Zen Resort and Spa - yet another perk of winning The Best Dive Job 2012

Greetings fans, followers and admirers,


Well, there are officially only 5 days left until the shortlist of candidates is selected for Blue Season Bali's The Best Dive Job. It's been a LOOOONG journey getting this far. I've been battling away for the past 4 months spreading the word about Blue Season Bali, getting people to like my facebook page, comment on my application and view my blog. I think this could go down as the longest ongoing job application ever but if I'm successful it will all be worth it. Even if I don't win I must admit that the whole adventure has been pretty fun. Getting people interested in diving and Bali and the whole lifestyle of being a dive professional. I think I've inspired a few people to take the plunge already! I also can't lie, I have enjoyed getting up every morning to check my fan page to see if there are more fans and check my email to see new support photos from around the world. It's like a never ending advent calendar, a treat every day for month and months!!!


People often say that technology has made us grow further apart, moving away from face to face contact, making us less civil, less polite. We tweet and post, and like and poke but nothing of much more depth. This whole experience has taught me that nothing could be further from the truth. I have, through the magic of social media, taken my dream around the globe to a level I never thought possible. I've received comments of support, pictures, videos, "likes" and emails from friends I haven't spoken to in years, family of friends and friends i've never met. It's amazing how people can get so inspired by someone taking a risk and pursuing their dream.
Anyway, I'm waxing poetic a bit which is not the reason why I started this post....I actually want to write about another cool bonus that I will get if I win!


A while back I told you all about The Menjangan Resort in the North West of Bali...well that's not the only fancypants resort that Blue Season Bali (and consequently the Best Dive Job Winner) is affiliated with. They also have a dive operation running out of Zen Resort and Spa in Puri Jati which is about a 40 minute drive from the docks to Menjangan island. Zen isn't primarily a diving resort, instead it's an ayurvedic, yoga and nature resort that offers all sorts of activities and treatments to help you get down with mother nature whether it's through an early morning yoga session, meditation, an ayurvedic spa treatment, rice paddy treking, eco-forest walks or a trip to the hot springs. Of course let's not forget the most important thing Zen offers - good diving.


Puri Jati is well known for its excellent "macro" and "muck" diving. Yes, I know - the first thing you probably are thinking is "Muck! Yuck!" but muck diving is actually pretty cool! I haven't been able to do a lot of muck diving in my short and unillustrious career as a recreational diver but from what I've experienced and what I've heard about Puri Jati, it's not to be missed. Muck diving is not for those who want to spend their time getting up close and personal with the big guys, instead it's all about hunting for the elusive little things. Octopus, snails, nudibrances, scorpion fish, dragonets, ornate and ghost pipefish. These things take patience and a sharp eye to find but are well worth it when you do. It seems as though the most intricate and detailed creatures come in small (and often well hidden) packages. The "scenery" of muck diving isn't the spectacular coral gardens that come to mind when you think of Bali diving but is instead usually muddy bottom, sometimes strewn with debris of old bamboo or wood...and at times, unfortunately, rubbish discarded by boats. But this can actually make the dive more interesting because it all provides cracks and crevices for interesting little creatures to snuggle into. This is real underwater treasure hunting!


The most exciting thing in the sea around PJ (as lazy people such as myself - and mostly everyone else calls it) is the incredible mimic octopus. Discovered only about 20 years ago, this is arguably the coolest thing in the sea. For reasons beyond anyone's understanding, the mimic has somehow evolved into an expert copycat. It can mimic over 15 different species of animal under the water chosing which one it wants to be based on the situation (and the predators) it finds itself amongst. They are shy and rare but they are in the waters around Zen Resort and I'M GONNA SPOT ONE! I have amazing diving karma, the cosmos owe me a mimic for sure....right after that ayurvedic spa treatment and 4 course meal I'll be hitting up as part of what Zen has to offer.
The winner of the Best Dive Job gets to spend a little bit of time at Zen not only hunting for the mimic but also get pampered and spoiled as only Zen can.


So help me win win win so that I can find the mimic and find "myself" ayurvedic style at Zen Resort and Spa!!!

And just in case you didn't believe me, here's a video to prove it!

