London left me with a good impression

My last day in London has finally come. With a bit of sadness, I got up and started packing. I had about 7 hours before my flight. So, I had to explore a little bit more. This time I didn’t have a plan. I just wanted to wander about.

Manson House Place in London photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

With my small suitcase, I got on the tube and stopped at a random station. It was near downtown and close to the London Bridge. This was on the Mansion House Place. Walking around felt so unreal. I know I have done this many times. Yet, I started thinking deeper on this very topic while wandering around. As I walked reality hit me. The thought of waking up in one country than falling asleep in another that is across an ocean is amazing. We usually take this for granted. However, humanity has gone far. A trip from New York City to London would take months before airplanes. Writing this now that we are in a pandemic, my thoughts that day have a bigger impact looking back. Humanity even in dark times always finds a way to adapt and improve. It would be interesting how the future of travel will look like in 50 years. Will a flight from New York to Sydney take 5 hours by then? Will we be able to travel to Mars and other planets? All this thinking and being lost in my head was suddenly put to a stop. A few drops of rain brought me back into the present. However, it’s crazy we still don’t have a direct commercial flight to Sydney from New York City.

Piccadilly Circus, London’s “Times Square” photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got back on the tube and got off at the Piccadilly Circus. I was told by a friend to visit here. It wasn’t on my list of tourist attractions to see. However, the stop on the tube showed up and I got off. The reason why I wasn’t too excited to visit this landmark was the comparison to Times Square. I didn’t really want to see anything that reminds me of being back home. Yet, there I was. Seeing London’s “Times Square.” It was very small to it’s New York’s Counterpart. Also, there was a lot more traffic. Similar to when Times Square allowed cars to pass by. Now, you can only pass by on foot. Still felt very commercial-like. I wonder how much it would cost to put an ad up there.

The grey clouds of London photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The clouds started to darken up. I know this happens all the time. Rain is unavoidable here. Yet, it was like the city of London felt the same about me leaving. London is really beautiful in a sophisticated way. Everything started to get grey and gloomy. Sadly, I can see why the U.K has a big problem with Suicide. It’s actually the biggest cause of death to Men under 45. This constant grey sky can really affect the mood of the locals. I’m glad the Usa has options in what type of weather you would like to live in. Sometimes you can take your own country for granted.

London eye on a cloudly day photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

On one of the stops I got off, a giant Ferris wheel was out in the distances. I made it my mission to see this Ferris wheel up close. Started asking the underground station workers how to reach this unmistakable landmark. Learned from the workers that this Ferris wheel is nicknamed The Eye Of London. After a quick tube ride and about a 15-minute walk, I was there. Being in front of this landmark, reminded me of my fear of heights. Still, the sight was beautiful. Only I wish I had more time to see it at night. Regardless, this trip to London was amazing and I can’t wait to go back.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love! Sorry for not posting last week. I needed the time to sleep and relax. I wasn’t trying to burn out. Thank you so much for your support!!

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September 12, 2020 15

Top 10 things to do in Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey has always been a city I wanted to visit. It’s been on my bucket list for a long time. Ironically, every time I want to visit, events out of my control prevent me. This is to show you all why Istanbul should be on your list. Or at least, it will give you a reason to revisit this historical city.

So here are the top 10 things to do in Istanbul!

1) Visit The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) And Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Probably one of the most famous things to do in Istanbul. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque are world-known landmarks. The history behind these buildings is so rich. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque was once the largest church in the eastern Roman Empire. Built by the Roman emperor Justinian the Great, The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque has been a staple center in the city’s history. From the Romans to when the Ottomans took over, The Hagia Sophia has stood beautifully. It was converted to a mosque in 1453 by the ottomans. In 1935, Hagia Sophia was turned into a Museum to becoming a mosque again this year in 2020. Have a walk in history, where Islam and Christianity are deeply rooted in one building.

