Getting lost at night in a foreign place

Getting lost can be fun when you have your phone or a back up plan to find your way around. Sadly, this wasn’t the case for me. What made it worst, my phone had died and I was in an unfamiliar city. No taxi in plain sight to be found. It was at this very moment I knew the horrible situation I was in.

Clarion_Hotel_Limerick_Ireland_at_Night — The clarion hotel

Had to use my foggy memory to get back. It was a diffcult task but I had no choice. Started to retrace my steps, slowly but surely the enviorment started to look familiar. I remember the clarion hotel that my airbnb host pointed out. She said use it as a pinpoint to know where you are at. Kept walking and trying to remember the surroundings.

A home at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got back to the residential part of the city. This is where it got hard. A lot of the homes looked the same at night. The streets and curves, everything looked similar. I started to get a little nervous but, I still felt like everything will be alright. Asked a group of women where a certain street was. They claimed they didn’t know where any street was. I remember the name of the street closest to the my airbnb apartment. Normally, I wouldn’t mind being out this late and lost. However, my flight was in the morning and I left my passport in the apartment. It was no fun.

A random street full of homes that looked the same photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, I found the street. Walked in the direction that made sense and looked fimilar. The more I walked, the more I felt calm. I found the building to where the apartment was at. I noticed it wasn’t too far from where I asked the group of women. It was hard to believe they didn’t know where this street was. However, a random guy with an American accent asking for directions at night. I’m pretty sure they probably thought I was going to rob them or something. Either way, I was happy to be back in the apartment.

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.

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!

May 16, 2020 27

Exploring downtown limerick , Ireland at Night

After eating that awesome Indian food, I had more of limerick to explore. To my surprise, limerick closes really early. It was only 10 pm and everything was nearly closed. Yeah, that entitled new yorker in me was annoyed at this.

Being the only one on the street photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Sometimes people have midnight cravings. Yeah, it’s kind of a new york or big city thing. It felt like a ghost town. The moment was a little creepy. Gotten used to having people out and about after 1am. So, it was almost like the locals know something that I don’t know.

The Treaty Stone photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I randomly found this Memorial. I learned about it from my airbnb host. This stone is very important to the city’s history. It is said to be used in the signing of forming limerick. It ended the williamite war which was a war related to the independence of the republic of Ireland. Another awesome moment of experiencing history.

dowtntown photo couresty of Hugo Morel

another emypt street photo couresty of Hugo Morel

The streets looked really empty. It’s clear this place is not for the younger crowd. This is more to raise a family. I like the quiet and calm amtoshpere. Being in new york city, time moves too fast. You don’t really get to appericate the moment. Here 30 mins felt like 3 hours. It was defintely a great dose of fresh air. Sadly, I was just reminded I had to go back and I forgot the way. Took my phone out to find there was only 3 percent of battery left. Checked to see the address of host’s home and the phone died before i could write it down. With my bad memory, the address was gone. I had to find a way out of this mess soon.

Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!

Sorry for posting on Thursday. Had a wild day yesterday.

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.

May 9, 2020 12

Eating Indian Food Limerick, Ireland

Sometimes when you are out and about, you tend to forget that food is needed. Out of nowhere, your stomach starts to yell. You are reminded that you are hungry. However, when you are out at night in an unfamiliar city. You have to eat what you can. Especially, if the city closes everything early.

The entrance to the Indian restaurant photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I stumbled acrossed this Indian restaurant. At the time, seeing an Indian restaurant in the middle of Ireland seemed out of place to me. Looking back, since the Republic of Ireland was once part of the U.K. It just make sense the Indian food scene should be good here. Oh, it is very good.

The stair to the restaurant photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with stairs. You can hear Indian music playing in the backgroud. It felt like I was stepping into a little India. The restaurant looked like any typical Indian eating place. The difference is the music playing in the background. It was a woman with a high voice singing in Hindi. It really gave an authentic experience. I kind was hoping that people jump out dancing like in the Bollywood movies.

