one glass of very, very cold water (you can add ice if you want). We are shocking this stew. This releases a bit of oil from the walnuts. By the way, this dish, when it’s made, if you leave it for a while, you will see a layer of oil on top. Don’t panic. That’s natural walnut oil. Just stir it in.
After the cold water, wait five minutes. Then, add three-quarters of the pomegranate paste, and stir.
Add in the chicken, precut in three-centimetre cubes. Thigh meat is the best option.
Add salt, honey, and sugar. All three should be in exactly equal amounts. Occasionally stir. After an hour, add the remaining pomegranate paste.
Add the remainder of the walnuts and boil on low heat for another hour. You may have to keep stirring it to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom. In Iran, the opinion is that the longer it cooks on low heat, the better it is. They say it has been settled.
Persian Rice
For the rice, Persian rice, please use the recipe from the Summer edition of Silver (silvermagazine. com.au) but you can skip the barberries.
The Dish
And that’s it! You’ve got yourself one of the most popular dishes of Iran! Nooshe Jan! (Which means, “May the food become a part of your soul.” ■
All the ingredients for this dish can be bought at the Shiraz Bazaar.
Silver Adventurers Jan and Peter (both 73) hit the road in their caravan to explore the stunning Border Loop which exists at the edges of New South Wales and Queensland.
The Scenic Rim straddles Tamborine Mountain, beautiful Lake Moogerah, the rugged Mount Barney and the town of Boonah. You can expect to enjoy ancient rainforests, historic national parks, charming towns and villages, craft breweries, boutique wineries, galleries, and more. We decided to dedicate some time to this stunning region, which is so close to home.
With Covid restrictions in mind, armed with border passes and the caravan in tow, we set off. After all the rain, we wanted to see the region at its best.
CANUNGRA BORDER CROSSING ADVENTURES
On the roadside approaching Canungra in the Gold Coast hinterland, a tourist sign caught our eye. We stopped at a short walk, which led to some information boards. Lahey’s Canungra Tramway Tunnel is a heritage-listed tunnel that is worth seeing on your journey. The Lahey family were fresh from Ireland with their 11 kids when they built the sawmill at Canungra in 1884. It was an immediate goldmine. They soon had so many contracts to cut timber from the area, that they couldn’t get it all to the sawmill by the slow and expensive bullock teams that were hauling it. They set about building a private railway line up to the rugged region where the sawmill lay.
Beautiful Canungra tunnel
The Darlington Range separated the mill in Canungra from the timber leases in the Coomera Valley. Building a railway line around the ridge was just too expensive. So, the engineers decided to cut a tunnel through it. They succeeded, and the line was laid down. The first use of the tunnel was in 1903, and the tramline increased the productivity of the sawmill. No serious accidents occurred on the railway line, though there are reports of “some exciting moments” due to “greasy rails.”
MORE ABOUT CANUNGRA
The line was extended over time, eventually reaching 26.5km. The line curved among waterfalls, ferns and thick scrub, and it was used by the locals for everyday transportation needs. Locals sat atop the logs, children hitched rides to school, and picnickers grabbed a ride to their destinations.
Soon nearly all of the trees had been razed in the Canungra area. The mill was closed, however, trips along the tramway kept going up until 1930. By 1935, the line was dismantled and sold for scrap. During the Second World War, the tunnel was used for storage of ammunition for the nearby Kokoda Army barracks. After that, it was largely forgotten.
Upon its rediscovery, it was cleaned up using a Centenary of Federation grant project. The tunnel was officially re-opened for pedestrian and visitor use in January 2001. Romeo Lahey of the following generation, in conjunction with Arthur Groom, purchased the land to establish the nearby famous Binna Burra Lodge in 1933.
The Blumbergville clock
BOONAH
There were multiple choices of eateries for us in the main street of Boonah. (The town’s original name was Blumbergville, because of the Blumberg Brothers who established the first store). A friendly local stopped to chat as we enjoyed lunch at a footpath café. He gave us the tip to return to witness the hour striking on the fascinating Blumbergville clock in the main street. The four-tonne, five-and-a-half-metre-high town clock was made from farm equipment donated from local farms. Artist Christopher Trotter was inspired by the town’s history and put it together with local clockmaker David Bland.