Now the Blue mosque should not be ignored. It was built by Sultan Ahmet I to reassert Ottoman power. The beauty of the Blue is hard to match. Not too far from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it is a must-have when visiting Istanbul. Be in awe with the blue tiles and architecture.

2) Have a taste of Two Continents

Çiğ köfte

Where East meets West. Have a taste of Asia and Europe while drinking some Turkish Coffee. From what friends have told me, Turkey is surprising European. Most expected it to be more Middle Eastern or Arab. However, they learned it is a mixture of the two continents. Anywhere where cultures blend, the food tends to be amazing. Turkey definitely proves that statement right. I have eaten Turkish food in New York City. Yet, all my friends that have been to Turkey have told me there is a difference. It’s like having Italian food in Italy vs pizza hut. There is just no comparison. Try Etli ekmek, a Turkish pizza-like dish with a beer. Yes, a beer in a Muslim majority country. There are tons of bars in Istanbul. You can have Shish Kebab with middle eastern spices that can match anything in the Arab world. If you want something more European, Çiğ köfte which is the Turkish version of steak tartare. Turkey has a mixture of two beautiful continents and shows it in its cuisine. A Food tour is definitely one of the things to do in Istanbul.

3) Explore the less touristic neighborhood of Ortaköy

Ortaköy is a neighborhood in Istanbul that is not easy to get to. Unless you know about this area. You have to take a bus or a ferry from the Kabatas tram stop. At night you can have to use a taxi to get in or out of this area. Might be difficult to find this neighborhood. However, it is worth the trouble. During the day, you get breathtaking views of the Bosphorus bridge while sipping some Turkish coffee. At night time, this the club hub. You get a beautiful view of the bridge at night while hearing music blasting from the nightclubs. If you do end up going here, you need to know this. It is somewhat becoming the “hipster and yuppie” area. So, everything will become more expensive as time goes on.

4) Cross the Bosphorus bridge

The bridge that connects two continents together. Its beauty is breathtaking and will leave you in awe. Sadly, you are not allowed to walk across the bridge anymore. You have to drive or take a cruise. Yet, that shouldn’t stop you from seeing this bridge in person. You literally will be in another continent once you cross it. This is definitely should be on your list of things to do in Istanbul.

5) Visit the many museums of Instanbul

Instanbul is blessed to be a city with so much history. Everywhere you turn there is 1000’s of years worth of history just waiting to be found. You can stop by the Topkapi Palace Museum (Topkapi Sarayi Müzesi). It was once the home of the Ottoman Sultans. With only about 11 dollars, you get to see how the Sultans lived. Also, stop by the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. It has many artifacts like Islamic coins and a tomb that dates back to the 1st century. It is truly worth the trip if you are into history.

6) Visit the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici)

If you are in Istanbul, you have to visit this landmark. The Basilica Cistern is Istanbul’s largest surviving Byzantine cistern. For those who don’t know, a cistern is a place where rainwater is collected. This Cistern once supplied water to the Great Palace of Constantinople. The Great Place was once the home of many emperors for 100’s of years. There are statues of Medusa’s Head lurking about. I’m sure it must be a creepy place to visit at night. Imagine walking through here at midnight on Halloween. Tours can be very expensive. Make sure to watch out for the prices. It can range from 40 dollars to about 600!

7) Stop By the Dolmabahçe Palace

Near the Bosphorus Bridge, stands this beautiful building. Its mixtures of styles are the ultimate symbol of Istanbul’s history. It was built in the 1800s, for the last Ottman sultan. The building’s architecture is mixed with Arab and European designs. The tickets lines are long here and the ticketing offices close early. So, it is best to visit earlier in the day.

8) Check out the Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi)

To get a breathtaking view of the city, you must stop by the Galata Tower. It was once a jail. However, it was restored in the 1960s. They added an observation deck making this tower a tourist hot stop. There is also a nightclub and restaurant at the top of the tower. In case you haven’t noticed, Istanbul has a strong nightlife. If you are into those types of things.

