My short time in Casablanca, Morocco

Once we arrived to Casablanca, my new friend show me where to buy the high-speed tickets. Knowing this helped me save 3 hours on my next trip. Which would had been 6 hours. Half the time saved meant more to spend in my next location.

A view of casablanca photo courtesy of hugo morel

The next morning, I woke up cold. It was winter time here. Casablanca is a lot colder than Marrakech. It actually felt like December up here. Had to wear all my winter clothes like I never left New York City. Hard to believe because most of my first impressions of North Africa was the heat. However, it was almost freezing.

views of the road with the sun photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

another of the sun photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Left the room I rented on air bnb to head towards the Casablanca’s train station. I wanted to see a little bit of this city. I was going to head up north soon. There wasn’t much time for me to explore the business capital of Morocco.

A view Casa Voyageurs photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started wandering around the Casa Voyageurs train station. I was slowly noticing a lot of American businesses like Starbucks around. It’s crazy to think the center of hipsterville (starbucks) was in Morocco. Yes, this is definitely not the Africa the media likes to portrays. Even saw hipster Moroccans, which is something that I’m still trying to process.

Another view of Casa Voyageurs photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Casablanca felt like a normal European city; yet, mixed with it’s own culture. The time I spent in the taxi to get to Casa Voyageurs, I saw how differnt Casablanca was to Marrakech. For those who don’t know, Casa Voyageurs is Casablanca’s main train station. Marrakech actually felt and looked like a tropical french metropolitan built similar to Paris. However, Casablanca was like I was really in Paris at times. In parts, you didn’t feel like you were in Africa. It just felt so European. I literally thought the eiffel tower was just around the corner. To my dislike, my time here was ending and it was time for me to leave. This is a place, I have to visit again and explore. However, I was going further north, closer to spain. Let’s see what more Morocco had to offer.

Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!

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

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For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

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April 29, 2020 6

Just want to say thank you and this metal might keep you healthy

This last month, everybody has been dealing with losses. From family members to having the freedom to travel for fun. The beginning of 2020 has been hard for all of us. The worry of losing a love one has been on our minds.

I have been impacted so hard. Almost to the point of just giving up on everything. Yet, all the positive comments and the heartwarming messages I got. These helped me so much from getting out of a dark place. I lost two family members this month. The worst part is, we couldn’t be there when they passed away. Nor, at the funeral until the lockdown is over. It’s still hard to believe.

So please everyone, look into this. For a health tip, any copper alloys like bronze or brass helps kill 90% of germs and viruses. Studies have shown that covid-19 can live up to 4 hours on copper. Opposed to other materials. Copper has healing properies that kills off germs. Here are some links.

https://www.insider.com/does-copper-kill-germs-and-viruses

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial_properties_of_copper

Also, a video I made on copper.

To my great-aunt who was always filled with energy and with a smile. You beat cancer but you couldn’t beat this outbreak. I remember the times I used to visit you during summer. You lived in that same place in Brooklyn for over 50 years. It won’t be the same without you.

Please stay safe everyone!

April 28, 2020 23

Exploring Limerick at Night and learning about Irish history

Exploring a city at night is something you always have to be careful. Especially, if you aren’t a local or aren’t a friend of one. However, since it was my last night in Ireland. I wanted to make the best out of my time. I spoke with my air bnb host before going out and exploring. She assured me that Limerick in general is very safe. Just don’t go out flashing your new iphone or watches. So becareful when exploring this city at night.

20190902_161544 — A beautiful view of downtown photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Walked and found this beautiful river. I couldn’t resist the colors and the view. It was on a bridge connecting the residential to the downtown. It was a very humbling experience. I was so far from home and so far from where I grew up. Kind of wish, some of my childhood friends could see this with me.

Another view of the river and downtown photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Kept walking further on the bridge. Found a statue, sadly I had no idea what it meant at the time. Had to google it after the trip. Learned so much from the Irish and the history of the people.

Statue of a general that died in the rebellion photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

So this statue is one of the many memorials to honor the Easter Rising. The Easter Rising is an important part of the Irish history. It started on Easter week of 1916. During the time of World War One. Irish Republicans started a rebellion to get independence from United Kingdom. There were other rebellions before this one. However, this was the one that ultimately lead to having majority support of an independent Ireland.

