"Live, laugh, love" Benson35's Profile

Profile
Activity
Travel Pages (36)
Photos (505)
Videos
Badges (7)
Stats

My parents and I in Richmond, Yorkshire 2010

My name's Benson and I'm now a virtual tourist!

Well hello there!
I think to start from the beginning, I've always had a travel bug in me!
I'm now in my twenties and have travelled far more than I ever could have imagined.

As a child we mainly holidayed in Spain. Then as my sister and I grew too old to qualify for free child places, we holidayed in the UK.
I've had the most amazing holidays in the Yorkshire Dales and Northumberland. A lot of people don't realise how beautiful our country is; they don't apreciate what's on the doorstep.

When I left college and went out into the big wide working world, I discovered the most amazing thing - I could afford to travel!!

At 18 years of age I packed a backpack and went to explore some of Europe with a friend after saving every penny I earned. We travelled through Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy and Spain, staying in Youth Hostels, B&Bs, Hotels and even on a suitcase trolley outside an airport!

Since then, I've had the most amazing time discovering my own little wonders of the world and am always planning my next trip!!

Why VT?

My love - San Francisco Sept 2011

I was sat one afternoon in January 2012 researching San Francisco on my laptop. I wanted advice on hotels, locations, people's experiences and tips. I'd not long since come back from a 5 day trip there and wanted to go back for about a month! I'd fallen in love!

I came across Virtual Tourist.

I was amazed. I started to read through members pages on San Francisco and their experiences and tips were just what I was looking for.
I wrote a status on my facebook page telling people about the site and the fact that REAL PEOPLE write the reviews and share their experiences! I couldn't believe that a site like this existed! I was so excited!!
A facebook friend then commented on my status and told me that she was a member of VT. I knew she was a member of a cyber travel community, but I didn't realise it was this one!
Gillybob then went on to tell me how fabulous VT was, how she has made so many friends all over the world and travelled far and wide. She told me before long I'd be hooked . . . . . and she was right!!

I think you need to know . . .

The Olympic stadium, Turin Dec 2009

I am a mad Manchester City fan and will never, ever change!

I'm an active member of the Reddish Blues supporters branch. I have recently been accepted onto the committee as Charities Officer and have the most fun with the committee members planning, organising, implementing and taking part in various events!

I go to all of the matches I can - home and away.
This has led me to travel more of europe (with our recent sucess!). It's a completely different experience and view of a place when you are with football fans. Don't always believe what you hear - the majority of us are a very friendly bunch, who enjoy supporting our team and having fun meeting people.

I've been lucky enough to watch the Super Blues play Juventus in Turin (Italy) and Porto (Portugal)!
There is always a small group of us, of varying ages, that travel together. Collectively, we love the football, we love Man City, we enjoy a drink (or five!), we enjoy appreciating the culture and exploring where we are.

So thank you Man City, another reason why I feel you in my heart - travel!
CTID

My first mini VT meet!

Malena and Barney

Well, after feeling rather nervous all day, I did it! I've been to my first VT meet!! Granted it was only a small one, but it was great fun meeting people. It was organised as Malena (MelenaN) was in Manchester for a day and night from Sweden.
We sat and shared a meal and a few drinks together. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be - I really don't know why I was so nervous! Everybody made me feel so comfortable and welcome. I had a great time! So, my first ever VT meet to go down in my VT history book, Monday 27th February 2012! Woo hoo! Can't wait for the Halifax meet now!

Thanks to Sue (suvanki), Gillian (Gillybob), Malena (MalenaN), Gareth (Balam), Evan (Evenith666) and Alyson (alyf1961), I had a brilliant night!!!

Intro Updated Mar 26, 2012
Report Abuse

Personal Pages (1)

Written Jan 29, 2012

8 photos

My family & friends mean the world to me xx

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (46)

Paulm1987 Yesterday Report Abuse

welldone to your team man city
Gillybob Yesterday Report Abuse

For some - yes. Another few hours for others! :-P Gillybob greetings
vichatherly May 16, 2012 at 1:20 AM Report Abuse

Congratulations to City on a well played season.

It was a close run thing, not sure you can get any closer, and for a fleeting moment at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, I thought that we might just pull off a smash and grab.

We’ll give you another run for your money next season
spidermiss May 13, 2012 at 2:21 PM Report Abuse

Congratulations for today:D x
Waalewiener May 10, 2012 at 5:41 AM Report Abuse

Hi there Hayley Okidoki no problem you are going to have a great time I can guarantee it
Just be yourself that is what I al
ways do and it is the best way to be
nhcram May 9, 2012 at 4:02 PM Report Abuse

Hi Hayley, just popping in to say hi. How are you? Bergamo should be fun. Hope you meet lots of lovely people x
suvanki Apr 29, 2012 at 1:38 PM Report Abuse

Cheers!
SONG Apr 27, 2012 at 6:52 PM Report Abuse

Bet you had a fun birthday.....happy birthday belatedly.
Kathy
mavl Apr 26, 2012 at 3:23 AM Report Abuse

belated happy birthday hayley! hope you had a good one. looking forward to going around with you in bergamo!
Donna_in_India Apr 25, 2012 at 6:06 PM Report Abuse

Hi Hayley - wishing you a very happy birthday!