(If you have been living under a rock and haven’t heard of the Best Job in the World contest (Hamilton Island Caretaker) then go here: http://islandreefjob.com )
OK… so who wouldn’t want this job? You get to live in a three-bedroom villa with a pool on a tropical island in the Great Barrier Reef. Duties include snorkeling, sailing, swimming, scuba diving and basically exploring the islands and documenting it all via weekly video diaries and blogs. Supposedly, it’s a 12-hour work month (not week, month). There may be the odd feeding the fish on the reef, cleaning the leaves out of the pool. Oh yeah… and its for only 6 months and you get $150, 000 Australian! Not too shabby.
Obviously competition is fierce. The due date to get the 60 second video application in is only 3 days away. I have been consumed for the last month with making the video for this job and there could only be a 1/20 000 chance of getting it. The thing is, I really, really want it, but for reasons that go way beyond what I have just mentioned. So, in no particular order:
1. I love to teach. That is what this job is all about. I am at my best when I am teaching something that I am passionate about. I am definitely passionate about the Great Barrier Reef. During my job as a marine interpreter at the Sydney Aquarium I would meet hundreds of visitors a day from all over the world. I realized how limited many people’s knowledge of marine life really is. The surface of the water acts as a barrier for some people. It’s like if they can’t see it then it doesn’t exist. I want to help remove that barrier and show them an underwater world, so different from ours.
2. I want to make a difference. I have struggled for years to find the perfect balance of what is important to me in a job. This job is what I have been searching for. It’s not about the paycheck… I’d to it for free. It’s not about the 3-bedroom villa… I spent months living in run down hostels. It’s about having the opportunity to really make a difference. For me, this job isn’t just about having fun in the sun. It’s about showing the world a truly unique and remarkable place. My hope is to go beyond showing, and to inspire. To inspire people to protect the Great Barrier Reef. I hope people will fall in love with it as I have. When you love something you want to protect it.
3. I value nature. All my life I have had a fascination with non-human life. When I was a child I would help my mom sweep the driveway, but all I could think about was how I would be killing all the ants with my broom as I swept. Those who have known me in the last 2 years know of my cat, Nikko. Even though she is disabled, I know that she deserves a chance to live just like a disabled human deserves a chance. I value her. I value life. Life on the Great Barrier Reef is certainly something to be valued.
4. A chance to learn. I worked at the Sydney Aquarium and learned a lot about the marine life on the reef. I went on two sailing trips in the Whitsundays and snorkeled and scuba dived. The way to really learn about the reef is to immerse yourself in it, literally. I want to use these 6 months as an opportunity to become an expert of the reef. How different is the health of the outer reef vs. the inner reef? How much are tourist’s actions affecting the reef? Are tour operations helping to promote sustainable tourism?
5. I love meeting new people. Part of the reason I love teaching tennis is that I get to constantly meet new people. Traveling is another great way. I have done some traveling in my life, but it’s the three backpacking trips I took where I really got a chance to meet people. When you stay in hostels you share a room with multiple people you are bound to strike up some interesting conversations. Part of the Best Job is getting to know the locals as well and participating in the events that happen on the island, such as sailing regattas. Interviewing is a big part of the Job.
6. What it could lead to. For me, this job will go well beyond the 6 months. It’s a life-changing experience. I lived in Australia for 8 months and I couldn’t think of a better excuse to come back. This time most likely for good. I fell in love with Australia, the people, the culture, the natural beauty, the lifestyle, and the climate. Whether it is working for tourism, marine biology, or teaching marine biology, there is so much potential after this Job ends.
7. I’m not a nine to five kind of gal. I prefer making my own schedule and routine is the death of me. Although, making snorkeling a daily routine I think I can live with. For this Job everyday will be different. Just the way I like it.
8. I’m young, fit and single (sounds like a personal ad) and could not think of a better time to bring more adventure and excitement in my life.
9. I need to get out of my comfort zone. For too long, I have been living in ‘safe’ Vancouver, living a life that I know could be so much better. It is time in my life for a real challenge. I know that if I got this Job there would definitely be a lot of pressure to do well. Everyone who applied and didn’t make it would be thinking, “I could have done better than you”. Here’s a chance to really push myself and be the best I can be (cheesy, I know).
10. It just feels right. You know when something comes along and you just know it’s going to be something big? Something that will make you a better person? Something inside you is telling you that this is what you need to do? This is what I need to do.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Crown-of-Thorns Sea Star - Friend or Foe?
What is it?
- second largest sea star in the world, next to the Giant Sunstar
- considered a serious threat to the Great Barrier Reef
- found in Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean
- an Echinoderm – an invertebrate with spiny skin
- spines on it’s skin contain venom
- like all sea stars, can regenerate parts of its body if the part is removed – I wish humans had that ability!
