Visting Orvieto, Italy (saying goodbye)

Our lengthy trip across this Southern European country was about to end. We had one more place to visit before leaving. A part of Italy I didn’t get to see on my first trip to this pasta loving country. I was excited but also a little bitter. Something about Italy makes it harder to leave the second time around.

Look over italy photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

For those who don’t know about this small Italian city. Orvieto lays on top of a hill. What makes this place so special is being able to see the Italian landscape and it’s white wines. This place is very famous for it’s classy alcohol. Ironically at the time that I was here, I did not this was a major site for the Etruscan civilization. They were the ones who built this city originally and was very important to the Etruscans. I wish I knew during my time here. Looking back, it was probably best because it would had made it even harder leaving.

The cathedral to the left photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Some much history runs through these buildings. In the usa and the Americas, most buildings are about 500 years. Hard to believe some of the buildings here are 4 times older. It makes you think about humanity. We have short lives but our structures are our legacy. Picture what all this would look like in 2000 years. Imagine how the USA, Russia, China and all of Africa would look like in 2000 years. Sadly, we won’t see it in person. Unless, medical doctors find a way to keep human bodies a live 200 times more of it’s normal capacity. Which I hope they don’t. However, if they did would that make us still human?

Another look of the Italian countryside photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As the wind was hitting my face, all I could think about was leaving. I have a lot of emotional tides to this country. A place where last time I was here, I escaped a major earthquake, got dumped, learned more about the Italian culture and meet some awesome friends. It is just hard to say good bye. The more countries you go to, the more you realize each country reminds you of a certain emotion. That emotion is usually associated with the experiences you had in that country. Italy has been a place where I had grown so much as an individual. I learned it’s better to be in the moment and socializing than being on your phone texting. Also many more life lessons that I know I would keep learning in other countries. However, it’s still hard to feel like you are saying good bye to personal growth.

The cathedral photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

What made me feel at peace is knowing I will continue to grow better as a person. With every new country, culture, person, langague and religion encountered will help the development of that growth. Good bye Italy, until we meet again!!

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

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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January 15, 2020 32

Who were the Italians before Rome?

When we think about Italy, we automatically think of Rome. However, Rome wasn’t the only ancient civilization in Italy. There were actually quite a few. However, none influenced Rome like Etruscan. Hopefully, this post will spread some light on a civilization often living in the shadows of rome.

493px-Etruscan_civilization_map — The Etruscan civilization map brought to you by google

The Etruscans dominated Italy before the rise of rome. In fact, rome was once under the rule of the Etruscans as shown in the picture above. Not much is known of their history because they spoke a language that was not indo-European. The Etruscans were from what is now known as turkey. Which is why thier language was different than their neighbours.

Map of Italy in 400 B.C. brought to you by google

Italy was divided by many civilizations before rome eventually unified them all. However, the Etruscans were one of the first pre-rome Italians to unify mulitple Italian states. Plus, they are probably the one few in history that can say they conquered Rome’s capital.

An Etruscan Tomb brought to you by Google

As mentioned before, most of the Etruscans’ language and culture died out when Rome conquered. Since, most just adopted Latin and Roman customs. Eventually, the Etruscan simulated into Roman society and were forgotten. Within generations, you couldn’t tell the difference from an Etruscan and a Roman.

An Etruscan an pot brought to you by Google

What we know about the Etruscans’ culture is through tombs, art and what they left behind. A lot of their pottery was heavy influenced by Greece. They even had gods similar to the greek. The Etruscan religion had some influence to the Roman gods as well. Romans learned how to build arches from the Etruscans. The Etruscans even laid a foundation for the roman sewers. The city of Roman and the Roman architecture are imprints left behind by the Etruscans.

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

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January 8, 2020 27

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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December 28, 2019 14

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!!

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December 18, 2019 25

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!

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December 11, 2019 14

Last day in Assisi, Italy

I was soon to be saying goodbye to Assisi for a second time. With a lot of culture connections to this part of Italy, leaving it behind would be hard again. This is something that gets harder the more times you do.

Church at Assisi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The clam and sophisticated atmosphere is hard to match. The european small town vibe mixed with the Italian culture is diffcult to let go. In a poetic way, even the clouds were sad. Since it started to rain later on in the day.

Outside of the church of Assisi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I was excited to be going to another part of Italy. However, I wanted to move here. Away from the stress, the hustle and bustle was nowhere to be seen.

On the hiking trial of hills of Assisi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Hiking the mountains of Assisi is an activity that should be on every list. You get to walk the steps of Saint Francis. If you are Christian, it’s really awesome to see how this staint lived. For non-Christians, it’s a great way to see the city from a higher point of view. The mountain trial is for everybody.

The city of Assisi from the hills photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As we ended our hike, it was time to hit the road. Assisi was going to be another memory. One that will always be on my mind when I want to relax.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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November 27, 2019 10

Getting to see more of Assisi, Italy

Going to this Italian city always pulls my heartstrings. Growing up in the San Francisco bay area, Assisi has a lot of connections to the business hub of that metropolitan region. This is the place where St. Francis lived. The one San Francisco, California is named after. All of the buildings, of course, do not look the same. However, you can still see how the two areas look alike. Especially, when you leave San Francisco and go out to the outskirts. Spanish and Italian architecture has many Similares.

