Selling the Reef

This is definitely "I wish that were me" day. Ben Southall, I wish I were you.

Ben was selected out of 130,000+ applicants for the "greatest job in the world." He'll be paid $110,000.00 to live on an island for six months. In a three-bedroom villa. With a private plunge pool.

The interview process was grueling. The finalists were required to "snorkel through crystalline waters, gorge themselves at a beachside barbecue and relax at a spa. The finalists also had to demonstrate their blogging abilities, take swimming tests and sit through in-person interviews."

Check out Ben's charming sixty-second video application:



Who in the world could turn this guy down?

Pictured here on the right, when Ben learned he'd landed the job, he modestly remarked, "I hope I can sell the reef as much as everybody is expecting," and that "My swimming hopefully is up to standard."

A description of Ben's office (and the view from his villa):

In between travelling to various islands of the Great Barrier Reef, the Island Caretaker will live at Blue Pearl, a beautiful three-bedroom home on Hamilton Island featuring stunning views of the Whitsunday Islands, modern facilities and exquisite furnishings.

The bright, airy interior features three spacious bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, state-of-the-art entertainment system, ceiling fans, air-conditioning and laundry facilities.

The Island Caretaker will enjoy Blue Pearl’s outdoor areas including a private plunge pool/spa with exceptional views, sun lounges, large balconies and the traditional Aussie barbeque. A golf buggy is also included with the house, so you can explore the island with ease.

As caretaker, Ben will write a weekly blog chronicling his fun in the sun and keep a video diary and photo gallery. And if he wants to, he can bring his entire family. This excerpt from the job description:

To keep you busy, Tourism Queensland will organise a schedule of travel and events on the Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Your schedule could include sampling a new luxury spa treatment at qualia on Hamilton Island, trying out new snorkelling gear on Heron Island, or bushwalking on Hinchinbrook Island.

I'm just not seeing any drawbacks here. It's painful.