Travel and Work: Interview with Krista Scott: Harvest Work in Australia, Teaching English in Vietnam

I always keep my eyes open for interesting people, and Krista Scott just absolutely grabbed my attention. I first met Krista 2 days ago on a whitewater kayaking weekend where she accompanied our group to do our first kayaking lessons on the Ottawa River. In the van she told us that she recently did a 13 month trip to Australia where she did all sorts of harvest work in different locations. She also mentioned that she completed an ESL program at the university and is heading off for her first teaching assignment to Vietnam this fall. I knew at that stage that this was a very interesting young woman and I decided I would get to know her a bit better.

Krista is a very cute young woman, always in a good mood and sporting a great smile. Later that evening, Krista gave a special performance after sunset at the campground of something called "poise", a former Martial art developed by the Maori people that involves the rhythmic twirling of two long wires that have a wick at the end that is set on fire. One of her co-workers was playing the bongos and the performance did have a very aboriginal feel to it. The image that is created in the dark is of circles of fires whirling around the performer in perfect coordination with the rhythm.

So without further ado, here is Krista Scott, a very adventurous, endearing young woman, as you will discover yourself.

1) Please tell us about yourself.

I am 25 years old and I'm originally from Cobourg, Ontario more info. I have always loved the outdoors and loved to play outside. When I finished high school I wasn't ready for university. I went travelling to the prairies and started working in a restaurant in Regina. I met a lot of cool people along the way. From there I went west to work in Alberta as well as in Whistler, B.C. There I worked in a grocery store and at Boston Pizza and spent the rest of my time snowboarding. I also ran into a lot of Aussies there. I knew this was a place that was going to suck you in with its addictive lifestyle, so I decided to head home. Based on my friendships with these people from Australia, I decided to get a working visa for that country, something that was pretty easy to get for a Canadian citizen. I had decided I wanted to go to Australia to travel and work there for a year.

2) Please tell us about your 13 month adventure in Australia.

After a couple of stopovers in Alaska and Hong Kong I landed in Australia. In Alaska I had a chance to see the Aurora Borealis, while Hong Kong struck me as a very busy and smoggy place. But the airport is on an island, which was really interesting.

I landed in Sydney and headed over to New South Wales to link up with a girl I had met at Whistler. I bought a 1984 Toyota Tourago camping van which had a flat nose because the engine was right under the seat. I had a tent and a stove and I lived out of the van. During this time I realized for the first time how little you need to live. I often slept on the roof of the van, looking at the stars.

In South Australia I stayed in a working hostel that connected me to harvest work opportunities. I found these places through the Lonely Planet guidebook, which was tremendously helpful. My first harvest work assignment was to sort potatoes in a shed. This was midnight work since the potatoes' skins would crack during the day time. The heat was often stifling at 42 degrees Celsius. After the potato harvest I also harvested grapes and onions. In total I did about 3 months of harvest work there.

At that time the engine in my camper van seized up and I had to buy a new engine. After it was fixed, together with 8 other people we decided to drive to Central Australia and we visited Ayer's Rock (Uluru) and various other little towns in the area. I heard lots of outback stories from the locals while we were there. We also went to a town called Cooper Pedy, a place where everybody lives underground in caves since the weather is too hot. We stayed in a hostel where the bunkbeds were located in a cave. While I was there I also talked to a group of Hell's Angels bikers, who seemed to be pretty cool people as long as you didn't upset them.

From there I went to the West Coast which is just a beautiful area. There you can have all sorts of beaches to yourself. I went to a place called Exmouth and from there I explored the Nigaloo Reef which is unique since the corals start right at the beach. The scenery is breathtaking. While there I did some harvest work and I ended up picking apples.

Next I explored Northern Australia, including the cities of Cairns and Darwin. There I got a surfboard and did lots of surfing.I explored places like Margaret River and Esperance. My friend from Canada had joined me and we stayed in hostels, parked by the side of the road, camped in caravan parks. At that time I realized that sometimes a hot shower goes a long way....