What does it eat?
- nocturnal sea star that feeds on reef coral polyps
- crawls over coral and extends its stomach out if its body and absorbs the coral using digestive enzymes
Who eats it?
- Giant Triton snail and the Harlequin Shrimp, some large reef fish
- The larvae is planktonic, so the population is mainly controlled by predation of the plankton
Why is it a threat?
- overpopulation has led to reef destruction
- voracious appetite – can devour a 6mx6m area of living coral per year
- decline in predator population - Triton snail is collected for its beautiful large shell
Other threats to the reef:
- overfishing, land-based pollution, coral bleaching, increased sea temperatures (global warming)
- agricultural runoff creates algal blooms, giving Crown of Thorns larvae an alternative food source
So what’s good about it?
- when kept in reasonable numbers is important for maintaining biodiversity - natural succession of the reef can occur when fast growing coral are prevented from overpowering the slower growing coral
Monday, February 16, 2004
Survival Guide for a Land Down Under
1) "I won't be a minute" usually means they will be 10 minutes
2) "eskie" = a cooler, "pommie" = someone from England, "mozzies" = mosquitos, "rellos" = relatives, "goss" = gossip
3) You can wear a beenie, sunnies, a tracky, while catching up on the latest goss over brekkie with the rellos.
4) Australian money is waterproof
5) You "hire" a car, not rent one
6) Spotted sharks are good (whale sharks), striped sharks are bad (tiger sharks)!
7) Don't drive at night unless you want to hit a 'roo'
8) You will never catch an Aussie drinking Fosters beer
9) Vegemite IS as gross at it sounds
10) Freshwater crocodiles are not aggressive to humans, but do you really want to test that theory?
11) If you don't know the difference between rugby 'league' and rugby 'union' you are not really an Aussie
12) Cricket has more statistics than any other sport
13) Beer is the most important meal of the day
14) When walking towards someone, pass them on the left or they'll just get confused
15)The kangaroo and the Emu are on Australia's Code of Arms because they can't walk backwards, thus symbolizing a country always moving forward
2) "eskie" = a cooler, "pommie" = someone from England, "mozzies" = mosquitos, "rellos" = relatives, "goss" = gossip
3) You can wear a beenie, sunnies, a tracky, while catching up on the latest goss over brekkie with the rellos.
4) Australian money is waterproof
5) You "hire" a car, not rent one
6) Spotted sharks are good (whale sharks), striped sharks are bad (tiger sharks)!
7) Don't drive at night unless you want to hit a 'roo'
8) You will never catch an Aussie drinking Fosters beer
9) Vegemite IS as gross at it sounds
10) Freshwater crocodiles are not aggressive to humans, but do you really want to test that theory?
11) If you don't know the difference between rugby 'league' and rugby 'union' you are not really an Aussie
12) Cricket has more statistics than any other sport
13) Beer is the most important meal of the day
14) When walking towards someone, pass them on the left or they'll just get confused
15)The kangaroo and the Emu are on Australia's Code of Arms because they can't walk backwards, thus symbolizing a country always moving forward
Wednesday, December 10, 2003
Back to Reality
I am sitting on the plane heading towards Hong Kong on my way home. It's nearing the end of a long and life changing adventure. I am listening to Sade on my discman. We are flying over Darwin, according to the video map. I ended up being offered the job as a zookeeper at the Taronga Zoo. They were going to sponsor me and everything. It just wasn't the right time. It was time to head home, to start the next phase of my life... whatever that is...
I am reflecting on the months past, and wondering what the future holds. The last day in Sydney was sad, saying goodbye to my flatmates and all the friends I had met. I will miss Sydney, my apartment next to the sea, BBQ'ing 'shrimps on the barbie' with my flatmates at Freshwater Beach, daily snorkels with sharks and tropical fish, great restaurants, the best bar ever - The Barking Frog. I had so many great times in Australia, met heaps of people, saw and experienced such beauty. Highlights include swimming with whale sharks in Western Australia, scuba diving in the Ningaloo Reef, dancing on the tables at Cheeky Monkeys, the gorgeous lakes on Fraser Island, sailing the Whitsundays and seeing the Great Barrier Reef, spending endless days relaxing in a hammock, horseback riding on the beach, crocodile cruises, camping in the outback, seeing the outback from a helicopter, countless conversations over wine.... the list goes on...
The adventure in a Land Down Under ends... for now... and a new chapter begins....