9) Take a stroll at the Grand Bazaar (Kapaliçarsi)

Visiting Istanbul will not be complete if you do not stop by the Grand Bazaar. Get a feel of the Middle East while walking through the many shops of the Grand Bazaar. I have been to a few Bazaars throughout my trips. It is always filled with life and energy. Kind of reminds me of the wall street movies. From carpets to random artifacts, you can find almost anything here. From what friends and many other people say, this Bazaar is not pushy like the ones in the Middle East. In my past trips, one of the workers would follow you for a bit telling you all the deals. Here in Instanbul, that is not the case. The merchants are friendly. However, don’t let that fool you. They still want to get as much money from your pockets as they can. So, be prepared to bargain if you want to buy something. There also two Turkish bathhouses located here. Truly worth the trip!

10) Take a Coffee and Tea Tour

Turkish coffee is known throughout the world. If you are a coffee person, it would be a shame not to go on a coffee-sipping tour. There are many tour companies that take you to the best coffee shops in Istanbul. You can learn to make Turkish coffee! It is definitely worth the tour fee. A lot of coffee tour companies also offer tea tours. For those who don’t know, Turkish tea is pretty good. They add sugar to it. It’s similar to the teas of North Africa. Hint, they were once a part of the Ottoman Empire. Taking a Coffee and Tea tour is should be on your list of things to do in Istanbul.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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September 2, 2020 12

Seeing past the differences: having an understanding of the LGBT community

Im not here to start a political argument or to have some type of an agenda behind this post. Since, I know that the USA political party conventions are going on now. This post is just to show how much I grown as a person throughout my travels. From someone who was homophobic to someone who now has compassion towards this community’s struggles. I’m a straight guy so I know I will never fully understand what this community goes through but at least I have a small idea of the issues. Please read this post with an open mind.

The rainbow flags photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After exploring London for a little bit more, nightfall came by quick. I wanted to explore the neighborhood my Airbnb was in a little bit more. The more I walked around, the more rainbow flags I saw. It was clear that this neighborhood, Soho had a theme of sexual freedom. From the restaurants that look like sex shops to the actually sex shops. I was definitely glad that I traveled without kids because that talk about the items at the stores would had been awkward.

A random person in Soho photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Back to the exploring, the music blasted loud from the buildings. People were enjoying their night. I was taking photos and this person in the photo above showed up. I still have no idea who they are. Either way, the place was really alive. It was as if, the sun never came down. The people acted like tomorrow was not monday.

A gay sex shop photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I took a picture of a sex shop like it was normal. Before being around this type of environment would had made me very uncomfortable. It’s crazy how much I changed. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, most people would think we would not be homophobic. However, it’s the opposite. Homophobia runs deep in the Bay Area. Especially within the Hispanic and Black communities. We used to avoid going to the Castro district in San Francisco. We would jokingly say don’t pick up money in the streets of the Castro district. Even mocking the community with offensive slurs. It wasn’t until I traveled to the Middle East that my eyes opened up. I mentioned it before in another post. One of my friends in Dubai was gay. He was one of the people that showed me around dubai. After sitting down and have a conversation, I learned the issues the LGBT community goes through. In the Middle East, being gay can get you killed if you are caught. In the west, it’s not that extreme. However, I had heard stories from people being jumped just for being LGBT. So, the issue is still there.

The neon bikes photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I know there’s not much I can do to change the minds of grown adults. However, at least I can change the minds of the people around me. One conversation at a time. Being comfortable in this neighborhood was a reflection of my personal growth. People are people regardless of who they are and what they are into. Hopefully, one day everybody can live in peace and without fear.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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August 29, 2020 13

Who were the Anglo-Saxons?

This is something that I always questioned living in the usa. The differences between Anglo America and Latin America. What made something Anglo and where did the term Anglo come from? Being in London at the time, I started doing research on the Anglo-Saxons. Thanks to google, it is so easy nowadays to learn about any topic.

