Reminiscing on the Italian countryside (last post of The year)

Our time in Florence was done, we had to leave. We decided to drive overnight, so we could arrive at our next destination during day light hours. I was not driving, so I didn’t complain.

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Florence, Italy at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel  

Not sure if any of you have ever did an overnight drive, it usually involves sleeping in uncomfortable positions. If you are the driver or drivers, it means you have to drink a lot coffee. Luckily we were in Italy, there were decent amount of coffee brands here. Most Italian cafes/bars usually do not charge more than an 1.5 euro for a cup. That is something definitely worth remembering. I’m not much of a coffee person, so this suggestion may hold much value to most caffeine enthusiasts.  However, I really enjoyed the Lavazza coffee. It’s a Italian brand of coffee. To me, it tasted better than anything you can get at Starbucks.

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somewhere in Italy photo courtesy of Hugo Morel 

Woke up a few hours later, somewhere in the countryside of Italy. I had no idea where we were are at. All I knew was we were somewhere in Italy. It’s hard to picture how far we drove and what city or town was nearby. Time and distance became foreign to me.

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Somewhere in the middle of Italy photo courtesy of Hugo Morel 

I got lost in my mind like most tired travelers on the road usually do. Of course, you always have those people on a road trip asking, “Are we there yet?” Then came that one person who wanted to play the I Spy game. We kindly told them to stop and just enjoy the view. Since we don’t know, if we will ever see such beauty again.

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Passing an Italian hay farm photo courtesy of Hugo Morel  

As the distractions quieted down, I started to embrace the moment. Italy looks so much like California. I know mentioned this before but the hills and the yellow grass reminded me of when I was a kid. The memories of my parents and relatives doing road trips to all parts of California came up. From Lake Tahoe to San Diego, seeing the state to the fullest were memories I hold dear in my mind.  I didn’t realized it at that time, my family were doing their best to open our horizons. They wanted to make sure we knew there was a life for us outside of all the negativity. In the end, it worked. My cousins and I that went on those road trips didn’t fall into the traps. None of us ended in jail or prison, which is difficult to say coming from the places we lived or grew up. I can not recommend enough how important travel should be to the development of the younger generations.

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Screenshot of viewers and their countries

Just want to say Thank you much everyone!! This year has been a great experience of personal and professional growth. I hope to continue showing you all the world! We grew so much on views for this blog. It’s really hard to believe people from all over the world actually like reading what you have to say.  Hope you all had an awesome year and that all your goals for 2020 are accomplished. Stay safe and healthy!

Thank you so much for reading!!! Much love!

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

Merry Christmas from New York City! 🎄

As we open our presents on this day, I would love to show you all the beauty of New York City at this time. Going to NYC during Christmas time should be on everybody’s bucket list. Hopefully, my photos will capture this beauty.

The Christmas themed shopping photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Something about NYC captures the Christmas spirit. Maybe it’s the fact that I used to travel here as a kid around this time or just the beauty of the buildings. Either way, Im sure through the photos you can see how transparent the Christmas spirit can be. Or at least, you can see why NYC captures that spirit.

Looking at the decorations photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Been to Rockefeller park so many times during Christmas. I decided to go to the World trade Center this year to look around and take photos. Since, this place was rebuilt in recent years. I figured why not? It’s been opened for about 5 to 7 years now. Defintely, worth the subway ride.

The light tunnels photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Every year, they have a new design for Christmas. So it’s never the same. What you see in these photos will mostly only be seen this year. These are memories that are worth treasuring in your mind.

oculus world trade center entrance photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It’s hard not to walk around with a smile on your face. Families from around the world enjoying their time with the decorations. The small carts selling gingerbread cookies and other Christmas goods. Sure, this is capitalism at it’s best; However, all the Santa post cards would make the child in you smile.

Freedom tower with Christmas theme photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and spend time with your love ones! Stay safe!!

Thank you so much for reading!!! Much love!

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.
We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

Twas The night before Christmas in Madrid (sunshine blog award 🌞)

Twas the night before Christmas, somewhere there was a kid secretly opening their presents without the adults knowing. When I was a toddler, that kid opening presents early was me. The Christmas spirit filled me with so much nostalgia. At one point in my life, it was my favorite time of the year.