After setting up camp in the Boonah Showground, we explored Moogerah Peaks, National Park. A narrow but sealed road took us to the summit of Mt French. Logan’s Lookout and the Mee-bor-rum circuit were pleasant strolls that rewarded us with expansive views over the surrounding farmlands. We tried to check out a few of the local wineries but, prior bookings were required because of Covid. With closures until the end of the week, we were disappointed in missing a chance to visit.
Mount French
JOURNEY TO KOREELAH NATIONAL PARK
From Boonah, our initial plan was to cross the border over the range via Carneys Creek Road to White Swamp and Koreelah National Park. We were aware that this border crossing was closed but decided to check it out anyway for future travel. After enjoying a generous-sized lunch at the Mt Alford Hotel, we left the caravan in their car park as we had to return this way later in the day. The countryside and mountain views up the range to the closed border gate (where we turned around) were stunning and well worth the detour. The good standard gravel road was very steep in some parts but would be passable if we were towing our van with the four-wheel-drive vehicle.
Carneys Creek Rd
MT BARNEY
Seeing as we had to detour up the Mt Lindsey Highway to cross into New South Wales, we had an unplanned couple of days at Mt Barney Lodge. The camping ground provided us with a base from which to hike to the Lower Portals and Yellow Pinch. Lower Portals was a challenging 7.4km (return) undulating hike to a pleasant little creek. It was very inviting for a swim and a picnic from our purchases of local produce. Other hikers, loaded up with backpacks, were proceeding on a little further to a walk-in campground. The following morning, we scrambled 1.3km up Yellow Pinch to a spectacular lookout where we sat for quite a while contemplating the beautiful mountainous panorama.
Mount Barney Yellow Pinch
MT LINDSEY HIGHWAY BORDER CROSSING ADVENTURES
We travelled through the lush green countryside on the Mt Lindsey Highway, which is dominated by Mt Lindsey, 1195m above sea level. It is one of many peaks forming part of the border between New South Wales and Queensland. This plug is from a vast volcano that covered the area approximately 20 million years ago. Apparently, these peaks are very popular with mountain climbers. We crossed into New South Wales after being waved through a border checkpoint.
Koorelah National Park
In the border town of Woodenbong, we joined the locals for a drink and chat in the pub. The Yowie story caught our attention. Apparently, two sightings in the 1970s caused much media speculation and scientific teams attempted to investigate the reports.
taking a dip at Koorelah National Park
FALSE ENCOUNTERS
Unfortunately, the women who reported the sightings were subjected to ridicule and no further sightings have been officially reported. Other alleged sightings were at the end of November 2001 and in 2003. Timber workers and a truck driver reputedly experienced close encounters.
Moving on from Koreelah
KOREELAH NATIONAL PARK
Koreelah National Park, on White Swamp Road, has a delightful remote bush camping area where we stayed for a few days. There was only one other camp, quite a distance away. We enjoyed the solitude. Alas, we couldn’t access Queen Mary Falls and Condamine Head from here because of border closures. There were lovely spots to take a dip, especially with the temperature in the 30s. With a bit of rock hopping, a walk along the top of the gorge took us to large pools below the falls. There was plenty of water over the falls and numerous bird life around us.
Tooloom Falls
To complete the circuit we began at Mt Alford, driving through White Swamp to the News South Wales side of the border. This is a beautiful area with lush farmland surrounded by mountain ranges. It gets its name from the white flower head of the foxtail grass which is prevalent in the valley. A gravel road led us to the New South Wales/Queensland border crossing, and the border fence where once again we turned back.
Beans Falls Yabra National Park
White Swamp (once a village) is of historic significance. The border was relocated through here when the colony of Queensland was separated from the colony of New South Wales in 1859. The border was initially proposed to follow the 29th degree of south latitude all the way across, where the western part of the border is today. This would have put the border on the coast between Ballina and Evans Head. New South Wales was not happy to lose so many of them already[1]established farming lands north of the proposed border. So the wonky border we now have was surveyed and agreed to between the states. A monument to the two surveyors Francis Roberts and Isiah Rowland stands on the Queensland side of the border crossing.
TOOLOOM NATIONAL PARK
Reluctantly moving on from Koreelah National Park, we travelled via Old Koreelah, again onto the Mt Lindsey Highway, and along Tooloom Road. We paused at the summit of Tooloom National Park to view the surrounding countryside. As we descended through the National Park the thick rainforest vegetation closed in right up to the road.
