The natural beauty of Southern Iceland

The day after exploring the lava cave, I decided to take a tour of southern Iceland. Alot of people were telling me how beautiful the southern part of the island was. Everybody at my hostel was over selling me on it. Was a little suspicious about it at first. Yet, looking back, it was all worth it.

Screenshot of southern iceland in google map courtesy of Hugo Morel

A tour bus picked me up from my hostel in Reykjavík. And the two and a half hour long ride started. After a butt-numbing sit down, we got to the southern part of iceland. Our first stop was seeing an ice glacier. Like a kid about to go to the candy store, I was eagered to see this Arctic beauty.

Landscape of southern Iceland photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When we got there, I was in complete awe. I never seen ice naturally in the color blue. Still trying to understand it. Coming for a place where it never snowed, this was something I will keep forever in my memories. As a kid, I remember we used to drive 6 hours just to see snowfall. Seeing this glacier pulled my heart strings.

Ice glacier photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Freezing, I had to take a photo. While doing this, our tour guide gave us the history of this ice beauty. According to him, this glacier is about 20,000 years old. Sadly, climate change has been melting this majestic formation of ice. He told us that it has about 4 more years before it’s completely melted. Seeing the impact we human have towards our environment in person, really changes you. It made me want to go green and recycle as much as possible. Make sure to visit Iceland and see these ice beauties in person.

More landscape photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

We started to walk away from the glacier. Our group was walking slowly. When I wasn’t taking photos, I was talking to people on our tour. Met people from The United Kingdom and other parts of Europe. Most were friendly and others were too focused in the beautiful nature. Me, I was wondering about the person in the photo above. That right leg looks awkwardly bent. Also, that was badly executed sarcasm.

Skógafoss waterfalls photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

We later went to the waterfall called Skógafoss. I tried not to get too close. There was a lot water vaper from the falls. Had to watch it from far. Still it was very beautiful. The fact that the water has not been frozen over, still dumbfounds me. Iceland, one day I will understand your majestic nature.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

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

May 25, 2019 41

Exploring Iceland’s lava caves

After spending some time exploring what was near my hostel, the big event came. Today, I would be exploring a lava cave in Iceland. I was super excited and had no idea what to expect. Rented out water proof clothing because I’m not from the Arctic. So, I had no idea what to wear!

Iceland landscape just outside of Iceland’s lava cave taken by Hugo Morel

The awesome thing about Iceland is all the opportunities for tourists to see it’s natural beauty. The packages are not that expensive; however, they aren’t that cheap neither. This tour costed me about 65 usa dollars. Also, I was very much a tourist on this trip. No regerts!!

Entrance to the lava cave taken by Hugo Morel

It was about a 30 minute drive from Reykjavík. I was so excited and had no idea what to expect. When we got there, we were welcomed with a few openings that lead underground. The scenery was out of this world. Iceland’s landscape is so beautiful. Makes me not miss the city life.

My tour group taken by Hugo Morel

Once inside, you get a smell of rotten eggs. Which come from the lava that made this cave. It’s a lot warmer inside, than it is outside. I went with a group and met fellow Americans. I could tell by thier accent that they were from the south.

The lava cave’s terrian taken by Hugo Morel

The further we went into the cave, the harder it became to stand up straight. The ceiling of the cave dropped to where a normal human adult would have to crouch or crawl. With the uneven flooring, it was rough passing through. One of the Americans I met was 6 foot and 8 inches. He must had a very difficult time.

Icicles taken by Hugo Morel

Occasionally, we would get in the path of these icicles. With the fear of getting one of my eyes poked out, I never looked up. Just focused forward and backwards. It’s super crazy that I was doing this.

We went through the whole cave, up into the point where it was almost impossible for human adults to move around. From what our tour guide told us, in Icelandic culture the tunnels are known for having elves.

The exit of the ice cave taken by Hugo Morel

Learning a little about the folklore made me more interested in the topic. However, that’s another story for a future post.

