Meeting up with friends in little Africa, Paris: seeing the hidden ugliness

After that wonderful night of strolling through Paris, the morning after was hard. The time difference really messed me up. It was like getting up at midnight my time. Well, still had to fight through it. One of the down sides of constant travel, your body has to get used to the time zone changes. If it doesn’t, you are in for a rude awakening.

Farmer’s market in little Africa Taken by Hugo Morel

Walking like a zombie, I met up with my local friends. They wanted to show me around little Africa in Paris. One of my friends was half Senegalese and half french. So, she promised to show me how the Senegalese eat their food. Of course, we ended meeting up at the local KFC. Since that’s what the French think about Americans. McDonald’s and KFC are jokingly claimed as the American embassies.

Another shot of the farmer’s market taken by Hugo Morel

As we were on our way to find the Senegalese restaurant, they showed me the real life of immigrants in Paris. Paris is not a nice place to live, if you are from one of the former French colonies. Life is rough in Paris. They told me employment is difficult for immigrants. Got to see a side of Paris, not many tourists have access to.

Little Africa logo brought to you by google

Now, as we were going toward the restaurant, we finally came across some American posters. In Paris, people want to speak English like they do in Wall Street, New York City. If they only knew, how little English is spoken there and how many curse words are used instead. This experience was such an awesome culture exchange. They got to learn about the USA and I was exposed to a new side of the french capital.

The poster I was mistaken as a racist advertisement taken by Hugo Morel

We started walking towards the Senegalese restaurant and we noticed this poster. At first we were mistaken at the time as it being a black face racist advertisement. I was corrected. However, I still noticed the undertone racism that goes on in France. It was like connecting the dots. For a country that has only one race, you can’t help but notice the hypocrisy. Inequality, still goes on strongly here. Even, if “race” is just the human race in France on paper. From the gypsies to the immigrants of the former french colonies, people are discriminated. Hope one day, people can stop seeing the differences and end discrimination. We can all learn from each other and help build a better world for the next generation. That’s my wish for humanity. This is why I encourage others to travel. You will learn to understand others different to you. Eventually, you will learn to love humanity. Even, if we are very flawed.

Ps. We never got to eat at the Senegalese restaurant. It was opened when called them but closed, when we got there. According to my half Senegalese friend, they didn’t feel like being open on a Sunday. 😆 Apparently, Senegalese people change their minds like race cars change tires. She did warned me though.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

To start your own adventures, check out the link below.

Check out our latest e-book “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come without breaking the bank: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe0

April 27, 2019 16

How to use the Paris subway

Now, Paris is a very expensive city. Taking a taxi from the international airports will cost an arm and a leg. The most affordable way to get around Paris is through it’s metro system.

I took the train from the Charles De Gaulle airport shuttle. It left me infornt of a subway entrance. Watch out for gypsies that claim to want to help you when you are trying to buy metro tickets. They claim to want to help; however, most of the time it’s just a way to get money out of you or to pickpocket you.

Paris metro map brought to you by google

The Paris subway has stops near almost all the main tourist attractions. It doesn’t make sense to spend money on a taxi or to rent a car. The Paris metro is very reliant.

Machine where you buy metro tickets brought to you by google

A one-way ticket will cost you about 2 euros. A daily pass will cost about 7 euros. Weekly, will cost about 20 euros and monthly, will cost about 65 euros. These prices are very affordable. Also, the price of a weekly metro pass will cost less than most taxis in Paris going one-way.

A picture of a subway station in Paris brought to you by google

Careful when buying the tickets at the station, a lot of the ticket machines are in french only. A gypsy appeared out of nowhere, when she found out I was having trouble with the ticket machine. Luckily, a local saw me and showed me how to order a weekly pass. There are metro workers in booths in some stations that can help you out, as well.

When taking the actual trains, you have to keep a few things in mind. One, the train doors do not automatically open. Unless, you press a button on the middle of the door. Just keep a watch on how people exist the train carts. It will save you from missing your stop. Also, keep a high alert on Line 9. Line 9 is a train line within the Paris metro notorious for pickpocketing. Lastly, pickpocketing is another factor to keep in mind.

