Congratulations! By reading this, you’re one step closer to landing the most engaging, interactive, internship on this planet. The only papers you’ll be shuffling through will be plane tickets, the only e-mails you’ll be sending will be blogs emphasizing how fun and exciting other countries are, and (with that in mind) you can imagine what an “office party” is like. Toss aside that briefcase for a backpack, picture your cubicle as a hostel, and realize that this internship REDEFINES what it means to be at the “bottom of the totem pole”.

I think by now everyone understands that this internship will restructure the way you think and redefine how you act.

Therefore, the question I’ve received most often via Facebook and e-mail is: “Do you have any tips on how I can be selected as the World Traveler Intern 2009?” So, I’ve decided to compile all my ideas into an easy guide on how to improve your chances tremendously on winning this legendary excursion.

#1: Treat it as a job. It may take an abstract mind to understand how a trip of this magnitude could be a summer job. However, the interns who will be selected will possess high quality writing, filming, and editing capabilities. With that in mind, you should ensure that your application is filled out completely (with proper capitalization and punctuation) and to the absolute best of your ability. With stakes this high, everything should be as complete, detailed, and accurate as possible. (Example: Dooo nawt wryte ur app liikee a 14yrold gurll on AIM. LOLZ <3 <3. Again, this was only for dramatic effect.)

#2: Infuse yourself in your application as much as possible. What does this mean? So, now you’ve made sure you have accurate, clear, well-written text and you’ve gotten rid of any technical glitches that might pop up. The most important part of any job interview is that the employer gets a clear sense of who you are as an individual. With that in mind, spend some time looking at yourself and understanding why you ARE the perfect candidate for the position. Believe me, you fit the description for the position, but the people who CONVEY it the best will be selected. So, take time to make sure that your application really emphasizes what quirks you will bring to your videos and blogs!

#3: Avoid cliches. If you’re application tape sounds like this: “I absolutely love to travel. Traveling is a passion that I have had forever. When I travel I want to cry at how much I love it. It will mean more to me than anything I have ever wanted EVER.” Let’s just say – we already know this! By applying, we know you love to travel and that this will change your life (because if you win, it ACTUALLY will!). Push through the obvious and show us why you are unique. So if STA Travel is the ‘wind beneath your wings’, express it in your own lovely words!

#4: Utilize some marketing and pitch yourself! I’ve entered a lot of video contests, filled out a lot of scholarships, and discovered that there’s really one way to make it to the top. When you apply, think of yourself as a product. In this case, the medium for comparing all of the different products is really the video application (take this part extremely seriously). When you go shopping you only pick things that appeal to you, right? It’s a simple idea, but make your video appealing. Make sure you are presenting yourself in the best light and show off your strengths.

#5: Don’t be boring. It needs to be said. I was asked earlier how strict the 2-3 minute time length is, and I’m going to advise that you stick to it. Unless you have some ground-breaking, revolutionary piece, you should really try your hardest to compel people for the allotted time frame. Travel is exciting, so you should be as well! In your application, show us how you’ll break the mold from everyone else. I decided to get up and dance initially to show how I was different from the crowd. If you notice a formula to how people set up their applications, break it!

I think anyone is capable of getting hired for this internship. Honestly, I cannot reiterate the life experience I’ve gained from working with a company as reputable, professional, and generous as STA Travel. I have full confidence that the next two interns this year will find their journey fulfilling and their experience new and intriguing.

Best of luck to all the applicants, and I look forward to seeing your videos!

I love B.A. (because it is, indeed, B.A.). When you come to check out this city, stop by La Boca. That’s where you’ll get your paintings, portraits, and tango memorabilia. And everything has the class of a Parisian shop with the prices you’ll learn to love in South America. Again, I went crazy and filled my suitcase with things — much to the dismay of all my clothes that got left behind (or their delight? Eternal vacation does sound nice…).

But the real highlight of my South American adventure was the Galapagos! I have been in classes with a suave Senorita who has told me all about the breath-taking scenery that these enchanted islands capture. (So trust me when I say that I understand how magical this place is…) Being there in person is unreal. In the first five minutes, we saw blue-footed boobies flying above a sea lion lounging on a bench. (All the while red crabs are scuttling about your feet).

Okay, not to mention we were hooked me up with an amazing boat. All fifteen of my ‘crewmates’ are enjoying the sun, surf, and snorkeling. (Just the other day I came face-to-face with a sea lion and fin-to-floor with a white-tipped reef shark! Eep!) If being a marine biologist means playing with animals in the Galapagos for the rest of my life, sign me up! Take care dudes! Catch ya soon.

It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s the most overused cliche phrase on the face of this planet. And don’t worry, I won’t do it again. Instead I’ll just let you all know that I am in no way boycotting the airline industry. Oh no fellas, I intentionally jumped out of that plane. And yes kids, it was a thrill.

I’ve been asked a lot to describe the feeling that comes over you as you jump from that plane. Well, there’s only one way to put it. Your heart is pumping. Adrenaline moves to your brain. Your feet go over the ledge. You jump and think in your mind: “Oh my god, I just jumped out of a plane!”