A street in Assisi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Every turn we took, it was almost like walking into another piece of history. The buildings making your mind wander. How old are these homes? If walls could talk, what historical stories could they tell us? So much beauty to take in. The moment was hard to put in words. Think of going to a place where everything just spills out an essence you can’t really describe. Most of Italy is like this. There is just something magical about this country.

Homes in Assisi, Italy photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Italy is really a country you could visit many times and never get bored. The second time around made me realize that this country is unique. I always thought Italy was overrated until I came here in person. Sometimes it makes you second guess yourself. At times, I thought I was watching an old Western movie. Other times, I thought I was back in time during the Roman golden age. Yet, you are reminded it’s real life. The moment when someone walks past, while you are lost in your head. Lost in all the historic events that you read in history books. There is always another level of appreciation for seeing this country in person.

On a hill in Assisi, Italy photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I just wanted to thank everyone for all your positive feedback on when I shared my story. I can not say thank you enough for giving me a voice. Also, for letting me be able to share you all this beautiful blue ball we call earth. It’s such a humbling experience knowing I have support from all over the world and I am helping others. I hope to continue to be a light that can bring more inspiration to those in need. Wouldn’t be doing this without you all!

P.s. don’t want to be dramatic but I teared up reading the comments.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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November 20, 2019 16

Walking through Assisi, Italy at night

After a 7 hour ride, we arrived at Assisi. It was late but we were not going to let that stop us. Plus, I never explored this Italian pearl after sunset. So I was already filled with energy.

night time at Assisi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

We got out of our hotel, into the dark gem. I was surprised to see how beautiful this city was at night. European cities have a different appeal compared to American cities. There’s a level of sophistication that American metropolitans lack.

Rocca Maggiore at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I started walking around until I got distracted by this beauty up above. The castle is called the Rocca Maggiore. I saw this during the day on my last trip. Seeing it at night gives a whole new perspective. It’s intimidating, the castle makes you think of how invaders must have felt. When they tried invading at night.

A road at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Walking the streets at night something was slightly off to me. After living in New York City for such a long time, seeing empty streets at night gives me anxiety. It’s usually an indicator to find another street to walk or you might get robbed. However, that is totally different here. There’s a sense of peace in the atmosphere.

An alley at night photo couresty of Hugo Morel

It felt so liberating to walk around without a worry in the world. The narrow alleyways can be explored without fear. No random stranger that could be a criminal waiting for you at the end. I truly wish I could live here. It was just the first night here and already I was loving it.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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November 6, 2019 23

lasciando Roma-on the outskirts

Leaving Rome is always a hard task. A city as historic and classic like this makes you think twice. Leaving the center of the Roman Empire is an action usually ending with a heartbreak . Especially, if you love history, arts and food.

A stereotypical Italian car photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Even though my time in Rome was short-lived, there was a bright side. We would be doing an Italian road trip. So, we would see the countryside of Italy again. Something, I was excited to experience once more. For this country, I do not mind experiencing it twice and possibly a third time.

Views of the hills in the background photo courtesy Hugo Morel

As we left to the outskirts of the city, our group got to see the nature usually overlooked by tourists. Our starting point was in a suburb of Rome. The part I love about going to the suburbs is the open space. It’s not too remote like the countryside; yet, not too congested like the city.

A quite neighborhood outside of rome photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As the calm warm breeze hit my face, I felt so relaxed. This looks like California during the winter time. The hills mixed with green and gold, it’s hard not to enjoy the moment. Falling in love with Italy is not diffcult. The food, music, views and the people make it difficult to ever want to leave this country.

It was time to start the road trip. We all got on our tour bus. Expect me, of course. Got lost looking at this flower. Lost in my thoughts, all I could think about how different Italian honey would taste like compared to back home. Even at this time, I was thinking about food. Eventually got on the bus and my Italian adventures were just starting. If my face at that moment could be an emjoi, it would be the heart eyes smile one. Italy has a vibe that is hard to match.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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October 30, 2019 14

Roma Di Nuovo

Rome, a city that I enjoy visiting. With it’s classic charm and the city’s effort to maintain that classic look. This Italian city really gives you the feeling of being back in time; when you exclude, the ruins.

A roman walkway photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Walking the streets, the mediterranean architecture is shown brightly with the vibrant colors. The sound of music is heard throughout the walkways. People enjoying their pasta and wine. It felt good to be back.

Roman colosseum photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The ruins remind you of the antiquity of the city. Hard to believe this place is over 2000 years old. The consistent reminder that Rome wants to remind you of it’s glory. Collections of Egyptian carvings occasionally placed in the middle of streets. Forcing you to think about the reach of the Roman Empire.

Spanish steps photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

People enjoying themselves, in daily activity. Almost forgetting the historic impact that this city has made. Italian music playing in the background, gives you the urge to sit down and eat. Tourists losted in the moment, Rome leaves a mark on you.

Trevi fountian photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

My revisit of rome was already looking bright. I can not wait to see how many attractions I overlooked on my first go. I’m sure, it will leave a lasting impression.

Safe travels everyone 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.

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