I am reflecting on the months past, and wondering what the future holds. The last day in Sydney was sad, saying goodbye to my flatmates and all the friends I had met. I will miss Sydney, my apartment next to the sea, BBQ'ing 'shrimps on the barbie' with my flatmates at Freshwater Beach, daily snorkels with sharks and tropical fish, great restaurants, the best bar ever - The Barking Frog. I had so many great times in Australia, met heaps of people, saw and experienced such beauty. Highlights include swimming with whale sharks in Western Australia, scuba diving in the Ningaloo Reef, dancing on the tables at Cheeky Monkeys, the gorgeous lakes on Fraser Island, sailing the Whitsundays and seeing the Great Barrier Reef, spending endless days relaxing in a hammock, horseback riding on the beach, crocodile cruises, camping in the outback, seeing the outback from a helicopter, countless conversations over wine.... the list goes on...
The adventure in a Land Down Under ends... for now... and a new chapter begins....
Monday, December 8, 2003
Back to Paradise
At the present moment I am lying in a hammock between two palm trees on Magnetic Island, the very same hammock I found myself spending endless days relaxing in when I was here last with Genny. I love watching the palm leaves dance in the wind and feeling the warm tropical breeze on my skin. Ahhhh... I have found the hammock to be the most relaxing thing in the world. I must get one when I go back to Vancouver.
The Whitsunday cruise was fantastic! Out of everywhere I have gone in the world, this is most beautiful place I have ever seen. My brother and I sailed on a 62-foot boat this time. Sailing is the definitely the way to see the Great Barrier Reef. There were 12 of us on the boat, coming from England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, and some fellow Canadians. I didn't click with this group as much as last time, but what was better this time was the scenery and the reef. The first night we cruised to Nara Inlet on Hook Island. Our cabin was so hot that we took our mattresses and slept outside on deck every night, sleeping under the stars.
Whitehaven beach was even more beautiful than last time, which I didn't think was possible. The tide was a little lower so there were white sand bars everywhere. I felt like I was in one of those tropical calendars that I used to have pinned up in my locker in high school. I have never been in such warm water. Believe me. I am a wimp when it comes to cold water. I even thought the water in Hawaii was too cold. This water was unbelievably warm and crystal clear. You could see manta rays all over the place. I was careful not to step on them. We spent hours just relaxing and frolicking in the waves.
We then sailed for hours to the outer reef, to a reef called Bait Reef. You could barely see the mainland anymore, we had been sailing out to see for hours. It seemed like we would have been in deep ocean, thousands of feet deep, but then suddenly we were only in a few meters of water and you can see the bottom. We arrived just in time to see the sun set. The next morning we woke up and could see the reef surrounding us. The exact location was called "The Stepping Stones".
It was shallow enough that we decided to snorkel, scuba diving wasn't necessary. I couldn't finish my breakfast fast enough, I was so excited to jump in. As soon as I jumped in I was surrounded by Bat fish, Giant Travaleys and Hump Headed Maori Wrasses. Then I saw the coral. Honestly, it was so beautiful that tears came to my eyes. It was like I had landed in another world, on another planet! The Great Barrier Reef is Amazing!!!! The Stepping Stones were big hills, or shelves, made of massive coral formations. I have never seen such diversity of coral... such vibrant colors! We saw two White-tipped Reef Sharks, two sea turtles and so many types of coral (branching, fan, brain, shelf, lettuce...). I pointed out one of the reef sharks to my brother, who is extremely afraid of sharks, and he squeezed my arm so hard out of fear that I had a bruise for days. I was so pleasantly surprised to see how healthy the coral looked. The coral was in much better shape on the outer reef than on the fringing, inner reef. The further away it is from the coastline, the better, since the closer reefs get damaged a lot more. We snorkeled for hours. I didn't want to leave.
The last day was a sail to Nara Inlet. Barry, our Aussie skipper let my brother and I sail the boat for a while. Barry, was quite the character, filled with funny expressions for everything. My brother asked where he should be steering the boat and Barry's response was: "Just go right through the guts of 'er!". Ummmm... yeah... ok.
So, here I am back on Magnetic Island. This is the last day here until I head back to Sydney and then fly home. Yesterday, I relaxed on the hammock most of the day. Today, I jet skied and scootered around the island with my bro. Our hostel is closing for renovations so the kitchen is permanently closed. We've had to go into town every day for meals. The temperature is sooooo nice, around 30 degrees everyday... just the way I like it.