Before the Anglos arrived, England was under Roman rule. We all know that the main official language of the Roman Empire was Latin. If we went with just this part of history, then every part of the Americas that speaks English would fall in the term of Latin America. Well, of course, there is more to it. There was a group of people that the Romans disliked and called them savages. They were called the Germanic people. This is where the Anglos-Saxons start to come in.

After the fall of Rome (395 AD) and a little more than 100 years, a few Germanic tribes started strongly looking for a new home. They came from, which is now, the Netherlands, Germany, and Demark. Back then it was called Jutland, Anglia, Saxon Cost, and Frisii. As the Anglo- Saxons made their way to Britannia. They settled in places called Essex (east), Sussex (south), and Wessex (west). If you look at the names of where the Saxons settled, you can see where the root words came from. The word Saxons come from the type of knives, the Anglo- Saxons would use. However, from what scholars say, the sex part of the name comes from sax because it was pronounced like sex original. It’s funny to think that when I was a kid, I used to look at streets that were called Essex and laugh. Es in Spanish means is. So, as a kid, I thought the streets meant is sex. Well, doing some research, makes you value and appreciate things in a more interesting light.

The Anglo-Saxons never really considered themselves that term. It was a label given to them by the non-germanic people of Britain. It was a way to distinguish the difference between the two. The Anglo-Saxons spoke what is now called Old English. Eventually, through wars and mixing, the growing population of Anglo-Saxons became the majority. Families of mixed Anglo and Non-germanic had to choose which language/culture, they would grow up in. Families chose to grow up in the Anglo/Germanic culture. Which lead to English becoming the main language of Britain. As you can see, this is why the English speaking parts of the Americas are called Anglo-America and not Latin America. Although French and Latin have heavily influenced English, most of the grammar and core vocabulary comes from the germanic branch. This is why I love history and diving deeper into everything. It gives a better understanding of the world.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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references

websites:

https://www.history.org.uk/primary/resource/3865/anglo-saxons-a-brief-history

https://www.historyextra.com/period/anglo-saxon/facts-anglo-saxons-dates/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/anglo_saxons/saxons.shtml

https://www.bl.uk/anglo-saxons/articles/who-were-the-anglo-saxons

youtube:

August 22, 2020 21

Passing through Tower Bridge

It was a dark and gloomy day. A normal occurrence in this part of the world. However, it was a lot more cloudy than usual. To my surprise and ignorance, it started to rain hard. Like being hit with a garden hose, I was soaked. I had to find a store that sold ponchos and umbrellas. I was warned by my hosts that it rains unpredictably over here. Being the hardheaded person that was I, that warning went from one ear to the other without being processed in the middle. Regardless, this wasn’t going to stop me from having a good time.

Looking at Tower Bridge from afar photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After getting a poncho and an umbrella, I was ready to explore more of London. I keep hearing from friends and family about this famous Tower bridge. I was even told that you haven’t been to London unless you have seen the Tower Bridge. Growing in the San Francisco bay, I had to see the hype behind this bridge and compare it to the Golden Gate.

One of the towers of Tower Bridge photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once I got near Tower Bridge, I was approached by a local that was selling tour bus tickets. Might as well get a view of the Tower Bridge on a bus. Got on the bus and my inner tourist came out. Keep in mind, I was in a poncho the whole time. I always try to not look like a tourist. However, sometimes you just have to go with the flow. With my poncho and I love London hat, I was ready to see this Bridge.

A better view of the first tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Passing by Tower Bridge, it was an interesting experience. I learned from the tour guide that this bridge helped put a dent into the traffic problem in London. The cool thing about this bridge is that it still lifts when boats pass by. In the usa, lifting bridges are not the norm. I don’t think I ever saw one during my trips throughout the Usa. I saw people walking above us. It was a clear sign that I have to go back and see this bridge again.