Foxtail grass at White Swamp
The original plan was to camp at Tooloom Falls, a small bush camp and picnic area perched above the falls, 5km south of Urbenville. But it was closed. A short climb to swim at the bottom of the falls would have been very welcome in the summer heat. We have fond memories of a previous trip here, viewing platypus and paddling our canoe upstream of the falls.
After an alternate overnight camp at the Urbenville rest area, the van was left there for an excursion south through the Yabbra State Forest the next morning.
The original Tabulam Bridge
This was a highlight, with tall eucalypts combined with the tinkling call of the bellbirds in the treetops. A little further south we diverted 700m down a track which led us to a small parking area and a viewing platform for Bean Creek Falls.
Back to Urbenville and via Upper Tooloom, we ventured along Paddys Flat Road for 32km on rough gravel. It was a relief to finally descend down to the Clarence River at Paddys Flat after being reduced to 20km an hour in some of the rough sections. A swim was a respite from the dusty road just travelled.
The Dick Smith Landing Site
West from here was part of ‘The Brisbane Line.’ It was dreamed up to protect the people living south of this area from a Japanese invasion during World War Two. It was an invasion that never came, of course. We wandered along the river bank to find remnants of the 26 concrete pyramids that were once connected together by a steel cable in the river. The natural boulders on the eastern side of the road were considered a barrier for the light Japanese tanks. Defensive positions were established along many roads throughout Australia. Tank traps were also placed at Thunderbolt’s Gully north of Tenterfield near an army training camp.
TABULAM
That night, in a bush camp at Hooten’s Bridge on the Clarence River, we were lashed by heavy rain. Morning brought a few breaks in the weather enabling us to pack up and move on to Tabulam where we enjoyed morning tea in the small café. We strolled into the park and viewed a monument to a local World War One hero.
Sir Henry George Chauvel was born in 1865 on the family horse and cattle property in Tabulam. He was the first Australian to attain the rank of General. He commanded the First Light Horse Brigade at Gallipoli. In 1917 he commanded the Desert Mounted Corps at the Battle of Beersheba. The final phase of the battle was the famous mounted charge of the Fourth Light Horse Brigade. This was the last great cavalry charge, and the town was captured by mid-afternoon, securing water supplies for the men and horses. 31 men were killed, 36 were wounded. 70 horses were killed. 130,000 Australian horses went to World War One.
HISTORY OF TABULAM: BORDER CROSSING ADVENTURES
13,000 returned and only one to Tabulam. On October 31, 2017, two hundred horsemen and women re-enacted the 100th anniversary of the 1st Light Horse leaving Tabulam to join World War One. They forded the Clarence River at the Showground, rode along Chauvel Road and Plains Station Road, eventually arriving at Copmanhurst three days later.
We had crossed the Clarence River at Tabulam. The longest single-span wooden truss bridge in the southern hemisphere was demolished last year when a new bridge was erected. The historic bridge had been constructed using hand tools and bullock teams. A single wooden span lies beside the highway, perhaps as a memorial to times gone by.
JOURNEY TO DICK SMITH LANDING SITE: BORDER CROSSING ADVENTURE
Along Tabulam Road we saw a sign that read, “Dick Smith Landing Site.” In 1983, entrepreneur and adventurer Dick Smith and John Wallington landed in this paddock. This was the first non-stop flight across the nation in a hot air balloon. They set off from Carnarvon in Western Australia at 10:52 am and 40 hours later, landed 4000km away. When asked by the Tabulam locals who rushed to meet them how the trip was, Dick answered, “bloody hard.” The balloon was 6 km above the ground for most of the journey, speeding along between 150-188 km/h. John reported that it was great fun to sit on his two-dollar deck chair as they sped along in the jet streams.
ENJOYING LUNCH IN BONALBO
Our picnic lunch was enjoyed in the small town of Bonalbo. We found a pretty rotunda flanked by rose gardens in a park in the centre of town. There, the Bonalbo Working Dog statue is of historical significance. The skills and intelligence of these animals were first displayed in Australia at the 1950 Bonalbo Show where they worked with cattle. The first trophy was won by Ginger and proud owner Bob Taylor. These trials now take place in country areas all over Australia.