Queensland was my next stop, it's a beautiful place with lush rainforest. I got myself a job in banana harvesting, started working in the shed, sorting bananas. Then I asked to work outside, which was very unusual for a woman. I got to drive a 4x4 and cut down banans with a machete. Harvest work is done about 80% by backpackers. The local harvest workers are a different crowd of people and they sport some amazing mullets. They are a little reserved at the beginning, but if you make an effort they are really approachable.

Shining Some Light on Skylights

Skylights let natural light stream into your home, bringing warmth and a feeling of spaciousness. When properly selected and used, they can reduce your need for electric lighting and minimize your heating and cooling costs. There are also health benefits to this wonderful sunlight that shines on us. 

If you lack sufficient sunlight on your skin, you will suffer health effects. That's because the human body was designed to be exposed to sunlight on a frequent basis. We evolved, after all, under the natural sun, not under fluorescent lighting. Our environment was one with plentiful sunlight.

Skylights can provide up to 30% more natural light than vertical windows while making a small space seem bigger.

A skylight is like a window which has been placed in your roof. It has a frame specially designed to withstand rain and prevent leakage from rain and snow. To maximize a skylight's use of natural light to illuminate a room or its passive solar heating potential, you will want to take into consideration how a skylight is positioned.

Facing north, your skylight will provide fairly constant illumination, but will not provide a lot of heat.

Facing east, it will provide the maximum amount of light and solar heat gain in the morning.

Facing west, your skylight provides afternoon sunlight as well as heat gain.

A skylight facing south provides the greatest potential for winter passive solar heat gain than any other location, but will often allow unwanted heat gain in the summer. This heat gain can be minimized by installing your south-facing skylight in the shade of deciduous trees or adding a moving window covering.

Skylights come in all shapes and sizes. Its size greatly affects the illumination level and temperature of the space below.

As a rule of thumb, the size of a skylight should never be more than 5% of the floor area in rooms with many windows; and no more than 15% of the room's total floor area for spaces with few windows. Dept. of Energy.

Glazing
Like windows, skylight manufacturers use different types of glazing to improve their energy efficiency. The glazing comes in three different forms.

Plastic glazing - This type of glazing is usually inexpensive and less likely to break than other glazing materials. However, these surfaces scratch easily and can become brittle and discolored.

Glass glazing - This is found in the more expensive skylights. It is more durable than plastic and does not discolor. All glass used for skylights must be made of "safety glazing," a generic term for both tempered and laminated glass more info. Tempered glass is the most impact resistant. Laminated glass is fabricated with a thin layer of plastic embedded near the center of the glass. Both types keep the glass from breaking into large, sharp pieces. Skylights are often made with a tempered glass on the exterior side and a laminated pane on the interior side. This arrangement gives maximum impact resistance while protecting occupants from falling shards of glass.

Solar heat control glazing - Manufacturers use various glazing methods to reduce the impact of summer time solar heat gains and winter time heat losses. These come in the form of heat-absorbing tints, double and tripled paned skylights and low-emissivity coatings.

Up and Coming Vancouver Neighbourhoods

There is no secret that the amazing diversity of inner culture, green-foliage living, and the stable economy has helped Vancouver Real Estate rank as the top most property area for living on the globe. As a whole, the infrastructure, climate and housing also impact the fantastic quality of life within the area. For these center reasons, many have chosen their perfect Vancouver home within this vibrant and high-class town.

When world economists and critics proclaim Vancouver, Canada as simply the best living environment, there is no doubt that they are also referring to the healthcare system, income levels and select varieties of recreational activities that attract many to the vicinity. Even after traveling to several cities within Canada and the United States, consumers will not find a better opportunity for living than within the up and coming Vancouver neighbourhoods.