Passing through the second tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The Golden Gate Bridge compared to the Tower Bridge is like old world meets the new world. The Tower Bridge has the medieval feel/look to it. While the Golden Gate looks a lot more modern. However, the bridges were only built about 40 years apart. The Golden Gate (1937) and Tower Bridge (1894) look like they were built 100’s of years apart. These two bridges might as well come from two different eras. This is what I love about traveling outside of the Usa. Even with the newer structures, there is a hint of deeper history in the designs.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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

August 15, 2020 34

My last meal in Olso

My time in Norway was ending. This beautiful country will leave a mark in my heart. Its sophisticated charm is what lead me to wish this was my home. However, that cold made me reconsider. Had a few more hours here, I needed to make the best of the little time left.

A view of a street in Oslo photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started to explore the parts I didn’t get to visit on my first go-around. Once again the sun went down quick. Within an hour of being outside, the sky looked completely different. It was 3 pm but it looked like I was walking after midnight. However, there were still people out having a good time. Which was a good sign.

The Indian Restaurant at the top and the Hamburger place on the first-floor photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, my stomach started growling. I realized I haven’t eaten all day. Started looking for something to eat. Walked about half of a block, until I found two restaurants. One on top of the other. It was either Indian food or hamburgers. Yeah, the hamburger sign was what attracted me. I actually tried the Hamburger place first but everything was self-served. They had screens that you choose what type of burger you want. I think we should start doing this more in the usa. Especially now with social distancing being the norm. Everything was in Norwegian, kept looking for the English option. However, I never found it. That was the excuse I needed to go upstairs and eat some Indian food. I’m sure you all can see, I love Indian food. Sadly, it wasn’t the typical style I have gotten used to.

The food in a fancy presentation photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The dessert photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Going upstairs was like walking into another country. The atmosphere changed to fit the theme of the restaurant. Indian music was playing in the background. The lights were dim and the carpets reminded me of that Disney movie called Aladdin. I was greeted by one of the Indian chefs. Was shown to my seat. On the menu, it gives a background on the head chef. It was actually a couple, there were both Tamil. The husband was from Sri Lanka and the wife was from India. A commonality I noticed about a few Indian restaurants is that a lot of the chefs tend to be from different parts of the Indian subcontinent. However, I never saw a Pakistani being a chef at an Indian restaurant. I’m sure the tension between the two countries is a major factor.

The food was eventually brought to me. When the plate hit my table, I was a little disappointed. I didn’t notice that this was a fancy restaurant. Not much of a fan of high-end restaurants. The menu and food prices were decently priced. So, I thought this is a normal restaurant. Regardless, I ate the food. It was really good. However, it was not that filling. The plate looked more like I was going to paint something. I will still give respect to the chefs. The food was really good but the quantity was small. Call me low class or whatever but, that’s why I don’t go to fancy restaurants.

The Dominican flag in Norway? photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After eating, I started walking towards the train station. My time here was almost up. I eventually noticed this advertisement. I literally thought I was in New York City. I didn’t know they had a Dominican and Latino community here. I found out they even have Dominican restaurants like in Nyc. That blew my mind. It’s official, Latinos are everywhere. Like that one annoying Disney ride, it truly is a small world after all.

Outside of the train station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, I was outside the train station. I had to say goodbye to such a beautiful county. I will definitely miss this part of the world. The people here were very friendly now that I think about it. Sweden and Norway are a must on everybody’s bucket list. I recommend going during the summertime. However, winter in this part of the world can be majestic.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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August 12, 2020 8

Accidentally finding London’s Chinatown

Imagine accidentally walking into a place with beautiful Chinese arches. It was as If, I walked into another country and continent. I almost second-guessed myself. For a few seconds, I thought my trip to London was nothing but an old memory. I was snapped back into reality when I saw signs in English.

