Monty Python’s Kilimanjaro Expedition

In this classic Monty Python sketch from 1969, John Cleese is just what you don’t want in a tour guide. I have had a few experiences where a trip has felt a bit similar to what Eric Idle expresses before he leaves the office deciding to forgo the Mt. Kilimanjaro Expedition. This sketch was first used in Monty Python’s Flying Circus and was then part of the movie “And Now for Something Completely Different.”

I found this video looking for one on the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal after reading Kraig’s post about sites to see before they change forever. There was this Monty Python video about climbing Mt. Everest, but I liked this one better.

That island dream job in Australia? Osama bin Laden wants it along with 9000 others

When the dream job to work as a caretaker of the Great Barrier Reef islands in Queensland, Australia was announced, more than 9,000 people applied–including Osama bin Laden. At least from the video posted in the article in The Sydney Morning Herald, it looks like Osama bin Laden applied.

Full, scraggly beard? Check. White robe with matching hat? Check. A certain droning quality to the voice? Check. The video, though, as real as it seems, is dubbed.

The guy saying that he is versed in “sandy areas” and is experienced in “large scale event coordination” is not really bin Laden. Instead, the application was sent in as a joke. The dubbed voice also claims to have interests in the arts, crafts and renovating. The people collecting the applications did toss this one out. There are loads of legitimate contenders, however.

At this point, people from 162 countries have applied. If you’re one of them, your competition is fierce. As Scott stated in Gadling’s original post that announced this job, the application period closes on February 22. Eleven candidates will be chosen to be flown to Hamilton Island for an interview.

To see the video, go to the article and scroll down. Supposedly, the video is posted on YouTube, but I couldn’t find it. The video reminded me of the video spoofs that David Letterman does on bin Laden from time to time.

Another hilarious airline complaint letter. This time it’s the food

Back in June 2007, Justin wrote a post about a hand-written complaint letter to Continental Airlines. The letter included illustrations that were as hilarious as the text. There is a new airline complaint letter that is being touted as the funniest ever. This time the airline is Virgin Atlantic and the complaint is food–or what the airline tried to pass off as food on a flight from Mumbai to Heathrow.

The letter sent to airline owner Sir Richard Branson by a passenger is a tongue- in-cheek response to the passenger’s reactions to each dish on his tray–nothing he recognized. It all started when he couldn’t tell which item was the dessert and which was a main course. Each food complaint is accompanied by a photo.

“Look at this, Richard. Just look at it.” Is the description under the first photo of two custard like dishes. Utterly flummoxed by those two choices that looked like sponge shafts that moved every so often, the letter writer proceeded to the next item–also unrecognizable.

The third item, the one covered in foil that he opened with anticipation, similar to what one might feel opening a Christmas present, was worse. He likened it to finding his “hamster in the box and it’s not breathing.” That gem is what’s in the photo. Turns out the yellow stuff was gobs of mustard.

Attempting to watch the movie was as bad as trying to find something edible on his tray. The screen was grainy which made it difficult to see who was in the movie. The passenger thought, perhaps, Ray Liotta?

If you’ve ever had a flight that has left you exhausted, depressed, feeling like a sailboat that has lost its wind, you’ll certainly recognize the feelings expressed here. Yes, indeed. This is a funny, funny letter. Make sure you click through the photo gallery for the full effect.

As a note, the food, according to Sir Richard Branson who supposedly replied, would have made the Indian passengers happy. [Telegraph.co.uk]

Other funny names of places: How about Intercourse?

It’s great to have belly laughs. The article in the New York Times that Jeremy wrote about yesterday had me chortling out loud and reminded me about why Monty Python is so darned funny.

I thought Intercourse, Pennsylvania was bad, but the list of funny names in England was impressive. For some reason, Titty Ho caught me the most.

As I was reading the NY Times article, I kept thinking of Life of Brian and the scenes with Pontius Pilate. It also reminded me of Annie’s post on Big Bone Lick, Kentucky, a place I have actually been to. There’s also Beaver Lick, Kentucky.

Here are a few more funny names for places. Pennsylvania also boasts the town Blue Ball which is not far from the aptly named town Virginville. Then there’s Montana’s — Bald Knob Mountain. What about Bucksnort, Tennessee? Or Bumpass, Virginia?

This one seems apropos, Happy Camp, California. Who couldn’t use a little stay in Happy Camp these days?

For some Saturday entertainment, keep reading for the YouTube Life of Brian scene with Pontius Pilate.

Gadling take FIVE: Week of Dec. 6-12

Humor is a great travel tool, particularly if you’ve had a bit of bad luck like I did when I was pickpocketed this week in Copenhagen–or if the tide is high and the streets have flooded, such as what has happened in Venice. In Venice’s situation, as Jeffery points out, there’s hope in boots.

Or, perhaps that travel companion you thought you were in love with has turned out to be a bust. Brenda has a few tips to prevent that from happening. But just in case you are stuck with Ms. or Mr. Dreadful, a laugh can help.

Whether you’ve had some bad luck, or you just want a reason to smile, here are some of the stories this week that have a humorous edge.

  • Scott’s post on learning British accents in 7 minutes may help you speak like a Brit, or not. The guy in the video does present various sayings you may not have considered before.
  • Aaron’s post on Steven Colbert’s chat with TSA critic Jeffrey Goldberg provides a humorous look at how airplane security is currently a waste of time.
  • Although air rage is not a funny matter, particularly when it’s happening to you, the behaviors Abha describes in her post on what happens when people do get surly on board have a certain chuckle factor. Plus, reading about how badly other people have behaved makes me feel better about my own tense moments. At least I’m not that bad.
  • The picture alone in Mike’s post on the Babykeeper Basic made me smile. When I read his description of how the contraption also keeps a child from absconding with belongings while you pee, I laughed.
  • Then there’s Annie’s post with the video of a slowed down version of an in-flight safety video. Smoooooookinggggg is noooooooottt allooooowed. Clever.

Here’s hoping there’s fun in your life this weekend.