The food came and my stomach became happy. Still yelling but this time with joy. Stuck with chicken because I’m not as adventurous as most people think. Every time I see goat on the menu, I keep being remind of those youtube videos of yelling goats. Moral of the story, careful what you stumble on the internet.

Sitting on the table photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The food was amazing. The spices on the chicken were really good. It tasted a lot better than majority of Indian restaurants that I went to. This experience made me want to go India one day. I know the food will be different in India than the USA or Ireland. Yet, this made me excited about India. It was around this time, I noticed I left my phone charger. Who knew that would create a problem in the near future.

Stay safe everyone and remember to 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.

May 2, 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

Meeting a dog named Hugo and exploring limerick Ireland

So the weirdest thing happened. I went to limerick and got to my Airbnb. The host of property had a dog named Hugo. It was so strange but cool at the same time.

The dog named Hugo photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The dog was obedient and adorable. I truly love animals. This dog just made me want to hug it. Never met a dog with the same name as me. Let alone, the place I was staying the night. It was pretty cool. In a funny weird way. Sadly, I was only here for a night. Didn’t have much time to hang out with this lovely dog.

The dog smiling photo courtesy of Hugo morel

Got dressed and ready to explore this beautiful Irish city. Started walking around and of course, I got lost. Limerick looks like a suburban area. A lot of the homes and streets look the same. Eventually after asking a few locals, I found a way out of the maze.

Irish Castle photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Saw this beatiful Castle. Unfortunately, it was closed. I kept thinking about my first time coming to this city. It looks very different at night. The sun was setting and everything had a more classic charm. That old world look you see in movies.

Started walking and I saw this lake. It truly took my breath away. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it looks. The water almost matched the sky with the lights reflecting on it. My time exploring this place was just starting!

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 4, 2020 14

Seeing the Irish countryside

My time in the Irish capital has come to an end. I had to take a bus from Dublin to limerick then to Shannon. It was a weird time, I saw a bus crash in front of me while they tried to park. The back of the bus hit a street sign. I hope that wasn’t a foreshadow from the heavens.

20190902_094614 — waiting for the bus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, my bus came and it was time to go. Ignoring the bad driving red flags, I got on the bus. The bust felt very spacious. It had WiFi and outlets, i’m sure you all know I was on Netflix. When going across Ireland, I really recommend bus Eireann. All jokes aside, they are a very reliable bus company. They have time tables and they are usually within 5 minutes of their schedule. It’s a great way to see the Irish country side while seating comfortably. They only crash when they are parking and not driving on the road 0.o. Last joke about crashing I promise!

20190902_141453 — The view of the front of the bus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

While on the bus, all I could think about was the road and the green grass. Ireland is so clean. You can tell they put a lot of effort into roads and agriculture. The moment was perfect, all I needed was an Irish beer. I really felt integrated into the country. In terms of experiencing Ireland. Main reason, why I don’t like driving when I’m in another country. I would be too unfocused on looking at the background and the scenery than looking at that road.

20190902_132252(1) — The Irish countryside photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Hours passed, I was still enjoying the moment. That green grass really matches the color of the Irish flag. What is missing from this was a green leprechaun and a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. The memories of Dublin kept following through my head. The awesome smiles and friendliness of that city were now behind me. I was just looking forward and not backwards. I couldn’t wait what new adventures waited for me in limerick. All I Knew, Limerick has stories and memories waiting for me to experiencing them.

20190902_132349 — A field photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Finally got to limerick, dazed and tired I got on a taxi. The calmness of the smaller city hit me. It was an unreal feel. Also, no crashes. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

Thank you all for reading. I wish you all health! In these uncertain times, keep your close ones safe. Stay at home and don’t leave your home for no reason, if possible. There are ways to order food online! Much Love and safe travels!

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.