Two of the most fashionable up and coming Vancouver neighborhoods include Coal Harbour and Kitsilano. The neighborhood of Coal Harbour is a slice of Vancouver's downtown Burrard Inlet, and it features several modern and newly built condominiums with only the best in amenities, including its beautifully queued promenades. In particular, the Kitsilano neighborhood, or "Kits" as it is also known, is a flourishing area that is within the downtown Vancouver district.

Kitsilano Neighborhood Overview

Kitsilano is surrounded on its north side by beautiful English Bay waters with Hastings Mill Park at its northwest corner and Hadden Park at its northeast corner more info. The area sits between Point Grey Road, which turns into Cornwall Avenue, and 16th Avenue. At the areas east and west section, it is flanked by Burrard and Alma Street. Most of the neighbourhood is comprised of students, workers and residents that are closely connected with the University of British Columbia. Conversely, the area residents are close knit in that they work together as a community to show pride in their neighbourhood, by maintaining its cleanliness, green foliage and safe environment.

Kitsilano Homes Condos, Townhomes and Lofts

The Kitsilano vicinity has both older homes and newer dwellings available that are simply stellar for the asking price. Some Kitsilano Real Estate is comprised of a combination of the best of both worlds, including those within renovated buildings that have a combination of the older-classic feeling within modern surroundings. Yet, the majority of neighbourhood offerings include 1985-built homes that are on the market with an average price of slightly over $983,000.

Because the area is a most glorious find, many are quickly taking advantage of these homes that usually include one and two story dwellings with detached or attached garages. Most of the older homes have attractive layouts that most homeowners find most suitable, and with the average square feet of more than 1400, there is plenty of room for a long stretch and adequate living space.

Consumers can locate centre Kitsilano homes with charming style and at least 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Kitsilano homes are made in classic-craftsmen style, beaux arts style structure, couch styles, and many more. Many of these simply-smashing homes feature fireplaces, skylights, crown mouldings and refinished-wood floors. Some even have stain-glass windows, hot tubs, and garden decks for the ultimate relaxation and suitable living style.

Older three and four bedroom townhomes are also possible to find within this area of Vancouver Real Estate. Yet, like Coal Harbour Real Estate, the area also boasts choices in award-winning and luxury townhomes with the best in modern-quality appeal.

With stylish and outright-fashionable condominiums from one bedroom, one bedroom with a den, and two bedrooms, small families can easily find their match in centre home amenities. Boutique lofts and heritage building styles also make Kitsilano Real Estate a great lifestyle appeal for many.

Why the Kitsilano Neighbourhood

With dazzling sunset and bayside views, West 4th Avenue and Broadway shopping, and friendly neighbourhoods, the Kitsilano vicinity is simply too hard to pass up when considering the perfect Vancouver dwelling. Consumers can also shop at boutiques on the eastside of Fir Street and on Yew Street. This small neighbourhood boasts a planetarium, a museum and several green parks and dining opportunities. There is also the exciting Kitsilano Park and other community areas, like those of Coal Harbour Real Estate that are not too far away.

The neighbourhood of Kitsilano also features organic markets, yoga studios, and two commercial strips. There are also popular concert venues like the Hard Rock Café. Yet, many find Kitsilano's close proximity to Granville Island, a major tourist and shopping district, a centre attraction.

Finding the perfect Kitsilano home, condominium, townhome or loft is the best choice on earth to own a piece of this highly-desirable and up and coming Vancouver neighborhood. For those considering purchasing in the Kitsilano neighbourhood, now is the time to purchase a slice of this sought-after Vancouver Real Estate.

Christchurch A Vibrant City in Transition

Christchurch is New Zealand's second largest city and a gateway to the South Island. It is situated on the edge of Canterbury Plains that stretches to Southern Alps is bordered by hills and Pacific Ocean. The city is a great place to live work and play and here you can quickly find what you are looking for - from markets to restaurants and from free wi-fi spots to popular parks. So plan a trip and book cheap flights to Christchurch as the city is eagerly waiting for you to get explored.

Renowned for its beauty, the city is a great place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle amidst natural surroundings. It is quickly becoming a growing cosmopolitan which further adds a touch of excitement without overt glitter. Internationally famed as "The Garden City", Christchurch has well established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of city's founding fathers.