KYOGLE
Our plan from here was to travel via Peacock Creek Road to camp in the Richmond Range National Park then over the range to Toonumbar Dam and Kyogle. The rain continued for most of the day. We have travelled this track a few times previously but this time it defeated us. Peacock Creek was flowing deep and the track was boggy. It was a concern that more rain would close the road. With great difficulty, we turned car and van around on the narrow track. We took a long way around through Casino to the Kyogle Caravan Park. It poured rain all night. Fortunately, we enjoyed a very nice dinner at a local hotel. The green frog that made a home under one of our solar panels while we were camped at Hootens Bridge, left us for the brighter lights here. We didn’t miss his happy croaking all evening.
PICNIC AT THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: BORDER CROSSING ADVENTURES
This was the first time on this trip that we pulled out a blanket for the evening. Before departing town the next morning, we couldn’t resist a decadent morning tea at the local bakery and were surprised to stumble upon the ‘Biggest Pumpkin’ festival. There was also a ‘guess the weight’ competition. Quite a crowd had gathered for the weigh in. The winning pumpkin weighed in at 869kg, creating a new record for the southern hemisphere.
GRADYS CREEK BORDER CROSSING ADVENTURES
Our last night was spent at The Rainforest Gateway on Gradys Creek, just 9km along the Lions Road. We were aware that this road was unsuitable for towing a caravan further along. With the border closed, we would need to divert back along the Summerland Way to the coast.
The biggest pumpkin!
The privately-run campground on Gradys Creek offered basic cabins as well as tent and caravan sites. It would be a convenient spot to camp to explore the Border Ranges if the National Parks’ facilities were not to a camper’s taste. The Lions Road connects New South Wales and Queensland over the McPherson Range. It is a narrow one-lane road in parts with many creek crossings. The funding, planning and labour for the road came from the Lions Club of Kyogle. Despite the New South Wales Government rejecting the idea in 1969, it was opened the following year, an astonishing feat by volunteers. In 1990 it was sealed with bitumen.
OUR ROUTE
The route we followed for this get-away was not as planned but we enjoyed the spectacular scenery, craggy peaks, dense rainforests, birdlife, friendly locals, and fantastic local produce everywhere. We explored new territory. The Scenic Rim of Southern Queensland was an easy escape from the Gold Coast. The Border Ranges of Northern New South Wales warrant more exploration next time! ■
Want to do something different with your free time? Then how about working your way around the world in exchange for food and board? Check this out.
We live in the era of peer-to-peer exchanges. The internet has allowed us to share our houses, our cars, our caravans, our car parking spaces…You name it, we can share it.
Masks in a Mexican Market
With this new peer-to-peer economy, now, you can travel almost for free, by swapping food and accommodation for work. One website that is well known is Workaway.info. But there are many others too. Every one of these sites allows you to organise an amazing adventure from your computer…and all on a shoestring budget! Most charge under $100 for a year’s membership.
Each site is slightly different. If you join Workaway.info, then generally you will be expected to help around 5 hours per day in exchange for food and accommodation. And there are opportunities in 170 different countries, so the amount of adventures to be had are potentially endless. Some Workaway seniors share their stories with us below.
SUE AND ADRIAN: TRAVEL THE WORLD
Our personal quote is: “Making a big life change is scary. But do you know what’s even scarier? Regret.” Our first placement was at a place called Huayacocotla in Mexico – we stayed there for just over three weeks. My work included sanding, varnishing a chest of drawers, altering some support legs for a raised vegetable garden, cleaning off the old paint and re-painting a 300-year-old chapel.
Cancun
I trimmed some of the topiary animals in the garden, a little bit of cooking in the house – I introduced the hosts to my egg muffins! Luckily, they really liked them!
We first heard about Workaway after reading a magazine article. It was written by a well-known presenter. She was asked how she spent the winter months…One of the things she wrote was that she often logged onto the Workaway website and dreamed of warmer countries, working with local people and learning more about their culture and customs. Intrigued, I had a look at the website.
Taking a gap year in your 50s
We knew we wanted to visit Mexico for three months, so this seemed an ideal scenario for us! We have visited Mexico for many years (we even married in Mexico City six years ago!) but wanted to have a closer look and better understanding of the Mexican way of life. It is fine travelling to a country, but to understand the people’s everyday lives should be an important factor too.