A sign warning about pickpocketing brought to you by google

Pickpocketing in the Paris metro is common. Here’s a few tips to remember. Make sure to be fully awake on the train carts. Any signs of sleepiness makes you a target. Another tip to keep in mind is the sound of when the doors are about to close. That’s when pickpocketers go on the hunt. Always be on alert, when you hear that noise. They would steal and run out of the door before you have time to react. Lastly, watch out for beggars. The moment you take out your money, another person runs to steal your wallet.

Now this post isn’t here to make you fearful of the Paris metro. Just wanted you to be aware. That way, your time in the beautiful French capital isn’t ruined due to some thieves.

Thank you for reading! Safe travels and much love!

April 20, 2019 17

Meeting up with an old friend and seeing how much travel has changed you

My good friend was in town to meet up with me. We haven’t seen each other in years and we needed to catch up. Who knew this experience would be so reflective.

I was excited to meet up with my friend. We haven’t seen each other in years. This guy is like a brother to me. We been through a lot of rough times with each other. We knew each other since toddler years. He has been through a lot in life. So, it’s always good to see him with a smile on his face.

Outside of the Indian restaurant taken by Hugo Morel

Of course knowing me, I convinced him to eat some Indian food. We went to a nearby Indian restaurant and we were a little bit thrown off. To our surprised, the restaurant was aimed more for romantic couples. This brings the joke of bromance to a whole new level.

Of course, we didn’t care what others might think and we ordered our food. As we waited, we exchanged stories about our lives and how our old friends are doing. After some time, the topic of my travels came up. Explain to him about my travel experiences and all my personal growth. Also, spoke about the awesome people I met, the cultures I learned about and the countries I have been to. The conversation became deep and intense.

My friend with the “bromance” heart in the background taken by Hugo Morel

He could sense the passion in my stories. Eventually, after speak for what seemed like 30 mins, we got our food. To his surprised, he saw I ordered food he never seen me eat before. My friend told me with a smirk on his face, “travel has really changed you. You aren’t the same person I grew up with. The Hugo I know, would eat the same food until he died.”

Taken by Hugo Morel

Those words really cut me deep. I was scared that I was becoming something that nobody back in my hometown would be able to relate to. The part of California we are from, there wasn’t much diversity at the surface. You really needed to look hard to find a Nepalese restaurant or anything diverse. All we had was awesome mexican food, some Chinese and occasional soul food. Unfortunately , that is usually it.

Still with my fears, my friend and I still had a great time. It felt great to enjoy your time with a childhood friend. All the laughs made me forget about the strom being created in my head. Best to live in the moment, being lost in thought would be disrespectful. Especially, when friends fly just to see you.

To start your own adventures, check out the link below.

April 17, 2019 16

The Gypsies of Paris

Now, something that is truly synonymous with Paris is begging. Unfortunately, when you go to France’s capital there will be a lot of gypsies begging. Sometimes, they come to you asking for your information. Other times, they will go out their way to help you in the subway for a few euros or to pickpocket you.

A homeless gypsy family in Paris brought to you by google

A tip for travelers, it’s best to avoid contact with gypsies. It truly pains me to write that; however, they do target tourists for pickpocketing and scams. I was almost pickpocketed, if it wasn’t for a fellow American warning me. One tried to distract me with asking me questions, while another would had walked by to go in my pockets.

Picture of a shanty town in Paris brought to you by google

Most gypsies live in shanty towns within the city of Paris. A lot of the shanty towns are built on abandoned train lines. As seen in the photo above, it’s hard to believe this is Paris, France. The fashion capital of the world, has it’s ugly side too.

French Police evicting gypsies brought to you by google

Sadly, majority of these shanty towns are illegal. The Gypsies living in these shanty towns can be evicted at any time. There are have recently been many police raids in these communities. Kicking 100s of families out of their temporary homes.

Gypsies enjoying themselves brought to you by Google

As nomads, gypsies tend to not want to settle down. That creates problems for the French officials. The French goverment have been pressuring gypsies to settle down. Of course, all that causes are more problems and tension. France’s solution to the gypsy “problem” is to send the gypsies back to Romania and Bulgaria. In my personal opinion, this wasn’t handled correctly. Let people live their lives!

I wrote this post to bring awareness to the struggles of the gypsy community in Paris. Being a frequent traveler, I have been told “I have the heart of a gypsy.” On a regular basis, I’m constantly having the narrative of people wanting me to stop traveling and “settle down.” I can understand what they go through, even if it’s on a smaller scale.