A description of 1916 but of course, I didn’t read photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Of course, at that time I was clueless of standing next to history. Sometimes you don’t value where you have been until after the fact. Kept walking reckless without trying to remember my path. Unfortunately, that would be a problem later on.

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For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

April 25, 2020 0

Riding a train from Marrakech to Casablanca

Finally, it was my time to board the train. It felt like 10 hours of waiting. Something funny happened to me while waiting. This lady that was sitting next time told me in arabic, “watch over my bags while I go to the bathroom.” I had no idea what she was saying. However, she thought I was Moroccan. After about 15 minutes, she came back. Grabbed her bags and thanked me in Arabic. Replied with the little arabic I know, “shukraan” meaning thanks. She found out that I obviously didn’t speak arabic. She told what she asked in English. We laughed and I made a new friend. That’s what life is about. Meeting people and making memories.

On the platform waiting for the train photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once on-board the train, I went to the first class section. There was like a 7 dollar difference from the main cabin to the first class seats. It was a no brainer. Sat on my seat, I was surprised to see how beautiful the trains were. The west gives bad media attention towards africa. Trust me people, it’s not as backwards as you all think.

When the train arrived photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

My cabin mates for this journey came and got to their seats. After about ten minutes, the train was in motivation. The crew operating the train came to check out tickets. He had to look at my ticket twice because it had the wrong date on it. The worker at the Marrakech station printed out the wrong ticket. I didn’t noticed because my mind was elsewhere. Reluctantly, I had to buy the ticket again. All this because I missed my frist train. Moral of the story, always google the current time when in a forgien country.

The train company is called Atlas Photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

One of my cabin mates spoke English. He understood what happened and explained to me that I can get a refund at the Casablanca station. We ended speaking about the current affairs of Morocco. He told me this french and Arabic speaking country has Africa’s first high-speed train.

The further the train went into Morocco, the deeper my new friend and I had conversations about entrepreneurship went. He owns a few businesses and a travel agency. Found out he was going to Casablanca too. Sadly, there were two Scandinavian girls were killed.

A photo of murdered Danish student Louisa Vesterager Jespersen (L) and Nowegian Maren Ueland placed on top of flowers as Moroccans pay tribute to the victims. Photo: Fadel Senna/AFP

My new friend showed his anger towards the terrorists that committed murder. He explained that terrorism is not Islam. This is something I already knew from my travels to Egypt. He let me know that terrorist groups create chaos to prevent progress. Morocco has just built their high-speed trains and opended up thier country more for tourism. This makes the extremist groups furious. It almost a reminder of my views towards the average muslim. They just want peace.

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For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

April 22, 2020 13

Why travel means to be alive

For many, travel is just a hobby. Most people take the ability to travel for granted. Yet, travel is so much more. During these hard times, traveling is looked in a negative light. However, I’m writing to spread light and hope for a better future.

When speaking with my grandparents, they always told me that they could had traveled more. You are full of life don’t let it go to waste. One of the most common things to do in someone’s bucketlist is to travel to a place. Why live a life of what could have been, when you can live a life of why not? Growing up that was my biggest fear. The fear of the unknown. Not knowing what could happen made me not want to take action.

I was stuck inside a mental box. Until, I had my first internatonal flight as an adult. I went to Panama and saw how wonderful the people were. Saw how different Latin America was than what is shown on television. The nature, the lakes, the canal and the skyscappers looked something from a dream. It opened my eyes to so many possibilities. Travel is the best teacher. You get to learn so much about the world, while living it. Once this global lockdown is over, I encourage you to travel and make your own memories. To me, living life is to make memories. When I get old, I will have amazing stories to tell to my kids and grandchildren. Hopefully, they will pass on thier amazing stories. Who knows, their travels might be to other planets! Remember to live your life because people everyday don’t have that choice. Regardless of what is going on, remember to smile. Be that light, you never know who you are helping out.

Of course, take care of yourself while traveling. It’s best to wear masks and gloves. Make sure to stay fit to keep the immune system strong.

Much love and stay healthy!