March 28, 2020 4

Who were the Celtics?

I was walking around Dublin and this interesting set of benches caught my attention. The benches had a viking ship design. I knew about the Celtics being associated with Ireland. However, vikings never crossed my mind when I think about Ireland. So It made me asked, Who exactly were the Celtics and What is their relationship with the vikings?

Viking benches photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The word Celtic actually comes from the word Celts. I know big surprise. The Celts were ancient Europeans that were in the British isles before the Anglo Saxons and before the Normans. Where the Celts originally came from is up to debate. Most say central Europe (Austria) and some say Anatolia (modern day Turkey). Some historians believe the Celts made their way to British isles through the Mediterranean then out from the north tips of France. Genealogists and archaeologists believe they just spread out from central Europe and expanding their culture outwards. What is clear is that they had strong impact on Europe, which is still seen today.

Map of the Celts, the yellow is where they believe the Celts originated from

The Celts were diverse. They had many different people that went under the label of Celt. As seen on the map above, the Celtic language was far spread. Unfortunately, most Celtic languages and culture was lost due to roman invasion. The Celts were not homogeneous. A lot of Celts fought against each other. Irish Celts fought Scottish Celts regularly. Which brings up the question, Why are the British Isles are always associated with the Celtic culture? Well, that is because of the languages of the isles.

celticlanguagesmap — Brought to by https://www.mustgo.com/worldlanguages/celtic-branch/

The British Isles languages still have strong influences from the Celtic language. Before the English empire took full control of the Isles, the languages were Celtic. Sadly, most of the native speakers are far and few between. I really love how Ireland, Wales and Scotland have been actively reinstalling their languages into the schools. There are other parts of the Celtic culture that still lives outside of the British Isles. In Brittany, a region in northwest France still has strong Celtic roots. Also, northern Spain called Galicia. Although, the Galician was heavily latinized. If you understand Spanish, Galician is extremely similar. You can understand almost 70% to what Galician is saying or writing without having prior knowledge of the language. The galicians are still proud to claim their Celtic roots. The Gaelic and galicians, if you look at the two words you can see their is a common root word somewhere. Lastly, there is a part of Canada that speaks Gaelic. It’s an area called Nova Scotia, Canada. It is Scottish Gaelic. The language was brought over through Scottish immigrants.

the route of the vikings to the British isles photo courtesy https://transceltic.com/pan-celtic/celts-and-vikings-scandinavian-influences-celtic-nations

Now the Celtic and viking relationship is very interesting. The vikings kept invading the British Isles. There were wars for land and power between the two. Started from the very northern islands leading all the way down to Ireland. Eventually, the vikings kept settling in the Isles and mixing with the pollution. So contrary to the popular belief, a lot of vikings had red hair. The Nordic god Thor, actually had red hair. The vikings most likely left their red hair genes in the Irish genetic pool.

So this is just a very brief introductions to the Celtics. I love the mythologies and arts the Celtics have left the world. If you want to learn more of their culture, here are some links and YouTube videos that I got information from.

sources:

websites:

https://transceltic.com/pan-celtic/celts-and-vikings-scandinavian-influences-celtic-nations

https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/celts

https://www.ancient.eu/celt/

YouTube videos:

Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels! Please keep healthy everyone!

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.

March 21, 2020 12

Taking a recharge and learning to relax

Something about sitting down while watching plants is very soothing. It is definitely great after eating some Mexican food. Sometimes, we need to learn how to relax. When a vacation becomes a stress factory, it’s no longer fun. Going to another tourist location in a rush can suck all the energy and possibly ruin your whole vacation. Traveling is a lot of fun but can also be stressful.

20190901_131315 — The entrance to the park photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After leaving the Mexican restaurant, I had a stomach full of food and that feeling of fulfillment. Was feeling a little sluggish and it started to rain. I had no jacket nor an umbrella. Had to run from building to building trying to find cover from those raindrops. Getting sick would hold me back from doing anything productive. Still had more to explore of Ireland.