Work and Travel for almost free
We have visited many different parts of the world – Sri Lanka, India, South Africa, USA and many parts of Europe. Yes, you can meet local people…. On buses, restaurants, sitting in a city park but these are fleeting moments, hours – if you’re lucky like us, be invited into someone’s home for a meal. But these are still short-lived moments (by the way, we are still in touch with the Iranian family we met in Istanbul who invited us for a meal). With Workaway, you get time to build a new relationship in a natural and free manner as you get to know your hosts. If you are lucky, (as we were) your host will show you things in the local area that tourists/travellers will never see.
We did not miss anything back home…With the exception of missing our grandchildren occasionally (we missed our granddaughters first birthday – oops!) but that was alleviated by the use of FaceTime and Skype twice a week. Our hosts helped me enormously with my Spanish language – which raised my confidence as we continued to travel through Mexico. But it takes a while. One day at the beach, instead of asking for coconut ice-cream, I asked for cocaine.
Our advice would be to give the best of yourself (you are representing your country), and enjoy it. Many people “wish” to do this but don’t. If you are lucky enough to be trusted by a complete stranger in their home, don’t ruin it for others.
Also, be open and honest with your host – they are not mind readers! Get to know your host – it’s not a one-way exchange. They are interested in you, your country, your experiences! And if you’re lucky like us, your host may just become your newest friend for life. Last but not least, laugh and smile! We are currently travelling south through Mexico. A lot of places were suggested by our host but we also had an idea of where we wanted to go. Our timescales have changed frequently. If we enjoy a place, like, for example, Campeche, we lingered a little longer. Our only fixed date is the dreaded flight home – 9th June.
On this trip we have visited Mexico City, Monarch Butterfly reserve (Cerro Pelon), Huaya (as locals call it!) Papantla, El Tajin, Tecolutla, Xalapa, Villahermosa, Campeche (our recommendation here is to visit Edzná!). We stayed in Mérida for two weeks with our host’s daughter and family for a few days. We hope to go on to Chetumul, Tikal in Guatamala, Oaxaca, and Mexico City. And then home! Boo! We plan to do Workaway again in two years’ time when we go to India for four months.
GRAEME AND BRENDA: TRAVEL THE WORLD
It’s never too late to pursue your dreams of travelling the world. As of February 2017, we’ve visited 19 countries – we’ve been Workawayers in four. First in France, then we went to Greece, Bulgaria and Hungary. We mostly helped with gardening and garden maintenance, which can involve some heavy lifting and DIY tasks such as painting and putting shelves up. We also cleaned, fed horses and walked dogs.
It is never too late to fulfill your dreams
The best thing about travelling this way is definitely the host families we’ve met. And, the places that we would never have even visited if it hadn’t been for Workaway. Spending time in local communities and being involved in the day-to[1]day lives of some amazing people was far more rewarding for us than just visiting the obvious tourist places. We’ve stayed in tiny villages with people trying to live a simple self-sustainable lifestyle. We’ve also stayed at a 500-year-old chateau in France, plus everything in between.
We feel we had a lot to offer to potential hosts. Having owned our own houses, we’ve gained a lot of experience renovating and maintaining homes over the years. Other than that, we’ve mainly stayed in hostels. We never felt left out, even though we usually were the oldest there. We’ve spent some great evenings having a beer or two in the common rooms with people of different nationalities and age groups.
Most of the hosts we’ve stayed with were our age or a bit younger. Half of the hosts that we stayed with invited us, so it was probably our age and experience they were looking for. We’ve had to turn down at least 10 offers in Europe just because of time limitations.
Enjoying by the Stairs of a Beautiful Pagoda
It’s not always the things in life that you do that you sometimes regret, it’s the things that you don’t do. If there’s something that you really want to do, just take a chance! You can always go home if it doesn’t work out. It was a bit scary thinking about it and we talked about travelling for about a year before we realised that the only thing stopping us, was us. We’re planning on staying on the road for another 6 months or so and then see where life takes us.
We decided not to plan more than 2 or 3 weeks in advance to give us the freedom to go where we felt like going at any particular time. We always have a rough idea where we’ll be going next, but we decided not to fix any dates, so we can just go with the flow and never feel pressured to leave or stay. Workaway allows us to keep the trip going, because when we’re staying with hosts, the two major outlays — food and board — are pretty much covered. We still do go sightseeing and explore local towns and villages when we are staying with hosts families, though!
SINGLE TRAVELLER DANIEL
After 52 years of employment and family life, I decided to sell my house, my car and all my possessions. I wanted to fulfill my dream of travelling the world. Nowadays my sole possessions are in my backpack.