April 21, 2020 88

A public health announcement

As we get further into this lockdown, many people are getting restless and want to go out. So much that they are doing protesting marches in michagan. There has been restrictions lifts in Jacksonville, Florida. The state of florida reopens beaches during the time covid-19 cases have been rising in the state. I dislike like politics and I prefer not to speak it. However, I have to mention this.

If your local government lifts the lockdown, please watch your hands when outside and inside. Try to wear a mask and gloves. Although the virus might not cause you much harm, it could cause your love ones their lives. Whether directly or indirectly, it could cause harm. I’m writing this because I have seen a few people close to me die. I didn’t think this virus much was stronger than a flu. After speaking to people who had it, I can confirm it’s stronger than the flu. I’m lucky, that I was never infected. Please everybody, once the restrictions are lifted near you. Remember to wash your hands, wear gloves and/or a mask until we have a vaccine.

I understand, I’m not a doctor nor am I part of the world health organization and the world needs to start up again. I’m just a person who cares and don’t want others to experience what my family did.

Stay safe everybody and keep healthy! Much love and safe travels!

We will get back to normal posting next week!

April 18, 2020 4

Waiting like a kid and missing my train at the Marrakesh station

After eating that wonderful ice cream, I went back into the station. I was so excited to be able to do this. Since I was a kid, I told my father that I will do a long train travel in Africa. Here I am as an adult, about to do what I claimed I would more than a decade ago. Hopefully in the future, I will do more than one country on a train! You get to see more of the countryside than being on flight.

Kfc In morocco photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I was excited to see Morocco by train. Starting off at Marrakesh with a stop in Casablanca, this train journey will end up in Tangier. Tangier is almost across the sea from Spain. It’s on the very tip of northwest morocco. So, I was almost seeing the whole country on train. My face had the brightest smile. You can’t say dreams don’t come true. For at that moment, I was living in one.

An American real estate company photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Per-ordered my train tickets from a local agency. It was a little more expensive buying them in person. In Morocco, you can’t buy train tickets online with a foreign card. If you are using a foreign card, you have to buy everything in person. That’s why I used a local agency, they assure to buy your tickets ahead of time. Most of the extra money went to a good cause. The agency helps with local troubled youth, so I wasn’t mad.

A bird’s eye view of the train station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Waiting to board the train was dreadful. It’s like a kid waiting in line to go to Disneyland. Every ten minutes, I would look at my watch. Wondering when I will board. With very little public WiFi spots, I had to find something to pass my time. Pulled out a book to read; however, I put it back in fear of losing track of time. It was one of those moments, where you were frustrated going back and fourth on what to do.

The entrance of the train station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Of course, that’s what happened even without reading my book. I missed calculated the time difference and apparently my phone did too. I missed my train and had to take another one, two hours later. Which means more waiting like that kid in line at the Disneyland entrance. This was just the start to something more complicated. However, that didn’t stop me from having a good time.

Hey, everyone!! I’m sorry I haven’t responded to your comments and not making a post yesterday. It’s been a rough three weeks for me. Lost two close people recently. Also, on Monday I just lost an uncle to the virus. It’s very hard for me and everyone lately. I”m terribly sorry once again. I promise to reply to every comment by this weekend. Please stay safe everyone. Wash your hands!! Safe travels and much love!

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.

April 15, 2020 11

Value those who helped you

In these hard times, You have to reflect on the people that helped out on the road we call life. We all have been through some very tough situations. Unless, you are extremely lucky. We should all know those times when you needed help. Whether, it was early on in life, later or somewhere in the middle.

climbing helping team work , success concept

There were times, I had no idea what I was going to do with my life. I was sad and depressed about the future. Goals seemed like unrealistic dreams. I was very fortunate to have met some amazing people that helped me when I was down. I value them dearly, even if we don’t talk or aren’t on good terms. They will always hold a warm place in my memories. Those people saw me for me. A human who wanted to do something positive in live. They gave me a helping hand when I was hopeless and taught me skills that I would use for a life time.

During this outbreak, I lost a few of those people. Some I spoke to the other day, others a few years ago. Regardless of how close we were or how far apart we grew, that kindness is still there. That act of giving hope to humanity is still there.