Eventually, the rain stopped. What I have come to learn about this part of Europe, it can rain at anytime. After a few minutes, the rain stops. It’s very on and off. Anyways, found this park right next to this church. What attracted me was seeing all the plants. Coming from California and living majority of my adult life in NYC, seeing green grass and trees kept nicely is not a common sight. It is something most people take for granted.

20190901_131235 — Pink flowers photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The smell of the pink flowers mixed with the sounds of the birds chirping in the background forced me to enjoy the moment. Lost in thoughts and my feelings of having a full stomach, it was hard to notice the light breeze. That wind kept me from being there physically and away mentality. It keep dragging me back to reality like waking up from a daydream. I really wanted to enjoy my time. Minutes start feeling like seconds, a half hour felt like 5 minutes. This was another way of fun having.

20190901_131205 — The park’s walkway photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started walking slowly towards the church. I really enjoyed how the church almost looks like a castle. Makes you wonder what stories do those walls hold. If the bricks that support the church could talk, what would they say? Would they tell you how many people they saw grow old attending the weekly and daily services? How many marriages has this church been apart of? As crazy as this sound, at times I tend to wonder about everything that is around me. I love to observe my surroundings. It’s something I often overlook when I’m running from place to place. I try not to take everything for granted.

20190901_131202 — Stairway to the church photo of Hugo morel

Started walking down the steps hoping this church was opened. To my surprise, it was closed. Best to go with the flow on this and just enjoy being in another country. Ireland has so much to offer. I have enjoyed my stay so far. Thanks to all the friendly people with smiles on their faces.

20190901_131159 — Going back up and seeing the walkway photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

If you noticed, this week I wrote posts about relaxing and just enjoying your time. As I write, I recently experienced a burnout. For those who don’t know, a burnout is when you are mentally and physically exhausted. The last several weeks my work load has been taking over my life. Worked for almost 19 hours a day for the last several weeks. Nearly collapsed on last Tuesday. Been working so hard on my dreams, I almost forgot how to live. So please everyone, relax and be patient. Everything comes to you at the right time. Don’t risk your health for getting what you want faster! Stay safe everyone!

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

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.

March 14, 2020 15

Eating Mexican food in Ireland??

Ireland is know for it’s beer, bars, party and friendly people. Ireland is never associated with Mexico. Besides, the flags have a similar design minus the eagle and change the red with orange. Regardless, Mexican food in Ireland is not talked about. In the land of potatoes and beer, there is a Mexican gold mine waiting to enrich your taste buds.

20190901_135207 — The Boojum Mexican restaurant photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

On my way of seeing Dublin, I noticed my stomach was rumbling. I was so focused on seeing the city that I missed eating a real meal. Kept looking around and I stumbled across this restaurant/bar. I was so surprised to see Mexican food in Ireland?!?! For some reason seeing a Mexican restaurant in Dublin never crossed my mind. That feeling of nostalgia started pouring. All my childhood memories of growing up in California, hanging out with my friends at the local taqueria. For those who don’t know, taqueria translate to taco shop from Spanish to English. In the USA, you get a more authentic taste if you go to one. It’s a lot better than taco-bell. Also, no ugly taco dog.

20190901_133915 — Inside boojum photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I when I went inside, I noticed the layout looks so similar to chipotle in the usa. You are greeted when it’s your turn in line to choose what you want in your burrito or salad. I chose to get the normal burrito. Meat enriched with all the Mexican flavors wrapped inside a tortilla. I sound so Californian now. Unfortunately, there were no vegan options. Although, they do only serve vegan food on world’s vegan day. Here is the link to this restaurant’s menu.