More Iceland’s landscape outside of the lava cave take by Hugo Morel

Once we got of the lava cave, I was completely excused. I got my workout for the day exploring that cave. Truly an experience that I will never forget. Make sure add this adventure to your itinerary, when in Iceland.

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

May 18, 2019 24

Going to Iceland in the winter

Yes, you read right! I went to the land of ice during winter time. This crazy kid from california went to Iceland. At least, that’s what all my family members were telling me. But hey, you can’t really blame me for jumping on 200 dollars round trip tickets.

The flight from New York City to Keflavík international airport was about 4 and a half hours. I took an overnight flight. Literally, dozed off and I was in Iceland. The flight was very smooth. It was surprising because I expected to go through snow clouds.

Google map of how far Keflavik International Airport is from Iceland’s capital

Landed in Keflavik International Airport. It is about an hour away from the capital Reykjavík. The great thing about iceland is that there are a lot of tour companies that will pick you up at the airport and drop you off at your accommodation. Their prices are reasonable and they come every hour.

Me sitting at the hostel’s main lobby taken by Hugo Morel

Once I got to my hostel, I was very interested in getting to explore Iceland. Left all my luggage in my room and it was time to see this Nordic country. There was no time to waste.

Went outside and all I could feel was the harsh cold wind. I was definitely not in California anymore. Holding up my phone and camera to take pictures was like putting dry ice on your hands. The low temperatures kept stinging my fingers. Even with all that, I made sure to take pictures for you all!

As the finger-numbing wind kept blowing, I knew I was in viking land. Can’t wait to see what this country has to offer. The adventures and the experiences that I had in this in country, will stay with me for the rest of my life. I can’t wait to share it with you all.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

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

May 11, 2019 33

My last hours in Paris: reflections at the Louvre Museum

As my time in Paris was coming to an end, I wanted to make the most out of my time. Decided to eat at a Burger restaurant my local friends recommended. Had to take a picture of the menu, this is what the french think about Americans. Burgerz and french fries named after the current USA President. We truly have a bad reputation around the world.

Once my Burger was done and in my stomach, I left to go to the Louvre Museum. Took the short subway ride to the location. Wasn’t truly sure what to expect. I’m not really someone who likes going to museums.

Building with French flags taken by Hugo Morel

When I got out of the subway station, I was greeted with this awesome looking building. I just had to take a picture of it. Paris has so much beauty every where you go. Eventually, I entered the museum courtyard. Didn’t bother to pay the fee to go downstairs. I just wanted to relax and have some me time.

Outside view of Louvre Museum taken by Hugo Morel

Found a place to sit down and people watch. Yeah, I became an elder at heart. I love taking in the moment and seeing how people react to the museum’s pyramids.

I eventually got up to walk by the pyramids. These pyramids in Louvre Museum were made out of glass. They were made by a Chinese-American architect. It’s actually the entrance to the museum and a landmark to the city. It’s still hard to believe that I went to Egypt and saw the real pyramids. Until this day, it still shocks me.

The entrance to the Louvre Museum taken by Hugo Morel

Something about seeing people walking to the entrance reminded me of all my travels. Looking back at my experiences, life is such an adventure. You never really think your life is exicting or interesting, until you are forced to write about it. Where I come from, traveling to Europe is so out of reach. Looking back, you never really take account on how far you have came. I accomplished so much for some random ghetto kid from California.

Ps. I really recommend you all get a journal and write about your life experiences. You will be surprised at your achievements!

The suburbs of Paris taken by Hugo Morel

Finally my time was up. Off to the airport, I went. I’m going back home, as a person with more confidence. I can walk a little taller knowing I’m breaking barriers by traveling.

Reflecting on the beauty of Paris, I can see why people fall in love with this place. Unfortunately, my love affair with Paris was more like a fling. My time here was short. Still, I couldn’t wait for my next adventure and to start a new chapter.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

May 4, 2019 28