Thank you for reading! Much love and safe travels!!

April 13, 2019 9

Back to New York City: am I liking who I’m becoming? Post trip Blues

Coming back to my home base in New York city gets more difficult after every international trip. Unfortunately, I got a rude welcome when I returned home this time. Because of my looks, I had extra problems with the immigration officers. Since, I can pass off as a “terrorist” or “drug smuggler.” Of course, the jar of coconut candy looked too “suspicious” to the officers. Can’t blame them to be honest, they are just doing thier job. I got that candy from my time in little Africa, during my trip to Paris. So I was a little annoyed; however, everything checked out after some questioning and inspections.

Ps. I will be writing about my trip to little Africa during my time in paris. Keep on the lookout!

Nyc skyline at night taken by Hugo Morel

I love New York City to the fullest. So much culture, going to queens is like taking a plane ride to another part of the world. Being back home usually takes some time to get used to.

Waiting for the 7 train in queens taken by Hugo Morel

Eventually, you get so accustomed to being on the road. So much to a point, that post travel depression is a thing. Luckily for me, I have grown an immunity to it over the years. Although, when winter hits New York City, all I can think about is getting on the first plane to the tropics.

Still, coming back is always different. Same place and same atmosphere; however, I’m not the same. After ever trip, I come back a different person. These questions always comes back and haunt me. Am I liking the person, I’m becoming? Will my close friends and family members still accept me, the way I am now? Will my future lover dislike the person, I will slowly change into?

Another photo of NYC’s skyline taken by Hugo Morel

These are the questions, I always come back with after every trip. I just hope, I can continue to look at myself in the mirror. Currently, I’m genuinely happy because I know traveling the world is my life’s work. I can feel it in my heart. However, there’s a fear deep down that my character will be consumed by the constant travels.

Sunset over the manhattan skyline taken by Hugo Morel

I just want to stay true to who I am as a person and not forget where I come from. Not many people where I grew up become a contributing member of society. Especially, not someone with my ethnic background. I can’t help, but feel guilty at times. Why am I the lucky one that escaped? This is what goes through my mind, every time I return from a trip. I just hope, my hometown will accept me for who I will become. Also, that I don’t become arrogant and forget my humble beginnings.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels! Next week, I will be taking over again. While, Tony and his wife are in Cuba. Meeting up with them soon! Can’t wait to write about cuba and share with you all!

To start your own adventures, check out the link below.

April 10, 2019 26

Exploring Paris at Night

After seeing that famous tower , I wanted to explore the city as much as possible. I was told by a few local friends, France’s capital really shines at night. When I heard that, there was no turning back.

Paris becomes a jewel at night. Every turn takes your breath away. The more I explored, the more I could see why this place is called “the city of love.”

Another shot of the Canal taken by Hugo Morel

Unfortunately, I couldn’t shake off that feeling of being alone. Here I was, in the most romantic city in the world; while being single. It wasn’t the most pleasant moment of this trip. Kept thinking of all the broken promises of going to Paris, I made with a former lover. Maybe if I was nicer to her or richer, she might had stayed with me. This wasn’t a pity party, just the first time loneliness really hit me in this manner. Even with these negative feelings, I wasn’t going to let it ruin my time in Paris!!

A picture of the Eiffel Tower at night taken by Hugo Morel

The Eiffel tower is so beautiful at night. It’s hard not to take a good picture. Paris was slowly becoming one of my favorite cities in Europe. The French capital’s beauty is second to none in Europe.

Passed by Norte Dame where that one Disney movie was staged at. Seeing it in real life, brings a different vibe to it. Kind of expected to see talking gargoyles. I was a little disappointed. Really did not live up to the Disney movie. Also, hunchback of Notre Dame is my least favorite movie by Disney. Still feel bad for the guy. Forgive my bias views, the Notre Dame was beautiful at night; yet, I wasn’t impressed. Also, I hope you understand sarcasm.

Building with the french colors taken by Hugo Morel

Paris is something incredible at night. Beats Prague and any other European city. I could see why this city is called the city of love. You fall in love with the city and it’s astounding beauty.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

To start your own adventures, check out the link below.

April 6, 2019 35