You guys know the drill:

1) like my facebook fan page

2) go to my application page, scroll WAY down to the bottom and leave a comment of support

3) post it on your Facebook page, ask your friends to support me too.

Let's make the 4 months of battling for Bali worth it. Get me to Bali so I can chill with octopuses.

Cheers from a very un-ayurvedic, smoky, tuktuk filled city

J

Take Joe Zeiler on for Best Dive Job in the World!!!

Here's my latest attempt at moviemaker cinematic mastery!
Hope it gets you stoked to vote for me!!!

Only 5 days until the shortlist!!!
Let's get me on it!!!!

Lithuania supports Joe Zeiler!

One of the joys of social networking is that sometimes things begin to take on a mind of their own. This morning I woke up to this in my inbox and posted on my fanpage. Word of Joe Zeiler's battle for the Best Dive Job seems to be travelling far and wide. I expected lots of pics from around the world but I never expected this!!!
May it inspire more musical tributes! Thanks to these two lovely Lithuanians for their Grammy caliber performance.
...and the Grammy goes to:
"Lithuania Supports Joe Zeiler"
Thanks boys. This makes me smile every time I watch it.

Cheer from the global support project
J

Looking back to see the future....

Hey everyone,

So I was sifting through my personal blog and found this post from November. I think that it really brings home what I'm doing and why I'm doing it so I've decided to repost it here.
Once again, a HUGE thank you for all the continuing support. Every comment, post, "like" and photo is bringing me one step closer to my dream coming true. There is officially one month left in the contest. Now is the time to push to the end. Please help me win this thing. I don't think I've ever wanted anything more in my life.

Here you go...

Leaping into the abyss...

                                                          
So it is official, today, November 21st 2011, the Princess has handed in her notice of resignation. In the land of international schools and especially in the land of the one in which I work, we need to let our employer know our plans for next academic year not too far after the current one has started. Surprisingly, it was harder to put the tick in the that "will not seek contract renewal" box than I thought it would be. I guess it's only natural to fear the unsurety of a blank slate but considering how dedicated I have been to the direction I plan on taking my life next year, I surprised myself as my shaky finger paused over the tick box. I guess saying you're going to do something a bit crazy and financially irresponsible is one thing, actually doing it is another. 


But in the end, I put the tick in the box and sent it off to the higher powers in the headmaster's office. The truth of the matter is, this decision was made a long time ago. When the end of the academic year rolled around last June I left feeling...I don't know...a bit empty. I can remember saying to a coworker that I was desperately searching for a reason to stay, that I was hunting for something to keep me wanting more. But how happy are we when we are having to search for a reason to...technically, be happy. We shouldn't have to actively seek out happiness or contentment in our daily lives, if we are "there" then happiness should surround us, not hide in dark corners never to be found.
It didn't take long.(only about a week actually) of diving in Bali over the summer for me to realize that it was time to follow my heart and do something that truly made me happy...grow a pair of gills and live under the sea. Unfortunately, some goals are too lofty and I quickly realized that I needed to settle for the next best thing...turning my hobby into a job. It is time to trade in the Shakespeare for a regulator and the IB coursework marking for a weight belt; to finally take the plunge that I've been dreaming about for the last 2 years.


To many of you it might seem crazy to turn in my posh lifestyle of fancy condos, and maids and personal trainers for the gritty hand to mouth existence of a DM or dive instructor but in all honesty, my life at work is killing me. Teachers work hard, often too hard and it begins to show. I have more wrinkles than I like to think about and I've spent more hours between 5pm and 1am working than I care to calculate. Don't even get me started on weekends...what weekends???


Yes, yes I know we get lots of holidays and I'm intensely grateful that I have a job that allows to so much time off but when I started to think about it, I spent all my holidays diving...so why not turn my holidays into my everyday? Why not at least try it out??


I'm sure you all know by now that I've entered a competition to win a 7 months dive internship with Blue Season Bali. If I win it's an absolute dream come true, but if I don't I'm doing it anyway. Life is too short to live in fear of taking a risk. I know I'm standing on the edge of a very tall cliff, but I have a parachute on. I'll jump, it will be a thrill, it will be scary, I might even shit my pants, but in the end there's an extremely high likelihood that my chute will open and I'll land on my feet. 


