SYDNEY — A bungee jumping, ostrich-riding British charity worker was named the winner Wednesday of what’s been dubbed the "Best Job in the World” — a six-month contract to serve as caretaker of a tropical Australian island.
Ben Southall bested nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for the dream assignment to swim, explore and relax on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef while writing a blog to promote the area.
The 34-year-old was selected for the $111,000 gig by officials from the tourism department of Queensland state.
Southall and 15 other finalists spent the past four days on the island for an extended interview process, which required them to gorge themselves at a beachside barbecue and relax at a spa. The finalists also had to demonstrate blogging abilities, take swimming tests and sit through interviews.
In his application video, Southall expressed a love for adventure and featured photographs of himself riding an ostrich, running a marathon, scuba diving and kissing a giraffe.
by the associated press
Ben Southall bested nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for the dream assignment to swim, explore and relax on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef while writing a blog to promote the area.
The 34-year-old was selected for the $111,000 gig by officials from the tourism department of Queensland state.
Southall and 15 other finalists spent the past four days on the island for an extended interview process, which required them to gorge themselves at a beachside barbecue and relax at a spa. The finalists also had to demonstrate blogging abilities, take swimming tests and sit through interviews.
In his application video, Southall expressed a love for adventure and featured photographs of himself riding an ostrich, running a marathon, scuba diving and kissing a giraffe.
by the associated press