Daniel in the desert
I hadn’t originally planned on going to Africa, but then I came across so many other travellers who had such positive experiences there. Quite often, I was intrigued to find out for myself and it has been fantastic so far. Even though I have always wanted to travel, but in my 20s I was busy starting a family and career. Once you embark on that path, it is hard to get off. Not travelling is one thing I had always regretted.
I don’t plan very much at all when I travel. Sometimes I have a vague idea of places that I want to go to, but sometimes I don’t decide until 24 hours before! I go wherever the wind takes me. I love being free. My relationship with time has totally changed, and yet it is hard to get used to having that freedom too. My attitude towards consuming, possessions and money in general is now totally different. I used to earn a decent amount and saw myself as a big spender. I was caught up with the importance of having stuff, a nice house and car. That became a focus, but now I see that I don’t need any of that to be happy. Now everything I own is in my backpack, I can’t buy more stuff because it just won’t fit, not even an extra book!
My attitude towards other people has changed too. I am more open and trusting, I used to be more reserved especially when meeting new people. I have developed more faith in humanity.
Daniel in Kenya
When I retired I saw it as a unique opportunity. If I didn’t head off now when would I do it? I have seen people of my generation and older who had accumulated wealth and possessions. But when they retired, they didn’t know how to be happy with what they had. They had no plans, no projects, just a bank account. I saw some of them age and become ill. With my children and grandchildren settled, my partner and I made the decision to live our dream and travel the world. The plan to travel with my partner didn’t work out. We separated, and that’s when I came across Workaway.
Being a Workawayer is a totally different experience, a different way to travel. You enter other people’s lives, share their world – exchange knowledge and ideas. I would never go back to tourism, I would get bored after 2 days.
I have been travelling and workawaying for 2 years and I never get bored. Workawaying gives you the initial contact with someone who lives locally, and this often leads to other opportunities. I have had offers of lifts to new destinations and even invited to be interviewed by a local newspaper. My life now unfolds in this way and it is truly fantastic. I think Workaway is such a great initiative.
Without a doubt, this is my way of life now and I’m going to continue as long as I can, another 10 years, 20 years, even to 100. I would if I could that’s for sure!
Totally, I am learning all the time, from everyone I meet, regardless of their age. Last week I spent time at a school in Kenya. The kids ranging from 10-14 years old taught me that the secret to being happy does not depend on what you have, as they have so little. What they do have is a sense of community and shared experiences.
I earned quite a lot during my working life…but I have spent it all! However, I have my pension. It is not a large amount, but it’s an income which allows me to keep travelling extensively, as does Workaway. I tend to choose destinations which have a lower cost of living, so that I can get by. Workaway is also useful for visiting places which would be outside my budget, as I can save on accommodation costs.
My motto is…“Happiness is NOW!”
SINGLE TRAVELLER GISELA
At the moment I am based just north of Medellín, Colombia. I am loving it. The weather’s just absolutely gorgeous. It’s just like eternal spring – blue sky and sunshine every day. It rains at night and in the morning, so it is so fresh and crisp. I have been based at this current place for two weeks. I am house sitting at the moment, looking after a gorgeous place with five dogs.
from the Caribbean
to Colombia meet the Workaway traveller travelling through her taste
I choose all my Workaway experiences with things that really interest me. I go for something that I specifically want to learn. A highlight was in the Caribbean on the little island of Grenada on a cocoa farm. During my three-month stay, I learned every single step of the chocolate production. This is from growing the cocoa beans to harvesting to fermenting to roasting them. Everything! They called it tree-to-bar. It was totally amazing!
They were all masters in their field which I loved. I have been working with chocolate for quite a few years in my career as a vegan chef. So I really wanted to learn how to grow it. The most amazing part was that when I arrived, the owner of the farm said, “While you are here, you can eat as much chocolate as you want.”
It was really good quality dark chocolate, so you only needed a little. You wouldn’t eat a whole bar, but I ate a piece every day and fresh cocoa beans as well. Another highlight with Workaway was an assistant to a travel guide who was leading a crew from Europe. I would help with translating at the borders etc. This was such an amazing experience as well.
Gisela Traveling the World through Workaway
I also choose places where I can learn something about either food, medicine or herbs. There are so many possibilities, I could just go on and on for years!