Madrid’s most famous Christmas tree photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Seeing families with their children running home put a smile on my face. Everybody looked happy and relaxed. The Puerta Del Sol was packed with people. All eyes fixed on the neon lighted Christmas tree. I was in lost for words. This tree lived up to the hype.

Famous statue del puerta del sol photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The texture and patterns of the lights were so interesting. It felt like Times Square when the ball drop for new year’s. The Spanish public square was completely packed. Everywhere you turned, there was a person with a camera. Had to get out the main part of Puerta Del Sol to take a photo. It was almost impossible to get close to the tree.

The entrance to Puerta del sol photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Still with all these people, I was loving the moment. People were all together celebrating something positive. Not sure, why that stood out to me. Maybe because I feared someone or something would make a negative out this celebration. Luckily, everything was relaxed. You didn’t even see police with guns imposing like you do in the USA. There was no sense of intensity here. Just smilingly faces with joyful expressions.

Christmas lights Madrid photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started walking back to my Airbnb apartment. The thought about of my family came to my mind. I wonder how they were doing. I spoke with my parents and everything was fine. What made me pounder, were my cousins. We used to be so close. Yearly, I used to celebrate Christmas with them. Around this time as kids, my brother and I used to travel to New York City to visit. Sadly as you get older, sometimes family bonds fade away. Who you considered your love ones, don’t always want to show you love back. Please, treasure the good moments with your love ones. You never know what the future has in store! Regradless of how I was feeling, loved my time in Madrid.

Hey everyone we got nominated for the sunshine award!!

I Want to say thank you to chocoviv. She is someone who is always positive! I really recommend reading her blog! Here is the link! Even when everything is not going her way, she alway looks at the bright side of things. Her blog is for people who love positivity. Truly honoured that she reads my blog post 🙂

The Sunshine Blogger Award Rules :

  • Thank the blogger (s) who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog.
  • List the rules and display an award logo on your blog.
  • Answer the 11 questions the blogger (s) asked you.
  • Nominate 11 other bloggers to receive the award and notify them by commenting on any of their posts.
  • Ask the nominees 11 new questions.

Questions

1) Do you celebrate Christmas? If not, do you celebrate any special day in December?

Yes, I celebrate Christmas. However, the way My family and I celebrate it is different than the main stream. It’s more about eating food than exchanging presents. Our meals are the presents.

2) What book are you reading right now?

Currently reading the 48 laws of power.

3) Netflix or YouTube?

Youtube all the way. Since most of it is free.

4) Favourite movie?

The movie Hugo. It’s crazy how it has my name as the movie’s title and I could relate it to struggle of the main character.

5) Favourite artist?

Don’t really have a favorite. For some reason Bob Marley is the first to come to mind.

6) Dream vacation location?

Antarctica! Currently planning on going there soon!

7) When did you start blogging?

About 4 years ago

8) Why did you start blogging?

My friend recommended me to start blogging. Sadly he just wanted to use me.

9) Do you like using gift bags or are you a wrap-expert?

We don’t do normal gifts. Our meals are the gifts. So i guess plastic bags.

10) Favourite childhood toy?

A teddy bear i called Pacheco. I losted it somewhere.

11) Go to friend’s house or host the party at your own place?

Probably go to a friend’s house. I hate when people are at my home. Things tend to go missing.

Alright! Time for my questions!!

1) what are your plans for next year?

2) How are you going to make sure those goals are accomplished for next year?

3) What is the favorite place you traveled to?

4) Do you like to travel alone or with friends?

5) what is the funniest travel story you experienced?

6) Does it snow this time of the year where you live?

7) When did you start blogging?

8) Do you enjoying blogging?

9) What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

10) What made you smile the hardest this year?

11) What are your travel plans for next year?