Moving at 120 miles per hour to the ground, you are absolutely enthralled by the energy thrill. Oh, I love it! There’s really nothing that can replace this thrill – except for perhaps going on a roller coaster? Wow, I am really speechless after having done this fantastic feat. I recommend it for anyone who is in it to win it.

Oh, and my goggles. Yeah. I’ll have to complain to Janet Jackson’s wardrobe designer. Costume malfunction. What can you do? It, in no way, should affect your perspective of me as a ‘pre-professional skydiver’. Haha, who am I kidding? I probably didn’t lace them up right. But that’s all apart of the adventure guys! Kia ora!

One of my favorite parts of this quick jaunt was my stay at the Wake Up! Hostel. Seriously, check it out. When I was there, we had a raging party David Hasselhoff themed. And while I love the scenery of “Baywatch” (Pamela), I was very stunned by the skyline of Sydney (complete with the roaring Opera House and Harbor Bridge). Last time I was here, I was actually able to climb that thing. None of those acrobatics on this jaunt, though!

So I met with two friends over here from my previous adventures – Kaylie and Megan! Kaylie took me out for an American food as popular as baseball, beef burgers, and ‘baby on board’ bumper stickers – Mexican!

Thank god for that. I was running low on the burrito-meter.

And Megan took me to the subject of this short – the zoo! I was able to chill with some cheeky critters, see some old pals, and head for good times (all around). Oh, I’ve been meaning to mention this for a while.

While I’ve been out and about, I’ve been using this great little thing called the ISIC card.

Here’s a tab of what I’ve saved (in Sydney alone):

• Money Transfers: $15.50USD
• Zoo Ticket: $4USD
• Train Tickets: $2USD
• Breakfast: $3USD

Just imagine, that’s only from my Sydney expenses. When I get a chance to do my final expenses, I’ll let you know how much I saved by using the internationally-recognized student ISIC card. That means more money for gas, books, and trips to Wal-Mart. Oh yes. Don’t forget those. Later kids!

For instance,  when I took my first drive in Hanoi I was befuddled by the beeping, honking, and crazy driving exhibited by – everyone! Even my taxi  driver was on the verge of hitting every other person (including the family of five huddled on a motorcycle suited for two).

But, all in all, I would say that you need to bring these two to the top of your travel wish list. If anyone has told you recently that travel is expensive, you will be blown away at how far your money can  go over here! Let me convert some things for you that I saw in China and Vietnam (this is all priced out in American dollars): handmade  traditional silk dress ($12), Coca-Cola ($0.50), Adidas sneakers  ($15),etc. The list goes on and on. The two boxes I shipped home were over 25 pounds each. Oh boy, can anyone say shopping spree?

There is actually just too much to say about this tour. It’s difficult to put into words how hysterical it is to be haggled by little old ladies in Chengyang on the wind and rain bridges. (They  basically come up to you and scream, “You want to buy? Only one hundred!” Even if you say no, they continue to lower the price until it’s roughly 70% off. If you’re a good bargainer, come here!)

It’s unfathomable to describe the Longji rice terraces. (One of the coolest places on the planet – the Drong people, an ethnic Chinese minority actually carved these terraces into the side of a mountain to avoid leaving their homeland. Talk about determination! It took over seven hundred years to complete. That’s pretty hardcore if I do say so myself.)

It’s also impossible to try and explain how much fun our tour has been! You grow so close to the nine or ten other people you’re with, that you have a family connection. You know? It’s just an all-around immersing experience. Peace out everyone!

Upon arriving, I was very lucky to catch up with Kristen Delmonte, STA Travel’s World Traveler Intern runner-up stationed at the University of Dreams in Hong Kong! One of the coolest girls on the face of this planet (a triple threat – very attractive, very intelligent, and very much into travel), was able to take me on a tour of the HK.

Now the coolest thing about Hong Kong is its blend of eastern and western culture. On one street, you’ll find a ’7 Eleven’ right next to a traditional tea shop. Jasmine tea Slurpee anyone? It just goes to show how global the world has become. (And if you’re really into the whole ‘small world’ thing, stop by Disneyland Hong Kong. A bunch of my friends from Intrepid took the Mickey plunge and noted how fantastic it was.)

But Kristen’s experience with University of Dreams has been really fabulous. She’s really gotten into the high profile Hong Kong circuit (ask her about her crazy Madagascan jewel encounter) through her  internship.

Well, I’m off to do just what the doctor ordered – hop on a plane to Sydney and slip into some Ugg Boots, because this is where we flip into winter. Can’t wait! Catch y’all later.

First let’s start with our good friend the snake. (Note to everyone: this just hit me – in China, they serve every food from the Zodiac. That’s pretty random. Sorry, I’ll continue). My good friend from the last tour Jono decided he wanted to order a delicious snake delicacy. Well, he got what he bargained for! As we learned, snake is a very special dish. When it’s ordered, the chef will be glad to cut off its head in front of you. (Unfortunately, he used scissors. I was hoping for some Ricki-Ticki-Tavi action.)