In memory of Wend HU, my travels wouldn’t had been possible without the skills you taught me

You don’t really know how much someone does for you, until they are gone. I was a 22 year old straight out of college learning about zoning laws, liquor licenses and advertisements. Learned so many skills that I use on a daily basis. Thank you so much Wendy for everything you done. It was always with a smile on your face. Rip Wendy Hu, you will be missed!

Please everyone, stay safe. The hospitals are filled with sick people. Value those that helped and care about you. Remember to wash your hands with tons of soap!

April 11, 2020 13

Hello…. Morocco you are kind of French

Morocco, a country I always wanted to visit. A place with lots of history and culture. I couldn’t wait to explore this French and Arabic speaking country. I heard there were parts of Morocco that had tons of green grass. I wanted to see that in person. I’m sure like most people, when they think about North Africa sand, and endless deserts comes to mind.

Marrakesh airport photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I arrived at the Marrakesh airport. I was somewhat in a hurry because my accommodation was in Casablanca. Didn’t really get to explore Marrakesh like most tourists. Plus, I wanted to go across country in a short time. Only had a few days, no time to explore like usual. Which means, I will most likely visit morocco again!

Outside of the Marrakesh train station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I just wandered around the city’s train station. Just from going around, you noticed the difference between Egypt and Morocco. Egypt felt like an African country mixed with the Middle East. Morocco is very different. In Egypt, the Arab culture is a lot more integrated in the culture and buildings. People were more conservative. However, Morocco is different. There were a lot of women without hijabs here. In Egypt, they had this too. But, in Egypt those without hijabs were mainly Christians or women from a high class family.

Sitting at the table waiting for my ice cream photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Morocco felt more like I was in a tropical part of Paris. Maybe it was the French street signs that threw me off. You can even see the roads having a European look. It’s a reminder that Morocco was once a French colony. Egypt was not like this. The roads in Egypt, were more middle eastern looking. Although Morocco is a Muslim majority country, it’s very liberal compared to most countries in the Arab world. Also, there is a movement going on in North Africa to get rid of being called Arab. Some even letting go of the Muslim faith. Morocco is actually at the center of that movement. However, that’s a story for another post.

classic Marrakesh art photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Found an awesome restaurant to eat chocolate ice cream. From what the waiter told me, the chocolate was French style. The dessert had such an interesting taste. It wasn’t overly sugared like American or Swizz chocolate. You can taste the cocoa more than the sugar. Never had chocolate like this. It remind me of Mexican hot chocolate without the spicy kick. Next time when I’m in France, I will make sure to snack on their chocolate.

My chocolate ice cream photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After eating, I head back into the train station. Going to get on my train with any problems or issues. Of course, Murphy’s law had played into this. Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. Let’s just say, nothing went my way. Yet, I still had a great time. My time in Morocco was exciting and a wake up call to be more prepared for the unexpected. Regardless, I still love this country. I truly suggest you all to visit. It will change your mind about North Africa.

Much love and safe travels! Please keep clean everyone!! Wash your hands!!

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.

April 8, 2020 15

Covid 19-Value your health

During these times, I want to keep everything on this blog positive. However, I will not give an illusion that everything is fine. I just lost a few people that I knew. One, helped me with skills I use on a daily basis. The others were so kind and would give the clothes off their back for someone.

As you all know, New York City is the epicenter of covid-19 in the Untied States. Most of my family lives here. My grandma, aunts and uncles have lived in the same homes for over 60 years now. New York City is part of my roots and a part of my history. It’s sad to see so much death here. Never felt like a New Yorker until now. Even with these times being hard, I have seen people volunteering to give food to the elderly. I haven’t been able to see my grandparents due to my travels. I was always worried about me bring a sickness to them. Knowing that people are out there helping the elderly gives me a sense of community. Remember there is always some positivity in dark times. Doesn’t matter what brought you into that dark tunnel. At the end of every tunnel, there is an exist.

So please everyone, don’t take these times lightly. For those who live in rural areas and less populated areas, this virus will still do it’s damage. Make sure to follow the rules of how not to spread it. Wish you luck and health! Please wash your hands before eating.

April 7, 2020 20