Blogs nominated for this award:

https://empowerandbalance.wordpress.com/

https://rebeccagoesrendezvous.wordpress.com/

https://kristalynhartley.wordpress.com/

https://amomentwithme.com/

https://thehuntress915.wordpress.com/

https://rosesintherubble.com/

https://bobbiblogger.wordpress.com/

https://thetravelingtodds.com/

https://adventuresfromelle.com/

https://streetsofnuremberg.com/

https://angelartstar.wordpress.com/

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love! Happy holidays everywheres

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.
We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

Being reintroduced to Florence, Italy

There’s something special about revisiting a place. From landmarks you didn’t see to overlooking the small street corners, experiencing a destination should be done more than once. You get to appericate the location more.

The Arno river running through Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As my friends and I started walking/exploring, we eventually stumble across this river. Although I saw this river in my last trip here, I did not realize the name of it. Nor, did I noticed this is Florence main artery. It’s pipeline to the sea. Just imagine the boats that sailed here during the Middle ages in Florence’s prime. The sight must had been amazing. Picture the colors of the sails and caragos that merchants were bringing from Pisa. Sometimes I wish I had a time machine, that would be some next level of sightseeing.

The dome of Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After some time, we got to the Florence dome. Probably my favorite landmark in all of Italy. The appearance just attracts me. The patterns and colors always makes my imagination run wild. Everytime I see this, I keep thinking of the Renaissance. Again, I truly wish there was a time machine somewhere. Maybe I could borrow it for some time (Yes, that was a horribly executed pun).

Random rooftops in Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Being here with just adults is liberating. You do not have to be constantly looking to see where the child ran off to. There’s a level of stress that is gone. I can see why old couples tend to travel the world together. There’s a higher level of being in the moment you get without having to overlook someone else. I usually travel alone or with friends, so this is the only place I really had to babysit while traveling. The comparison of the two is good to know before jumping into parenthood. I know I will still travel; however, it would be more for educating my children about the world.

The side tower of dome photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once again, Florence is a place I really enjoyed. Being reintroduced to Florence has made me appericate the beauty of this city. There’s so much history here. It’s hard not to get lost in the historic sites. Truly a destination for people who love history.

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love! Happy holidays everyone!!

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.
We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

Exploring Madrid (Christmas Eve Edition)

It was Christmas Eve today, I had to explore before everything starts to close for the holiday. Walking around I was surprised to see how clean this city was. The locals were very friendly. Probably because of the jolly Christmas spirit lighted a fire in their smiles.

The bay faces of Madrid photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Madrid is a city full of diversity. Not just with immigrants from all over the world. The Spanish capital has someone from every corner of Spain. It’s so interesting seeing people speaking one of Spain’s many languages.

View from the train station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Kept exploring, until I ended up near a central train station. Apparently, the train station was closed due to Christmas. Wandering around, I was asked to take a photo of fellow tourists. They were from Mexico City. Spoke with them about the current affairs in Spain and Mexico. We had such an interesting conversation, they recommended me to go to Mexico City. They even offered to show me around. It’s so crazy, how one conversation can lead to a new contact. Not sure why random people have so much faith in me.

The beautiful building photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After meeting new friends, I started walking towards this beautiful looking building. As shown in the picture above, it looked like a church in Latin America. Seeing the Spanish architecture mixed with other European styles left me in awe.

Madrid’s Christmas tree photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Ended up going to Puerta del Sol. I was told to come here to see the Christmas tree by locals. They told me the tree is very beautiful at night. I couldn’t wait to see what the hype was about. This reminded me of my childhood going to Union square in San Francisco to see the Christmas tree.

Building with the west side story banner photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As the sun was setting, I readying myself for the night. Found a restaurant that sold chocolate dipped churros. I always thought this was a Mexican snack. However, the Spaniards claim they invited it. Either way, night was upon us. Let’s see what it had to offer. Who knew that night would be so beautiful.

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love!

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.
We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

A revisit of Florence

After going through a long drive, we made it to center of art. The city that put the Italian Renaissance on the map. I couldn’t wait to see what I have missed the first time.

Florence at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It was 9pm or 21:00 when we arrived. Most European cities have such a sophisticated glow during nighttime. I know I mentioned that before In another post. However, it’s something that constantly in your face. No big buildings with flashy lights gives an unforgettable charm. Unfortunately, we were all too tired to explore. We would have to wait until the morning.