20190901_133913 — Where the people sit photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Ended up having a friendly talk with the staff. Learned that one of the workers was Mexican. Apparently, Dublin had a Latino community. They were mostly from Brazil and Mexico. Also learned that is this the Irish version of Chipotle from another staff worker. The american mega food chain has only been in Dublin for about 5 years. In my opinion, I always prefer local food stores than american. It doesn’t feel like I went anywhere, if I ate McDonald’s everywhere I go. It makes me feel like I’m helping out local businesses. No matter how small of a help I’m contributing.

20190901_133909 — My Burrito photo Courtesy of Hugo Morel

With my food at hand, found a place to sit down and eat. When I took the first bite, the taste was amazing! It had the Texmex flavor to it. As the flavors blasted my mouth I almost felt as, if I was eating at one of my cousins’ home in Houston. Yes, I got family members who are part Mexican. We used to stop by on holidays excited about the home cooking. Ironically, burritos aren’t really Mexican. They are Mexican American. Only burritos you will find in mexico are the small donkeys. Where exactly burritos were created in the USA is up to debate. I know the mission district in San Francisco claims to be the first. Also, San Diego and all the major cities in Texas have something to say as well. Regardless of exactly where in the usa this food was invented, it’s really good.

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

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!

March 7, 2020 20

Experiencing the Dublin nightlife

As time went by, nightfall occurred. The Dublin nightlife is world famous. I was so excited to be able to experience it in person. I went to temple bar because that is the place where to stay in Dublin. Temple Bar has everything and it’s really like the party area of Dublin. There always something going on in Temple Bar. Usually, this is the place people talk about when they say the Irish know how to party. While staying in Dublin, make sure to get a hotel or an apartment near this area. There are a lot of hotels near temple bar Dublin. You will not regret it!!

Main road in temple bar at night Photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started walking around further into the temple bar district. I was expecting louder music; however, this was a Sunday night. Most people where probably getting ready for work the next day. It was still lively though! There were a lot college students and people of all ages. Since the drinking age in Dublin Ireland is 18. Some of the best clubs in Dublin are here. With the clubs and bars not closing until 2 am, there is plenty of time to party. Of course, I didn’t do any of this. My party days are over. Call me boring, I think partying until I drop is unhealthy. Ever dropped and fell on your face, it’s a not fun experience.

Temple bar trading company photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Walked by several gay clubs and bars. After traveling to so many places, I tend to forget how open-minded Europe can be. I can imagine how hard it is to be gay in the middle east. The fear they must face everyday. Never really notice gay clubs and bars on my travels because that is not my scene. What stood out to me was seeing middle-eastern men holding hands and kissing each other so openly. Somewhat blew my mind. I have traveled to several Muslim countries, seeing what I just saw in Dublin would not be okay in Oman or Yemen. I was happy for them, I’m sure they must had faced a lot of hardships. I’m a straight man, there is not a lot of things I have to worry about when I travel. Expect racism but, majority of the locals only see me as the color of money. Compared to gay travelers, I have it easy. Going with the theme of this city, I’m sure all the best gay clubs and bars in Dublin are in the temple bar neighborhood. So if you are into that, you will find a lot of options here.

Government building at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

A street at night in temple bar photo courtesy of Hugo morel

Dublin is so beautiful at night! Walking around without a purpose, you will find something to do. The small alleyways have restaurants or ice cream shops that might be overlooked. Temple bar at night is very safe. I never once felt at risk. Truly suggest you all to come here when you get the chance. It is worth the flight. The people at night even have smile on their faces. Very different compared to American cites!

Drinking a few glasses photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Found a bar with not a lot of people in it. Sat down and had a few drinks to myself. I love taking in and people watch. Everybody was just happy to be around others. No traditional Irish music here. This bar wasn’t made for tourists. It was made for the locals. There were no fights, no one wanting to be that person who got kicked out. Everybody was just enjoying themselves. No Irish stereotypes allowed. The atmosphere here was to release stress and have fun with friends. The night to me, couldn’t end any better. Got back and slept like a baby!

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

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.