We, along with VISA, sent a very lucky winner off to Rusia to watch and experience the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Read more about her experience below.
It all started in April when I received an email from Zando saying I’ve won the trip to Russia to watch the FIFA 2018 World Cup. At first I could not believe it, but as I was receiving more correspondence from Zando it started to sink in…. “I am the winner”. Thank you Zando and VISA!
As the time came closer to jet off to Russia I was feeling excitement and anticipation, daydreaming about all the great things that I’m going to experience and daydreaming about watching a soccer match live in another country but most of all going on holiday with my football fan of a husband. I honestly could have never asked for anything better.
All I could think about was what I was going to need for this trip, the packing and shopping before we left. I actually don’t think that I slept even a wink in the week before we left on this awesome trip.
Our unforgettable trip then began in Emirates Business Class. This was the most amazing experience as we were treated like royalty onboard that made our time spent traveling very pleasant.
Upon arrival at Domodedovo airport in Moscow, Russia leaving all our worries behind, we were blown away by how incredible the country was. I was taken aback by everything I saw – I could not believe that we were finally there. It brought myself and my husband immense happiness to be there.
The hospitality at the hotel was incredible and thanks to Zando and VISA we were treated like real VIPs.
We could not wait for our match day. The morning of the match we weere ever so eager to pick up our tickets, collect our lovely jackets and bags, get into the Visa bus and finally head to the stadium.
We watched the Portugal vs Morocco game at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. Wow, what a beautiful stadium and wow, what an experience. We were taken on a trip to experience true pre-match hospitality. This was an absolutely unbelievable feeling as being a football fan both myself and my husband had never ever imagined that we would be walking through the players change rooms, walking on the ground and most of all being so close to the players while they were warming up. I got to see my favourite soccer player – Ronaldo. Oh my I cannot explain how I felt at that very moment.
We had the privilege of sitting in the category 1 seats which was so close to the ground, and gave us the incredible gift of spectating the match from so close was incredible.
The atmosphere at the stadium was unbelievable, spectacular and electric. There were obviously people from all over the world from all different countries, all dressed up in their countries attire, with flags waving all around and their faces painted. The vibe at the stadium was just so awesome, fans were taking selfies with each other and dancing and singing and of course jumping for joy when their team scored or took a shot at it.
From the time we got out of the VISA bus and right up until the match was over VISA was there by outside to guide us and to take care of us. We are incredibly grateful.
Our general experience in Russia was fantastic. Although the people did not speak much English, they were still friendly and helpful. They helped us on a few occasions when we needed to take the train. Taking the underground train to visit places was very interesting and exciting. Following the map helped us discover our favourite restaurant and serene spot to sit and hang out during our stay.
We felt very proud to say we come from South Africa and how we ended up in their beautiful country.
Aside from just watching the matches, we visited Red Square, St. Basils Cathedril and Kremlin. What amazing and interesting sites.
I would say the highlight of our trip was being at the match and experiencing the pre-match hospitality.
We were having such a fabulous time that we were sad to go home – we so badly wanted to stay in Russia! It’s true when they say time flies when you’re having fun. Even though we had a wonderful time we can’t help but feel the post-holiday blues. We would love to go back.
We are ever so grateful to have been given the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be at the FIFA World Cup. It is an experience we will never forget. We appreciate how fortunate we are to have experienced a trip of a lifetime.
Thank you Zando and Visa!
For your own chance at winning exciting prizes and experiences, enter our competitions here