The Whitsunday cruise was fantastic! Out of everywhere I have gone in the world, this is most beautiful place I have ever seen. My brother and I sailed on a 62-foot boat this time. Sailing is the definitely the way to see the Great Barrier Reef. There were 12 of us on the boat, coming from England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, and some fellow Canadians. I didn't click with this group as much as last time, but what was better this time was the scenery and the reef. The first night we cruised to Nara Inlet on Hook Island. Our cabin was so hot that we took our mattresses and slept outside on deck every night, sleeping under the stars.
Whitehaven beach was even more beautiful than last time, which I didn't think was possible. The tide was a little lower so there were white sand bars everywhere. I felt like I was in one of those tropical calendars that I used to have pinned up in my locker in high school. I have never been in such warm water. Believe me. I am a wimp when it comes to cold water. I even thought the water in Hawaii was too cold. This water was unbelievably warm and crystal clear. You could see manta rays all over the place. I was careful not to step on them. We spent hours just relaxing and frolicking in the waves.
We then sailed for hours to the outer reef, to a reef called Bait Reef. You could barely see the mainland anymore, we had been sailing out to see for hours. It seemed like we would have been in deep ocean, thousands of feet deep, but then suddenly we were only in a few meters of water and you can see the bottom. We arrived just in time to see the sun set. The next morning we woke up and could see the reef surrounding us. The exact location was called "The Stepping Stones".
It was shallow enough that we decided to snorkel, scuba diving wasn't necessary. I couldn't finish my breakfast fast enough, I was so excited to jump in. As soon as I jumped in I was surrounded by Bat fish, Giant Travaleys and Hump Headed Maori Wrasses. Then I saw the coral. Honestly, it was so beautiful that tears came to my eyes. It was like I had landed in another world, on another planet! The Great Barrier Reef is Amazing!!!! The Stepping Stones were big hills, or shelves, made of massive coral formations. I have never seen such diversity of coral... such vibrant colors! We saw two White-tipped Reef Sharks, two sea turtles and so many types of coral (branching, fan, brain, shelf, lettuce...). I pointed out one of the reef sharks to my brother, who is extremely afraid of sharks, and he squeezed my arm so hard out of fear that I had a bruise for days. I was so pleasantly surprised to see how healthy the coral looked. The coral was in much better shape on the outer reef than on the fringing, inner reef. The further away it is from the coastline, the better, since the closer reefs get damaged a lot more. We snorkeled for hours. I didn't want to leave.The last day was a sail to Nara Inlet. Barry, our Aussie skipper let my brother and I sail the boat for a while. Barry, was quite the character, filled with funny expressions for everything. My brother asked where he should be steering the boat and Barry's response was: "Just go right through the guts of 'er!". Ummmm... yeah... ok.
So, here I am back on Magnetic Island. This is the last day here until I head back to Sydney and then fly home. Yesterday, I relaxed on the hammock most of the day. Today, I jet skied and scootered around the island with my bro. Our hostel is closing for renovations so the kitchen is permanently closed. We've had to go into town every day for meals. The temperature is sooooo nice, around 30 degrees everyday... just the way I like it.
Monday, November 24, 2003
Searching for Sand, Surf and Sun
Just a quick one to let everyone know where I am at. I finished my job at the Sydney Aquarium (could only work for 3 months due to visa restrictions) and I am enjoying 3 weeks traveling with my brother. I toured him around Sydney for a few days doing the usual tourist stuff including a personal, and in-depth, tour of the Sydney Aquarium. We have headed up the coast in search of sand, sun and surf (too much rain in Sydney) and are currently in Byron Bay, a chilled out surf town I visited 6 months ago. We will hit a few beach towns along the way north, doing some sailing on the Whitsundays (I had to do the sailing trip again because it was too much fun to do once) and chilling on tropical Magnetic Island.
Not too many exciting things to report in the last couple months. For those who don't know, the Rugby World Cup was held in Australia this year. It is VERY big for Aussies and the whole country stopped whenever there was a game on.
The Romanian rugby team visited the Aquarium and offered me some free tix, so my friend and I got to see a really good game between Romania and Argentina. It was pretty exciting to be at a live rugby game. Our Canucks fans are nothing compared to Aussie rugby fans.
After being invited to a job assessment at Taronga Zoo for a zookeeping job I was asked back for a personal interview. I think all went well, but the only way I will get the job is if they sponsor me, which is quite unlikely. I will find out if I got the job in a couple weeks. If I do accept the job I will most likely stay longer than anticipated.
My bro and I have to catch a bus to Surfer's Paradise now. I hope all is well and I hope to hear from you all soon.
Not too many exciting things to report in the last couple months. For those who don't know, the Rugby World Cup was held in Australia this year. It is VERY big for Aussies and the whole country stopped whenever there was a game on.