Next on my wish list is to learn how to build a tiny home. There is actually a host on the Workaway website that offers that. He is in New Zealand, but unfortunately, New Zealand is off-limits at the moment.
I entered Colombia in mid-February, and then in mid-March, the lockdown started. It’s been months, but I have stayed at Workaway places the entire time, so I was lucky as I was out in the middle of nowhere in nature. I was not locked into an apartment or a big city like Bogota.
Travelling as a single female has been fine. What I always do if I go to a new country is to ask the locals. They always tell you what you’re not supposed to do – and then I just don’t do it!
To start this kind of lifestyle, pick something that you really like and maybe don’t commit for that long. Just do a couple of weeks to see how it goes. It’s not for everybody, but if you open up, there’s just so much to be learned – all around the world! There are so many amazing places and amazing people doing amazing work. The possibilities are never ending.
CONNECTING
If you think this might appeal to you, log onto the workaway.info website for further reading. There are other peer-to-peer sharing platforms. You can try Helpx.net, WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) at TRAVEL THE WORLD FOR FREE (ALMOST!). There’s also WorldPackers.com. If you go on an adventure, be sure to let us know, we want to hear about it! ■
Southport Sharks is a leading entertainment, sports and leisure precinct. Featuring two restaurants, a café, six bars, kids’ club, gaming facilities and free entertainment, it is the most happening venue on the north end of the Coast. And, they have some amazing new deals that you need to know about!
Here’s the scoop for our readers – in 2021 membership is only $5. Plus joining as a member comes with heaps of benefits including $20 of food and drink credit on the month of your birthday. You’ll have plenty of time to use up those credits – Southport Sharks is open every day of the week, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
EATING AND DRINKING: SOUTHPORT SHARKS
Let’s start with everyone’s favourite subject. Food! Here, seniors are in luck. Southport Sharks have a seniors’ discount if you are a member. Simply present your Sharks membership card and seniors’ card to get $2 off the dining menu, seven days a week.
Frenzy’s Restaurant is a favourite of Gold Coasters. Both members and guests can eat here. Between 11.30am and 2.00pm you can enjoy a delicious lunch from just $13. Our pick is the beer[1]battered flat head fish and chips. You can also order something from the premium range starting at $16 which includes Roast of the Day with roast potato, pumpkin, greens and rich pan gravy.
Dinner at Carmodys
More Food
If you are an early riser, then check this out. Breakfast menu delights include the Brekky Burrito – toasted tortilla with scrambled egg, baby spinach, Mexican cheddar, chipotle, chorizo, guacamole and tomato salsa Yum! They also serve traditional breakfasts too.
There is an à la carte menu available for lunch or dinner which includes crowd favourites such as chicken schnitzel and roast of the day, along with newcomers like creamy chicken and chorizo linguini. This dish is crafted with Portuguese style chicken breast, chorizo, semi-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, caramelised leek, egg pasta and shaved pecorino.
Carmody’s Bar and Restaurant is an award[1]winning, stylish restaurant offering modern Australian Cuisine. It is open for lunch on Friday from 12pm-2pm, and dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings from 5.30pm. It is THE place to end your week in style. You will adore the exemplary service and the exceptional dining experience. After your meal, you can stay longer to enjoy the elegance and sophistication of Carmody’s Bar. Make sure you sample the selection of premium spirits, fine wines and delicious cocktails.
You can book online for Carmody’s or Frenzy’s via OpenTable.com.au or call 07 5532 1155.
FITNESS CENTRE: SOUTHPORT SHARKS
Southport Sharks’ super-modern Health and Fitness Centre has a wide selection of Les Mills classes, and a team of experienced personal trainers. From cycling to yoga, this is where you can go to hit your workout goals.
Fitness center at Southport Sharks
Entry of the Southport Sharks
STAY A WHILE
If you don’t want the great night to end, you can stay at the on-site hotel. Mantra at Sharks has 120 rooms so the good times can roll on. At the top of the hotel sits the stunning Aviary Rooftop Bar. The hotel also has light-filled meeting spaces ideal for gatherings or conferences. To book, call 07 5603 3200.
PARKING
There are over 500 free car parks for Southport Sharks members and guests. Nice! We will see you there. ■
SOUTHPORT SHARKS
Corner of Olsen Avenue and Musgrave Avenue, Southport
