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Post BB Housemate Antics - Part 3

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Veronica2005 said:
Jake Rich ‏@jakerich55 14m Sydney, New South Wales
Snaps from 'Live At The Chapel' Last night w/ @iamlisaclark #milkmusic #liveatthechapel #bae
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@DailyMailAU
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What the heck is she wearing? It looks like it was made from a table cloth and pinned back. No no no no no!
 
Uber QLD ‏@Uber_QLD 2h2 hours ago

From reality TV star to stage star, to TV star again - we speak to @BenFromBrisbane for #MYUBERCITY. Interview at http://blog.uber.com/MYUBERCITY_BenZabel…



Australia
#MYUBERCITY with Ben Zabel
March 16, 2015
Posted by Tenielle


Australia fell in love with Ben Zabel (or ‘Ben from Brisbane’ as he’s affectionately known) during Big Brother 2013. Ben describes himself as “as uptight hermit, inner city dweller, with a heart of gold, dreadful social anxiety, yet with a life that revolves around connecting with people – ie. a walking contradiction”. All of Ben’s quirks are the exact reason Australia loves him.

A proud Brisbane-ite and Uber lover, @BenfromBrisbane is jumping in the driver’s seat of the @Uber_QLD Instagram and Twitter. We take some time to find out a bit more about Ben as he prepares to show us more of the city he calls home with #MYUBERCITY.

2014 was a huge year for you. Tell us about your journey from reality TV star to stage star.
One thing I really picked up on after being on Big Brother, is that no matter what place you come on the show (even if you win), your eviction interview is very brief. I was constantly, and I mean constantly, stopped and asked questions about my experience and different facets of the show. A friend of mine who earns their living as a writer & performer had been with me on some of these occasions and asked if I’d ever considered a ‘show’ where all these questions could be addressed. Of course I hadn’t. To cut a very long story short, I realised I would be the first ex-reality contestant to do such a thing, and at the same time the Brisbane Powerhouse offered a great arrangement. It turned out to be a really positive experience for both myself and those that attended the shows.

Your career takes you all over Australia – why do you still choose to call Brisbane home?
I had an agent once say, “you’re ‘Ben FROM Brisbane’, not Ben who needs to LIVE in Brisbane!” It didn’t matter, I wasn’t moving. The truth is, those that are born here (while we might go through a phase of wanting to get away) soon realise Brisbane is such a great spot. The focal point of the Brisbane River meandering around our landmarks, the ever increasing emerging cafe and bar scene, the laid back atmosphere, the friendliness of the people and of course the beautiful weather!

In your opinion, what is “Quintessential Brisbane”?
This might be just a Queensland thing in general, but I think it’s that everyone wants to eat and drink outside. Whether it’s alfresco dinning, or just in the backyard or on the veranda. When I travelled Australia as a flight attendant, I soon realised that this love of doing everything outside was a very Brisbane thing!

Your favourite Brisbane hotspots?
There’s so many!GOMA – there’s always something interesting to see and many times usually free.
New Farm Cinemas really can’t be beaten in history and atmosphere and they offer a diverse range of films, including new release & retrospective.

You have a day off in Brisbane, what do you do?
A day off would usually involve browsing in a clothing store, followed by something more eclectic like looking at records or second hand furniture. Perhaps take in a movie, particularly if the weather is really hot or raining. A coffee with a friend at a place that’s new and that I want to check out and support. The day usually ends with me taking my French Bulldog Roy for a mammoth walk all around New Farm and FortitudeValley. Apparently that breed aren’t big walkers, but my Roy is the exception to the rule!

What are your favourite dog-friendly spots in Brisbane?
My Frenchie Roy and I have tried various walking routes & parks, but Roy’s favourite is the New Farm Riverwalk, he loves it! It’s great, we meet so many friendly people along the way. Roy comes into contact with joggers, children, other dogs, which has really helped socialise him. Plus there’s regular water fountains along the way!

What’s the most common Uber trip you take?
Anywhere and everywhere around the CBD usually. Uber is great for not having to pay for a park! Most of the time I’m getting Uber to QPAC, The Brisbane Convention Centre or just getting dropped along Elizabeth Street in the City.

Your best Uber experience?
Taking my Mum on her first Uber ride. We were invited to the opening of ‘Costumes from the Golden Age of Hollywood at the Museum of Brisbane at City Hall. I was in a tuxedo, Mum was in a gown, and just to see the look on her face as we were picked up in a beautiful car with a wonderful driver and chauffeured there. It was just brilliant.

What’s next for ‘Ben from Brisbane’?
This is the question I’m asked most and it’s the one i’m always least sure of. If you had asked me in 2013 what’s next for me, I never would’ve predicted I’d be appearing on Big Brother! If you’d asked me what was going to happen in 2014, I never would’ve guessed I’d be a regular on ‘Mornings’, flogging Ambi Pur, going back into the Big Brother house for the new season, then finishing the year with three sold out shows at the Brisbane Powerhouse! So far, 2015 has seen me explore Memphis with Tim Dormer and a film crew and that’s currently being edited to present to the public. I have one big thing I’m currently working on, that involves Brisbane, socialising and hospitality. Something away from the television studio and back out connecting with the public. Watch this space!

Visit @Uber_QLD to follow Ben from Brisbane’s city tour and check out #MYUBERCITY to discover more amazing destinations from locals.
 
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