The last place I visited on my month long dive trip last summer was Blue Season Bali to go on a dive safari that, due to a crushing ear infection the year prior, had been two years in the making. I'm a firm believer in the idea that all things happen for a reason and this is no exception. On the last day of my three day visit there I looked up on the wall and saw the poster for "Best Dive Job" and thought....there's my chance. Had I seen it a year prior it would not have mattered because I knew I was heading back to another year in Bangkok...but this time, it was the right time. I can't ignore it. 
As I've said, there's no guarantee that I'll win, it's a tough competition and I'm just an average Joe (no pun intended) but even if I don't, it was the push I needed to get me off the edge of the cliff and into the thrill of the freefall. One thing that I do know is that I'm not going to close my eyes for one second. I'm going to drink in every crazy, thrilling, terrifying, exhilirating moment of it.   


The chute will open, I know it will. The exciting part is finding out where I'll land....


Cheers from the edge of the precipice
J

Bring Joe Zeiler to Bali - Application video #2!!!

My endless campaign to win The Best Dive Job in the World continues with my latest venture into cinematic genius. Check out my second video as partof my application.


Like it on Youtube, share it with your friends and post it on your Facebook wall so that others can get on the support Joe bandwagon.


Cheers  and thanks for all your continuing support!

Yet another reason to help me win...The Menjangan!!!!

Hello there faithful fans and ceaseless supporters!


Well, the contest is quickly speeding to an end so I'm here to keep you up to date on all the reasons why I'm battling to win this amazing opportunity with Blue Season Bali and why you should support me to WIN WIN WIN!!!!

Today's entry:

The Menjangan!!

One of Blue Season Bali's three dive outlets is housed at The Menjangan Hotel near Menjangan Island in the North West corner of Bali. It is the only hotel located within the borders of West Bali National Park and consequently has undisturbed access to some of the most picturesque diving and nature in all of Bali. This year as part of The Best Dive Job 2012 the winner gets to spend a bit of time here to check out what Blue Season has on offer at this amazing hotel. Now, as anyone who has travelled with me knows, I'm from the  "who needs to pay more than 15 dollars a night for a hotel" school of travelling so the thought of being allowed to spend a night at a hotel like The Menjangan is beyond imagination for me. Of course, the accommodations are gorgeous - beach bugalows set up on white sand beaches, a gorgeous pool surrounded by the beauty of being nestled in a national park and undisturbed views of the crystal waters of Bali. Of course the other amenities are the stuff 5 star hotel dreams are made of like amazing restaurants and spas (in fact, one of the restaurants is actually in the treetops!) And all of this in the serenity of a national park with noone haggling you to buy anything, no potholed sidewalks to fall down in, no drunken 20 somethings falling down in the streets, no motorcycles with surfboards attached careening into unsuspecting pedestrians and best of all...no "transport, transport!" (anyone who's been to Bali will know what I'm talking about).

Ya, I could spend some time here....

Of course all of this is amazing but being a big ol' dive geek, I'm most interested in what lies under the water around The Menjangan.


Two Words pretty much sum it up - Mandarin. Fish!..or three words...Mating. Mandarin. Fish!!


For those of you who don't know, mandarin fish are shy, elusive little guys who don't like to come out until just before sunset. The divers who are around when they do decide to come out of their little hidey holes are a lucky bunch because not only are these little critters absolutely gorgeous, they also like to put on quite a show. Just before sunset the ladies of the neighbourhood come and gather around their favorite little coral hangout, gossiping and catching up on the day's events. They may seem unsuspecting and innocent but what they are all really waiting for is the local hunka hunka burning Mandarin Fish love to come strutting by. Of course, the men don't disappoint and sure enough, just as the sun is setting they take their little stroll along the main drag to check out the ladies. Now these are not picky fish. Instead, these fine young gentlemen are anything but! What follows is a bit of mass mating hysteria as the lucky gentlemen run from hangout to hangout getting 'jiggy' with as many ladies as they can get their multicoloured little fins on. 

