Hoöstelland

In 1997, William Barnaby, a relatively wealthy, visionary and adventurous Canadian, founded Hoöstelland, a little country made up of four islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It could be said that Barnaby is a little crazy, but in a good way. When he bought the chain of islands for the purpose of founding a country, he had one goal in mind: to share values with his fellow citizens that are based on open-mindedness, a collaborative spirit and lots of fun.

Barnaby managed to silence his critics (i.e. self-important people wearing cheap suits) by building a strong community that reflects his modern philosophy with regard to human relations. He acquired this philosophy while travelling all over the world and staying in various youth hostels, where he was inspired by rewarding experiences.

Initially, he wished to share the way of life and the values he’d discovered with his fellow citizens, but now, he’d like to share them with the entire world.

The Position of Ambassador

Disappointed by the fact that out-dated stereotypes regarding youth hostels are still floating around, William Barnaby has decided to spread his message beyond the borders of Hoöstelland. That’s why he is looking to send an ambassador from Quebec or Ontario who shares his values on an all expenses paid trip to France for three weeks. Here is what the ambassador can expect to receive: a return plane ticket, a train pass, paid accommodations in various youth hostels, a small laptop, a digital camera, a Petit Futé travel guide, travelling equipment and $500 of pocket money. That’s over $6000 worth of stuff—not too shabby!

However, as Spiderman’s uncle once said, “With great power comes great responsibility”. That’s why the ambassador’s trip to Francewon’t just be fun and games. Over the course of the trip, with the help of the laptop that is supplied, the ambassador will keep his or her fellow citizens up to date and write about the various youth hostels he or she will be staying in.

How to Become an Ambassador

In order to become a Hoöstellandish ambassador, you must first be a citizen of Hoöstelland (it takes two minutes to register). Once that’s done, you must apply by telling us a little about yourself and share, ideally via video, a story about a trip that was memorable, fun or downright zany. While all Canadians can become citizens of Hoöstelland, only residents of Quebec and Ontario can become a Hoöstellandish ambassador.

Each citizen of Hoöstelland receives 100 hoösts (the local currency) daily—or 300 hoösts if he or she is a resident of Quebec or Ontario and a member of Hostelling International Canada. (Members also receive 800 hoösts as soon as they register.) Every citizen can then give hoösts to their favourite contestant. Following this, on October 31 2009, the ten contestants who have received the most hoösts from their fellow citizens will become the finalists for the position of ambassador.

Once the finalists have been selected, the council of Hoöstellandish ministers will hold a special meeting, during which the Hoöstelland ambassador for 2009 will be chosen.

Are you interested in this position? Apply now!