The entrance to London’s Chinatown with a paifang photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It was dark and full of energy. Although, the pictures I took everything looks closed. Two turns away, the streets were full of life. The whole place was interesting. The colors and light they put on the Chinese arches made everything pop out. It is clear that London’s Chinatown is very proud of its heritage.

Another picture of a Paifang photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I learned that the gateway’arches are called paifang. They were introduced to China from India when Buddhism spread to East Aisa. In the Indian subcontinent, it is called Torana. Throughout East and Southeast Aisa it has a different name. I noticed these patterns and colors on my trips throughout that part of the world. Never knew it was because of the spread of Buddhism via the silk road. That’s what I love learning about history because it helps you connect the dots.

A Chinese restaurant in London’s Chinatown photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Found a few restaurants opened nearby. Never had much of an interest in Chinese food outside of China. I always found it super oily. I heard from friends that the food is very different in China. Sadly, I didn’t get to explore that during my time in Wuhan. I ate at burger king like a true American. From what I read, different parts of China have different styles of cuisines. I learned that Sichuan cuisine is spicey and they flavor their food with Chilli peppers. Which was brought to China from Mexico via the Portuguese in Macao or from the Portuguese colonies in India. Sichuan cuisine comes from the Sichuan province in China. Which is in the middle of china two provinces away from Wuhan. Close to the border with Myanmar. Also, I learned from friends that Cantonese cuisine is sweet. Cantonese cuisine comes from Hong Kong and it’s surrounding areas. I really have to try it one day! However, Chinese food in Chinatowns from any parts of the world, I would probably reject the offer. Unless they were really authentic!

A street in London’s China Town photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The night was coming to a close. I felt my body could not keep up with all the time changes. I felt like just taking a nap and relaxing. My night time adventures were coming to an end. The reminder that I had another day and a half to explore London made me smile. I couldn’t wait to see what else London had to offer.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!

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August 8, 2020 7

My Nighttime Adventures In Soho, London

Nighttime came by quick, after my wonderful meal of eating chipotle for dinner. Yeah, I know I’m supposed to eat British food. However, I never knew what was it exactly that the English ate. So, I picked what was the most familiar. Regardless, it was time to explore London at night. The neighborhood where I was staying at on this trip was Soho. To not be so reckless, I only explored Soho. Well, at least that was the plan.

An Alley in Soho photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Soho in London reminded me like the one in New York City. The one in Nyc is a lot more spacious. Both have a party atmosphere. Where all the singles in their 20’s and 30’s hangout. Usually, looking like hipsters. The music was loud and each building felt like it’s own party. Passing by them was similar to when you have cars blasting music drive past you. It was clear this was one of London’s nightlife hubs. Everybody was enjoying life.

Walking into Soho’s nightlife photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Kept walking back and forth without care. The lights and music were beautiful. I saw restaurants from all different types of cuisines. From Japanese to Mexican, this was the spot. The one thing that stood out and kept popping up was the theme of sex. This area is very sexualized. I actually didn’t do much research on the neighborhood. I just saw it was near restaurants that were open late.

A sex shop in Soho photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The further I went, it became more clear what this neighborhood was about. There were a lot of sex shops. I’m so glad I came here without my little cousins. That conversation would have been awkward for me. There was a restaurant that I mistook as a Mexican sex club. It had two Mexican styled skeletons out front taking off their clothes. It is called La bodega Negra. It wasn’t until I googled it afterward I found out what it was.

Shaftesbury Avenue photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, I ended up on Shaftesbury Avenue. At the time, I didn’t know it was a famous street in London. As shown in the picture, this is home to London’s longest-running musical, Les Misérables. Taking all this in, it was definitely an experience. It was exciting and eye-opening. My adventures in London were just starting. I couldn’t wait for what this city had in store.

Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!

