Wish You Were Here

There are many situations in every day life where I would prefer to shy away from selling myself like an Ebay item; the all-eyes-on-me factor is an element I find closely linked with the "I'm fantastic", boobs-out, gun-show, from reality show wannabes.

But for the STA World Traveller Internship I have recently applied for (the videos are in the posts below), although the application involved broadcasting myself, the prize was something hugely worthwhile; to travel the world for three months. This would include filming, taking photos, and blogging about such exotic experiences.

Think Judith Charmers on Wish You Were Here, but more far-flung, and hopefully slightly more manly.

Therefore my ambitions to suceed have meant I have had to step out of my comfort zone and attempt to 'charm' the judges through the visual medium. Please don't laugh yet.

Part of the competition means asking for people to vote for me, which at times has seemed a bit like a Miss/Mr World competition - at one point I felt like adding in world peace as an extra incentive for my prospective voters.

But HOW have I campaigned? Well, let me take you on a little journey via my trusty Facebook account.

Here is it how it all began: after I uploaded my video a few of my friends took on the campaign immediately - one of my housemates I believe would be a good asset to Gordon Brown right now:

Then I took on the baton:

As you can see, much like Clairol, I tried the nice and easy option - slowly, slowly, catchy monkey.

Then to avoid repetition I publicised the longer interview with the rather hilarious Austrian girl to try and lure my unsuspecting YouTube savvy friends back to my STA page.

At this point, fearful in the knowledge that my Facebook counterparts may have begun to bore of my situation, I tried to up my game and be a little more inventive:

Perhaps more recently I have become a tad desperate:

Before you get too concerned, I would suggest 80% of my friends have a good sense of humour.

Now, today is the last day of first-round voting, so I've decided to go back to the old-skool and keep things rather simple, therefore hoping those who have been in bed for the past couple of weeks will now wake up to my call.

I can only hope.

If you want you can still vote.

What a poor rhyme, I apologise.

"English people are weird": Yes, I'd agree with that

I present you more footage from my STA World Traveller Internship application (my full video is in the post further down and it'd be nice if you voted for me here).

Below is an extended interview with the hilarious Austrian girl.

Here's her take on us English, and more:

By the way, I know it's bad that I did not initially spot the seafront/Vienna error - we all get things wrong in the heat of the moment!

Welcome to my world

Here is my rather random entry into the STA World Traveller Internship.

If you think I'm alright then perhaps you could vote for me here

(no registration required). Thanks.

Student of the week: Anisha Ale

Many people in life experience misfortunes; unfortunate circumstances which can often be shoved enthusiastically under the carpet, like a dead person.

However, when you have friends with mouths similar to an erupting Mount Etna it is not always the case - keeping a fantastic secret is a bit like being in Harry Potter, you need a wand to shut someone's mouth.

In this case I'm glad there are no magic sticks available as this story is one to be shared among friends.

Meet Anisha Ale, who I, like many of my friends had forgotten was actually born in Nepal, a culturally interesting fact which only came to light very recently when she was forced to take some sort of British 'exam' to renew her passport.

Like a Christmas present, this golden piece of information should of been kept under wraps, but her good 'friend' Rachael Edwards, the key to the forbidden fruit, wanted to catch Santa Claus coming down the chimney - she informed many of our circle of mates that Anisha had gotten herself into a minor situation.

A foreign one.

The exam, which came as quite a surprise to us all, was apparently multiple choice, so it was quite a shock when I was told Anisha had apparently "failed" it, according to her housemate Rachael.

Anisha had actually passed. Her housemate had lied, but it was worth it.

Too be fair Anisha is more British than most of us - for example, I would suggest that most of my housemates, including myself, would struggle to sing all the words to the national anthem:

"God save our gracious Queen. Long live our noble Queen. God save our Queen. Blah, blah, blah, bahdey blah........God save our Queen"

So I wouldn't say we were exactly patriotically fluent. The heart is there though.

This did not stop the 'Petition to stop Anisha Ale getting deported' Facebook group - all in good faith.

And the latest passport renewal process is the 'ceremony' later this month, where she has to meet with the Bournemouth Major and sing the national anthem; a fact which is being celebrated by many a student who knows her well.

Not only for Anisha, but for all of her mates, it is going to be a momentous occasion.

I would say we are putting the event on the same scale as the Olympics, and are wholly encouraging her to carry a burning torch - to set the place alight.

As well as all this, as one of the very privileged invitees I've strongly suggested she wear my head cam I use for skiing. Therefore to capture, first-hand, the experiences of such a bizarre ceremony.

Mock My Week wishes Anisha Ale luck, and hopes she will now become a prominent feature on this blog.