Then they will pour the blood into a shot of strong Chinese alcohol. Unfortunately, he was only able to pour one shot. (Shucks?) But Jono was nice enough to offer me bits of fried snake skin, snake flesh, and snake cartilage. (Hooray?) It tasted very rubbery – and the skin was almost like licking a pleather sofa in your grandmother’s living room until enough lint residue rolled off to form some type of congealed glop. (Yum?)

Now on to the dog. Sorry, sorry, sorry if you’re at all queasy, sad, or distraught by this. Remember, part of going to other countries is to observe, engage, and try to understand how people live. Especially in China, a land very different from home, I thought it was very important for me to try a food like this. No comments on taste, but I will say it’s only eaten on special occasions.

Take care guys!

(P.S. I totally won ‘The Iron Chef’ hands down…if by hands down you mean that not a single judge voted for me. Alas, alas.) It’s okay though! Oh, that reminds me! If you like any of the dishes in this video, I have typed up one for you to try.

CHICKEN WITH CASHEW NUTS

50g thinly sliced chicken breast
1/3 cup roasted cashew nuts
1 tbsp of peanut oil
2 cloves of crushed garlic
½ sliced carrot
3 spring onions or garlic tops
1 tbsp of water
1 tsp of soy sauce
½ tsp of oyster sauce
¼ tsp of salt

Heat a wok and add ½ tbsp of peanut oil. Then, heat the oil and add chicken and garlic until the chicken is white and firm. Add in your soy sauce, then remove this from the wok. Then, add the remaining ½ tbsp of peanut oil with carrots and salt for 1 minute. After a minute, add the chicken and water until there is very little sauce left. Add the oyster sauce, spring onions, and cashew nuts. Heat and serve.

The beauty of my tour (and the beautiful Aussie ladies on it), is that we are not just chilling in Greek hotels. Oh no, Plato. We’re pulling out all the knots and chillin’ with Poseidon as we romp through the waves of Greece. Postcard moment: Apollo (the best boat of the available fleet – did I mention you man the boat yourself with six of your best friends?) was just headed on down to Corfu when dolphins came beside the boat. Free Willy! You can’t make this stuff up.

You may be wondering why I haven’t gotten to the real meat of this blog yet – Greek dancing! Basically, you need to understand that this Greek dancing spot is not on the mainland and it’s not a tourist attraction. This is the real deal folks. These are the Greek islanders who keep their heritage strong all night long. (Cheesy rhyme – my bad).

As you can see, this was one experience I really “sunk my teeth into”. I actually bit into a table and swung it around a bit until I lost balance. If you supported it properly, you were fine to sink your teeth into a piece of lamb, fish, or mousaka. If not, the nearest dentist was a twenty mile swim. All in all, Greek dancing is undeniable fun. Oompa!

In case you were unaware, these pigeons are ridiculous creatures who flit and flutter in every direction at all times. Watch your heads, they will land on you and attack you. (A bit exaggerated – but they’re along the lines of the Hitchcock film “The Birds”.) They are actually like this because they were fed contraceptives back in the day to keep them from reproducing too rapidly.

Back to our story, though. So we decided, these birds have had enough seed. Let’s see what they think of people food! Darren had a piece of meat wrapped in bacon that seemed to be suitable for pigeon consumption
and well, just watch the rest. Between the crazy little Italian boys, hostile seagulls, and flock of pigeons – calamity did ensue. Undoubtedly.

Then we took a quick jaunt over to the south of France. Hysterical moment: I’m walking down this seemingly quiet street in Avignon at a typical French market. I stop to look at a booth and buy a present for
a friend back home when all of a sudden, this woman runs up to me from her booth holding purses and screaming in the “sacre bleu” French. No lie, I almost wet my pants. Luckily, I was with a fluent French-Canadian (Thank God For Canadians) who informed me that all she said was “I have these bags in black and silver!” Really great.

Another highlight of the tour was my trip to the Monte Carlo Casino where I won 30 euro! I was happier than those people on Deal or No Deal when they find out that the models were only faking them out. But legit, the casino is beautiful. It’s covered in ornate and decorative paintings that give it this billion dollar shine. Not to mention the Benzes, Porsches, and Jaguars parked out front. Unfortunately, my winnings can’t buy me a Rolls Royce, but it was still pretty sick.

Then, we on down to Cinque Terre and Florence (in Italian, it’s Firenze). I loved it. Once we crossed the border into Italy, I was totally stoked. Seriously, I must have eaten enough food in my days here to last an entire mountain village four days. No, make it five. But it’s just so good – the pesto is fresh, the tomatoes are ripe, and the pizza – move over Domino’s – the best in the world.

Other things to note: our tour guide was amazing. If, and when, you head over to Europe as for Emma. She is just the most fiesty Scottish woman who will greet you every morning with an “Okey guys”
and a “Wakey, wakey, wakey”. With our Italian gigalo bus driver (he identifies himself as this), the whole experience was a hoot from start to finish. Gotta love it. Peace out guys!