It’s all happening…
Here I sit, cruising at 37,000 feet, somewhere in between Minneapolis and Los Angeles, on my way to AUSTRALIA! In some ways, I still can’t believe it, but now, it’s starting to actually FEEL real- it’s finally settling in. Now I can actually begin to BELIEVE that this whirlwind dream I’ve been living for the past several weeks is not some fairytale, but reality. Let’s review:
Picked from over six-hundred THOUSAND people, from 196 different countries, to be one of 3 Finalists still vying for THE Best job in the WORLD, and now I’m headed to Sydney for what promises to be the trip of a LIFETIME?!? IN-SANE! I’m fidgeting in my seat, I’ve got a smile a mile wide, I’m telling anyone and EVERYONE that I’m on my way DownUnder… Yes, I’ve gotten a few strange looks, and I’m sure they all think I’m nuts, but heck, I don’t care! I’m headed back to AUSTRALIA, people!
If you missed my last post about Australia, check it out here. It will give you a little background as to why I am so excited to be heading back DownUnder. Not that you should need any though- it’s AUSTRALIA, for crying out loud! The Land DownUnder! The Opera House and The Outback; the land of koalas and kangaroos; the home of surf, sun, and sand- and SO MUCH more… What’s NOT to be excited about?!?
Kickin’ it in the VIP Lounge at the Virgin Australia LOFT in LAX… SWEET AS!
This trip will be unlike any other I’ve been on before. Not only does The Best Job in the WORLD hang in the balance- along with an amazing opportunity to pursue my dreams and passions- but Tourism Australia and the South Australian Tourism Commission have gone ABOVE and BEYOND to plan an incredible itinerary for us while we’re in AUS. Now, you all know that I’m used to going ‘Backpacker Style’- hostels and guesthouses, street food and communal kitchens, rickshaws, tuk-tuks, and broken-down busses. Nope. Note here. Top-notch, first-rate, and high-class- that’s how THEY roll… It’ll be rough, but I think I’ll manage… 🙂
Here’s just a taste of what’s on tap for us in Australia:
Roundtrip to Sydney with Virgin Australia
Photo shoots and media calls with all 18 Finalists at exciting locations throughout Sydney.
Pub Tours and swanky dinners at some of the hottest spots in the city
A cruise through Sydney Harbour and a tour of the world-class Toronga Zoo
A scrimmage against the Sydney Swans Australian-Rules Football team
A guided tour of Cleland Wildlife Park in South Australia
Swimming with sea-lions at Port Lincoln
Helicopter rides and guided tours through the pristine wilderness of Kangaroo Island
Leading tours of Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island
Tracking cute and cuddly (?) echidnas in the wild
All that, and much, MUCH more…
Now you see why I can’t wipe the smile off my face, why I cannot HELP but tell every ticket agent, food vendor, flight attendant, restroom janitor, and EVERY person sitting around me on the plane all about this crazy adventure? I’m sorry- there’s just nothing I can do about it. The excitement is OVERFLOWING, and to tell you the truth, it’s pretty contagious… I almost had a family bound for Hawaii convinced to alter their travel plans to come to Australia with me! HA! One thing is certain- it’s THEM who’ll be missing out…
This trip is going to be AMAZING, and I’m ready to throw my arms open, embrace the moment, enjoy the ride, and soak up every SECOND… Bring it ON, Australia! I.am.READY!!!!
Stay tuned- things are about to get CRAZY….
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickTilleyForWildlifeCaretaker?ref=hl
Twitter: @n_tilley
Tourism Australia Web Portal (Should go LIVE this week): www.bestjobsintheworldmedia.com
To learn how YOU can experience the thrills of traveling in Australia, click HERE.
WOW! That’s one amazing itinerary! I can’t wait to hear more, mate!