The city centre is comfortingly compact and the most delightful feature of the city is gently winding Avon River that offer a great breather from hectic work schedules to workers and visitors join street entertainers, seagulls and ducks for lunch in sun. The city has 740 public parks and gardens for enjoyment of its 300,000 citizens. Among them largest Hagley Park is situated very center of the city. Sprawling across 400 acres of land it is adorned with playing fields, trails, tree-lined avenues, rivers, a botanic garden and a lake that mesmerize its visitors with its stunning beauty and architectural splendor.

Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's largest wildlife and conservation center and open range safari style zoo offers an excellent display of New Zealand's wildlife. If the day is warm then taking a relaxing punting ride on Avon River is must more info. The Antarctic Center near the airport offers a unique insight into the wonders of this fascinating frozen continent. Lyttelton Harbour offers its guests beautiful views across the water to the rugged coastline and hills of banks Peninsula. Get ready for an exciting journey to Christchurch that has something for everyone. To get the glimpses of this Garden City book low fare tickets to Christchurch from London and get ready for a memorable holiday of your life.

Those who have great interest in history they can visit Christchurch Gallery, a glass and steel building, housing an impressive collection of New Zealand art. The fascinating International Antarctic Center celebrates Christchurch's history as the embarkation point for ice-bound expeditions.

No matter what your favourite outdoor pursuit is, you'll find it in Christchurch. It is truly an anytime of the year destination. The summer months are from November to April and the peak season to visit it is December, February and March. So if you are visiting during this time it is advisable to book in advance as it is not easy to find accommodation. So book your flights to New Zealand a country that will lead an unforgettable, unique experience to its guests.

Benefits of Serviced Apartments

Planning to go to another country for a long period of time? Well, then staying in a hotel would not be the ideal choice for you. Although a hotel can provide all the luxuries, comfort and security, a long term stay in a hotel would not be economical at all. The best alternative to a hotel can be a serviced apartment. These apartments are not only more economical, they offer amenities that can be better than some hotels. Previously, these apartments only offered basic services such as housekeeping and security. However, in order to meet the changing needs of customer, one can now find serviced apartments with amenities such as pools, saunas, parking, gyms and fitness centers.

As these apartments are more economical for a long stay, many companies are switching from hotels to serviced apartments to house their employees . Guests can also experience a more private stay with more freedom. Couples, families or people traveling in groups would find these apartments ideal for their stay. Fully furnished with daily laundry services and 24 hour security are just some of the services such apartments provide more info. Not only do they allow a guest to save cost on the hotel bill, but on food as well. The apartments come equipped with a kitchen where the guests can cook their food themselves. So if you are hungry in the middle of the night but too lazy to go out and eat, want to save money or want to experiment cooking the local food of the place you are visiting, it would be an ideal place for you to stay. However, not all serviced apartments come with a kitchen attached so be sure to have done your research before booking an apartment.

Advantages of Serviced apartments

· Many apartments come equipped with appliances and household utilities. An example can be the kitchen. Some even have appliances such as washing machines and home theatre systems with televisions sets and water heaters in the toilets. If you are not in the mood to wash your own clothes you can always send your clothes to the laundry service that these apartments offer.

· The biggest advantage of staying in these apartments is that they provide you with the 'home-like' feel so you do not need to worry about missing home during your stay away from home.

· Many hotel guests would have one common frustration- slow internet connection. Well, living in the serviced apartment allows you access to your own personal internet connection so you would never have to worry about slow or bad internet.

· Just like hotels, these apartments provide security for their guests so you would never have to worry about your belongings left in the apartment.

· Many of these apartments are located in the heart of city centers; therefore you would never have to worry about not being able to go shopping!

If you do not want an apartment which is in the midst of city centre, you can also search for apartments in a more solitude location. Basic apartments can also be a choice if you want a simple stay and are not looking on spending too much.