The Romanian rugby team visited the Aquarium and offered me some free tix, so my friend and I got to see a really good game between Romania and Argentina. It was pretty exciting to be at a live rugby game. Our Canucks fans are nothing compared to Aussie rugby fans.After being invited to a job assessment at Taronga Zoo for a zookeeping job I was asked back for a personal interview. I think all went well, but the only way I will get the job is if they sponsor me, which is quite unlikely. I will find out if I got the job in a couple weeks. If I do accept the job I will most likely stay longer than anticipated.
My bro and I have to catch a bus to Surfer's Paradise now. I hope all is well and I hope to hear from you all soon.
Saturday, October 11, 2003
Sydney By the Sea
I know it's been a while since I have wrote. For the last 2 months I have been working at the Sydney Aquarium as an marine interpreter and tour guide. 
I am learning so much about Australian marine life. I find it fascinating meeting hundreds of tourists every day and finding out where they are from. I am always surprised how little people know about marine life.
I just finished volunteering at Taronga Zoo in Sydney once a week. It was fun working with the seal trainers, although, they were all men. They quite enjoyed busting my chops and making fun of my 'accent'. I got to feed seals and penguins and helped with the seal shows. On my last day, Prince Harry decided to pay a little visit to the Zoo so I got to come within 1 meter of him!! He's really tall and cute :)
I actually applied for 10 zookeeping positions at the Zoo 2 months ago and just got a call last week for an interview for one of them. Since the position involves teaching, it's not really an interview but a 'group assessment' where they put all the job candidates in different scenarios and watch how they are in front a group. I'll let you know how it goes.
I am probably only staying for 2 more months anyway since, according to my visa restrictions, I can only work at one job for 3 months max, so I am finished the Aquarium in mid-November. After that my brother might be coming down for a visit and hopefully we will go up the coast for a few weeks before I head home for Christmas.
I am now living in an awesome flat in Manly, right on the water!! Imagine living in a house where your bedroom window is right on the Stanley Park sea wall and the waves splash up on your window every now and then. I just bought a wetsuit (not that I'll be needing a wetsuit when the water warms up in a month) so now I walk 10 steps to the ocean to snorkel and surf and walk 20 more steps to swim laps in the outdoor pool where the ocean water flows in. I am living with 3 British guys in a fully furnished 3 bedroom flat and I have my own room with an ocean view. The flat is relatively cheap considering it's location. For those wondering... NO I haven't hooked up with any of my flat mates (yet) although one of them is pretty cute. The first week we all got sick and were all couch/bed-ridden: Rob and I with a stomach virus, Mike with a cold, and Chris with a foot infection after stepping on a sea urchin.
That's pretty much the latest news with me. I am still waiting for the weather to warm up, but so far Vancouver is still warmer.....figures!!
I am learning so much about Australian marine life. I find it fascinating meeting hundreds of tourists every day and finding out where they are from. I am always surprised how little people know about marine life. 
I just finished volunteering at Taronga Zoo in Sydney once a week. It was fun working with the seal trainers, although, they were all men. They quite enjoyed busting my chops and making fun of my 'accent'. I got to feed seals and penguins and helped with the seal shows. On my last day, Prince Harry decided to pay a little visit to the Zoo so I got to come within 1 meter of him!! He's really tall and cute :) I actually applied for 10 zookeeping positions at the Zoo 2 months ago and just got a call last week for an interview for one of them. Since the position involves teaching, it's not really an interview but a 'group assessment' where they put all the job candidates in different scenarios and watch how they are in front a group. I'll let you know how it goes.
I am probably only staying for 2 more months anyway since, according to my visa restrictions, I can only work at one job for 3 months max, so I am finished the Aquarium in mid-November. After that my brother might be coming down for a visit and hopefully we will go up the coast for a few weeks before I head home for Christmas.
I am now living in an awesome flat in Manly, right on the water!! Imagine living in a house where your bedroom window is right on the Stanley Park sea wall and the waves splash up on your window every now and then. I just bought a wetsuit (not that I'll be needing a wetsuit when the water warms up in a month) so now I walk 10 steps to the ocean to snorkel and surf and walk 20 more steps to swim laps in the outdoor pool where the ocean water flows in. I am living with 3 British guys in a fully furnished 3 bedroom flat and I have my own room with an ocean view. The flat is relatively cheap considering it's location. For those wondering... NO I haven't hooked up with any of my flat mates (yet) although one of them is pretty cute. The first week we all got sick and were all couch/bed-ridden: Rob and I with a stomach virus, Mike with a cold, and Chris with a foot infection after stepping on a sea urchin. That's pretty much the latest news with me. I am still waiting for the weather to warm up, but so far Vancouver is still warmer.....figures!!
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