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August 1, 2020 9

Above the Arctic circle in Tromso, Norway

So, I decided to push the envelope even more. Flew to Tromso from Oslo. It was about a two-hour flight. It costs about 90 dollars round trip at the time. Might be more expensive in the coming years. Luckily, there wasn’t any major snowstorm that day. Luck was on my side to visit this part of Norway.

image_final — A picture of where Tromso is from Oslo

Yeah, I was far above the arctic circle. All my family in the Usa thought I was crazy. However, I didn’t care. A small part of me, I wanted to visit Santa. However, I was here for my goal. To see the northern lights and to experience as far north as I could during the winter. Also, to have something to brag about with friends.

It was very cold up here. When It wasn’t snowing, the wind will hit in you in your face. The like a slap from a sheet of Ice, the wind was painful. Similar to ice needles stinging your skin. I had to put my extra scarf over my face. The air felt a little hard to breathe. I eventually got used to it. There were parts where the snow was thick enough to sink my boots. You had to be careful when walking here or risk breaking your ankles.

tromso-eidted .jpg — The Sami people’s home

The way the homes are built up here is so beautiful. They reminded me of the Native homes in Greenland and Canada. Although not related to the Inuits of Canada and Greenland, the Sami people are the natives of this part of Norway. They dress similarly have similar looking homes. However, the Inuits came to Greenland and Canada via Serbia.

aurora-589049_1920 — The northern lights

After walking around for a little bit, it became dark quickly. It was about 1pm and the sky looked like it was midnight. After about 30 minutes, I saw what I came here for. The Northern Lights! I have seen it a few times before. In Iceland and Canada; however, never this strong. Anybody could take a photo of it with the right settings on your camera. My face was stiff but a big smile from ear to ear was on it. My goal was accomplished.

My flight was at 9am the next morning. I tried looking for a hotel but everything was booked out when I was looking. Decided to book a room at an Ice hotel. Inside the hotel was a work of art. It’s crazy to think they have to rebuild this every year. I wouldn’t recommend walking around the room without a coat. It is warm but not warm enough to walk around with a t-shirt. The chairs and beds were carved out of ice. Ir’s crazy to think the hard work that went into this. It was time to sleep and my last day in Noway was just about to start. I couldn’t wait to see what it had in store.

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July 29, 2020 33

The London Bridge Is Standing Strong

Yeah, as the corny title suggests The London bridge is still standing. Really makes you think twice about that nursery rhyme. The one that claims this bridge is falling down. Either way, I had to see it for myself while I was here.

The view outside of the tube station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I got off at the monument station. I was surprised by how the weather changed so quickly. I was warned by my host that it can rain here out of nowhere. However, I thought they were exaggerating. Here I am with only a small umbrella. At that moment, I was reminded of that Rihanna song. It kept playing in my head, while I walked blissfully.

A photo of the monument photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As I was walking to the Bridge, I met some friendly locals. They told me which side to get a better view of the bridge. Also, to make sure I check this monument out. This was built to remember the great fire of London. I heard about it as a kid from history books. For those who don’t know, the fire destroyed about 90% of the homes in London. Leaving about 70,000 people without a home. This was during the time when London only had around 80,000 people. It’s hard to imagine how people must have felt like after losing their homes. This is truly a city that has rebuilt itself from ashes to great heights. It should be nicked as the phoenix city.

A beautiful view from the London bridge photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Finally got on the bridge and I was surprised to see the view. The grey clouds with a view of London’s downtown, I felt like I was in a harry potter movie. I read that London averages about 1600 hours of sunlight yearly. No wonder why my British friends love going to the Caribbean.

A view of the London bridge tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I walked further down the bridge and I saw the tallest building in all of the UK. It is sometimes called the London Bridge Tower. This is the sixth-largest building in Europe. I can see why the friendly people I asked earlier told me to walk on this side of the bridge. It truly looked beautiful up close. The picture doesn’t really do it justice. The grey clouds mixed with the color of the building’s windows looked awesome to me. Truly enjoyed my time on this bridge that is clearly standing tall and strong.

Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!

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