Florence cathedral in the backgrounf photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As soon as the sun came out, we were out and about. Going through Florence felt interesting. Revisiting a place without having to worry about kids was amazing. Looking over kids in place like Florence is a hard task. Especially, if that kid’s family is conservative. With all the naked statues, a few awkward moments came up.

A home in Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As we strolled along, I noticed this home. Almost felt jealous of the people that live here. I know Italy is not a perfect place; however, eating pasta on a daily basis with a side of wine is something of dreams. The more I thought about this house, the more I noticed it’s almost carved into the hill. Got hit back into reality, when my travel friends reminded me to keep walking. I have always been the type of person to get lost in my head. With that reminder, my adventures in Florence were just starting!

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love!

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.
We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

My first time in Madrid, Spain

Landed in Madrid on December 23 , two days before Christmas. The flight from Tangier to Madrid was about an hour long and costed me 25 dollars. I never been to Spain, so I was super excited to see what this city had to offer.

Picture of a bodega in Madrid photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Took a taxi from Madrid’s international airport to my Airbnb apartment. Got into a conversation with the taxi driver about the current affairs in Spain. Barcelona really wants independence. They been fighting for it recently and it’s had become more intense. I was told to not speak Spanish to locals in Barcelona. It might cause a fight.

Flan in spain photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once settled, I had to eat. I haven’t eaten since being in Morocco. There was no food given out on that flight. Maybe, that’s why it was so cheap.

Found a place near the apartment I rented out. It was owned by a Chinese couple. It was interesting to see Chinese people speak Spanish with Spaniard accent. It was kind of mind blowing to be honest.

Sangería photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Of course, I ordered rice with beans. For desert, it was flan with a glass of sangria. These are so common in Latin American countries that I almost felt at home. Speaking Spanish was so simple and natural to me. Coming from Morocco, having people around that spoke Spanish felt like 10 tons of weight left my shoulders. Compared to my time in Morocco, they only spoke french and arabic. Few spoke English or Spanish.

People were surprised to hear me speak Spanish with a non-Spaniard accent. They couldn’t believe I was from the USA. Americans really don’t have a good reputation around the world. I’m constantly reminded of it. PS. We are known as culturally ignorant. Please, make sure we change their views.

Madrid street with Christmas decorations photo courtesy of hugo Morel

Once my meal was done, I walked around little bit. Didn’t want to go too far because getting lost was not my ideal situation at the moment. I usually wait for the second day. Got back to my apartment and was ready for the next morning.

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love!

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.
We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

Travel horror story at Motel 6

Didn’t think I was going to survive on this. Well, maybe I’m being a little dramatic right now. However, the story I’m about to tell you will make you feel uncomfortable with this motel brand.

On the way to Richmond, Virginia photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

We were going to Richmond, Virginia for a business event. All the nearby hotels were full. The only choice was Motel 6. I have used them in the past when I went on a road trip across the USA. However, nothing could prepare me for what was in store.

Entrance to motel 6 photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When I got to my room, noticed I was not alone. Two cockroaches made thier presences known when I moved my pillow. I was not bothered by it too much; however, it was a clear sign this isn’t a well kept motel.

A few hours pasted by, heard people screaming in the other room. Unfortunately, I was hearing stds being exchanged.

Motel 6 sign photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, I heard a fight broke out next door. From what I overheard, the prostitute’s client got into a fight with her pimp. I felt so unsafe and uncomfortable. The police came with what looked like guns. Apparently, it was much more than just prostitution. It seems like drugs were involved. While all this was happening next door, I was trying to fall asleep with my two new cockroach friends.

After some time, arrests were made. Didn’t think it was going to ever end. I was annoyed that I paid the motel for this experience. Had to call the corporate number to get a refund. Never again will I stay at a Motel 6.

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love!

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe
For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!
For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.
We have partnered up with booking.com and working on TripAdvisor. Here are some links for each hope you all enjoy!

Here are links to hotels and other deals.

For Hotels, make sure to click here. For apartments make sure to click here. For Resorts click here. For villas click here. For bed and breakfast and for Guest houses, make sure to click the links!

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