Of course out in the wild where bowflexes, makeup, high heels and spanx aren't readily available, these little fishies have to strut their stuff to attract each other so the show is beautiful. Once one of these eligible bachelors has chosen a bachellorette, "I'll take bachelorette number one, Chuck", they float in perfect balance above the coral side by side so that all the divers can get a good look at 'em. Such a special moment for them...until the man drops her like a sack of stones and moves on to her best friend (who doesn't blink an eye at betraying her buddy)

And so it continues until the sun sets and both divers and mandarin fish head home feeling satisfied, albeit a little tired.   

Putting on a show for the local divers

The house reef of The Menjangan Hotel is a apparently prime viewing of the nightly lust fest so you don't even have to go far!! BONUS!! There are of course many other beautiful dive sites in the area, with menjangan island only minutes away. Walls, drift dives, coral slopes and breathtaking dropoffs. I've dived Menjangan before and it doesn't disappoint. Bumphead parrot fish, white tip reef sharks, tuna, lion fish, honeycomb and giant morays, damselfish and surgeon fish and angel fish and..and..and... plus it's pretty nice scenery in which to spend your surface interval.

Menjangan Island, beautiful above and below the water line

Just in case you needed a bit of protection, Lord Ganesha has a lookout point on Menjangan Island  to watch over your every dive

Local fishing boats around Menjangan Island

             
So my faithful readers...as you can see. There is more to Blue Season Bali and The Best Dive Job in the World than just hanging out in the training pool in their Sanur Career Development Centre. There are adventures on every corner of the island of Bali!
Help me to convince Blue Season Bali that I'm the lady who deserves to win this thing!!

Like my Facebook fan page here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Joe-Zeiler-for-Best-Job-in-the-World-2012/175807769165257

Leave a comment of support on my application page here:
http://www.bestdivejob.com/2012/?p=90

And continue to check back to see what's new! The competition ends on Feb. 28th...we're into the final month so now's the time to race to the finish. Spread the word and get the world behind me!! Help me win so that I can hang out with fish doing the nasty!!!

Cheers from the battlefield
Joe

Win a ZOOP dive computer ROUND 2!!!

Hello my faithful fans and followers!

Well those crazy kids at Blue Season Bali have done it again! They are giving away ANOTHER Sunnto dive computer! Were you overwhelmed with jealousy when I won the last one?? Well now's your chance to join me!! Sooo what do you need to do?
Similar to last time, all you need to do is write about your PADI instructor. This time is a little different because you can write about any PADI course you've taken, not just your Open Water. Tell Blue Season why they were so awesome, attach a few pictures, post it on their blog and VOILA! You too could be the proud owner of a new ZOOP dive computer. Need a little help? Not sure what to write? Check out my submission (it's posted a while back - scroll down below to "a sign of things to come").
I would LOVE for someone I know to win this. Then when I win Best Dive Job, you can come to Bali and spend the day with me, Blue Season Bali and our new dive computers :)



For some reason the blog at the moment is shoots back to the original ZOOP competition from November but the email I just received is below:

This month, as part of the Best Dive Job in the World competition we are offering all of you the chance to win a FREE Suunto Zoop Dive Computer.
All you have to do to win is tell us all about your PADI Instructor.  Tell us why your PADI Instructor was so good, how they helped you, how they motivated you for scuba diving, anything that you can remember about your experiences when you completed a PADI course.
To enter just post your photo and text onto our blog, we will review it an then publish is, assuming it is suitable for public consumption that is :)
Competition opens on the 10th January 2012 and closes on the 24th January 2012 . We will announce the winner on the 27th January 2012 - if you are the lucky winner we will send you an email and then you arrange to send you the Suunto Dive Computer.

Yipeee!!
The link they posted is HERE . Once again, it seem to be linking to the last competition page but have no fear. The info above was received by yours truly only 2 days ago.

Yipeee! Fun!
J


Of course, while you're at it don't forget to support my campaign to win
1) like my facebook fan page HERE
2) Post a comment on my application page HERE (scroll waaaay down and tell them why I'm awesome)
3) cross your fingers and send good vibes my way :)