Times square, the center of the world. The center of the world’s capital. Times square is truly breathtaking.
I have been here many times (bad pun), one can never get bored here. So many interesting characters. From crazy homeless people who claim the world is ending tomorrow to people having breakdowns, this place has it all. If you are looking for free entertainment, Times Square is the place.
This area has a dark past. Once as a mobsters hangout, Times Square was filled with illegal activities. Eventually, one mayor had enough and wanted to make the square Disney friendly. Now, it’s one of the world’s biggest tourist attraction. People from all ages now walk these streets at all times (another bad pun) of the day.
Believe or not, Times Square is one of the city’s most secured areas. With so many police around, it makes one feels very calm to walk the streets at night. Just watch out for the police on horses, they leave behind tracks. Make sure to watch the floor at all times (I couldn’t help myself).
Thank you for taking your time to read this post! Much love! I know I said we would be going to the Bronx but that will be next week. Have a safe week!!
It was the summer of 2014, one of my childhood friends was graduating from a private university. This was a major accomplishment for him. I was and am still proud of him. After the graduation, we explored Boston together.
The bus ride to Boston was crazy. Four hours of just sitting, can do damage to any healthy person. It was 2014, and we still have not created a teleportation machine. The epic struggle!! Anyways, when going to Boston you have a few choices. You can go by plane, train or bus. If you are on the east coast, a bus will be best. In certain areas, it is only 50 dollars round trip. From New York City, I paid only 40 dollars for a round trip. I used Lucky Star bus, they are great and a money-saver.
another shot of Boston from Tufts, Hugo Morel
Once in Boston, I met my childhood friend. We knew each other since elementary school but, didn’t become actual friends until the end of middle school. We took Boston’s subway to get to Tufts University. I got to see where he lived and what his projects were. I’m so proud of him. When I used to visit his home, he would live off MacDonald’s. At that time, he was living in a single parent home with his little sister. Money was very tight for them. For him to be at this university is an amazing achievement. He is the first person in his family to go to college. When I saw him receive his bachelors, it took a lot of willpower to hold back tears.
Boston’s freedom trail, Hugo Morel
A Different view of Boston’s freedom trail, Hugo Morel
After the emotional graduation, we went to explore Boston. We did what tourists do in Boston, walked the freedom trail and go to the infamous Fenway park. Sadly, we did not care who would win and none of us were Red Soxs. After the game, we went bar hoping in Boston. So apparently, Boston’s bars close at 2 am. Living in New York City for awhile, really changed my views of late nights mean.
Baseball game at Fenway Park, Hugo Morel
Wanted to dedicate this post to one of my closest friend that helped me out so much growing up. I was going down a wrong path in my life and he encourage to get back into reading. Which eventually lead to this blog and me starting my company! He encouraged me to do what I love. As you guys can tell, I love traveling and being able to write. The friend I’m talking about is the one that graduated in this post. He is now a few years away from getting his PhD. I’m so proud of him. May he continue to inspire others and change more lives.
Guys, we just reached 500 likes!! Thank you so much!! I love you guys so much and I’m so humbled you guys see my life as interesting. Once again, thank you. I hope, I can inspire you all to travel!! Much Love!!! Drop a like and a follow. Next week, we will start a Canadian adventure. Stay healthy!!
Walking down the halls of my university, my curiosity got the best of me. As I was walking to my class, there was a poster on the wall. This poster was an advertisement for an English camp in Monterrey, Mexico. Who knew this poster would lead me into an exciting experience.
outside view of my hotel, Hugo Morel
It was the last three weeks of 2012. It was a cold day in New York City and going to Mexico to teach English seemed so simple. Since, I speak the language and grew up in California majority of my childhood. Going to Mexico in December, I didn’t have much to think twice about it. After a week of workshops in Manhattan, it was time for us to take a bus to Dallas for more lovely(sarcastic tone)workshops. The drive was crazy and I was not sure, if I would be able to sit again.
middle of nowhere USA, Hugo Morel
Once we got to Dallas, we went to our hotel.Our group stayed at the Marriott Hotel. The hotel had a very welcoming vibe. As you enter, you are greeted by the front desk. Going up to the hotel rooms,you see all the beautiful lights and carpet decorations. We spent most of our time here, while in Dallas. This was where the English workshops were held at.
ceiling of the hotel, Hugo Morel
our hotel room, Hugo
After settling down and resting, we started our English teaching crash-courses. The whole event was being held by IYF. IYF was created in South Korea. Many Korean friends were made. Also, learned a lot about the Korean culture. How South Korea was really poor not too long ago. The technology boom, helped South Korea become a global economical force. They performed Korean dramas and plays. Our Korean friends, also gave us some of their food to eat. This was the first time I tried Kimchi and it was a great experience. It was spicy and went well with rice. This made me feel bad for not checking out Koreatown in Los Angles.
Dallas downtown with the Texas state flag, Hugo MorelAnother shot of Downtown Dallas, Hugo Morel
After our workshops, we had time to explore Dallas. Unfortunately, it was raining by the time we were able to go out and about.That still did not stop us from exploring this city. Once we were done with our Tex Mex food, we found out how slow paced this city is compared to New York City. This city also has deep cowboy roots that are not hard to spot, when wondering this metropolitan. With all the exploring done, we went back to our crash-courses to get ready for Monterrey, Mexico.
Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Also, wanted to thank you all for the growth of this blog. Last week, we just reached a little over 100 followers and now we have just over 200!!! All this in one week!! We also just reached over 1000 views this month. Once again, thank you guys so much for this. This such a humbling experience. Check up on us next week, we will be in Monterrey, Mexico. Much Love!!! Stay safe!!
Like the Will Smith’s song, we arrived in Miami. City of the sun, warm weather, Cuban culture and beaches. After sitting on a plane for three hours, we were so excited to explore this city.
Skyscraper in Miami, Hugo Morel
I took untied airlines to get to Miami. It was inexpensive and I was able to choose my seat. There was a bag fee of 25 dollars for the first bag. Obliviously, I got the window seat!
Miami from a bird’s eye-view, Hugo Morel
Once in Miami, you can either take a taxi or the public transportation. I took a taxi at first, that way I can talk to a local. The taxi cost 40 dollars to get to my hostel and it was worth the money. I was unaware that the memorial day weekend was a major event in Miami. People from all over the country come to Miami to party at this time. We were in for a crazy night.
Downtown Miami, Hugo Morel
There are many high end hotels in Miami. The one I stayed at was not even a hotel, it was a hostel. Hostels are a lot cheaper. I spent 8 dollars a night, in a central location. The hostel was on Collins ave. Staying at a hostel, is a great way to meet friends who have the same interest as you.
Miami Beach, Hugo Morel
After getting settled in my hostel, I had some time before my friends arrived. I started to explore the city. I ended up going to South Miami, a somewhat affluent area. I took the bus and a train to get there. The bus fare for one way was $2.25 and the train, for one way, was the same price. To avoid paying in cash, you can go to a local pharmacy and they should sell metro cards. Keep in mind, that Miami is not a 24 hour city like New York. Most buses stop running after 11 pm. I ended up walking 30 blocks to get a bus that ran after 11 pm. Moral of the story, bring a portable charger.
South Miami mall, Hugo Morel
After a hectic night of trying to get back to my hostel, I woke up at noon and started to explore a little of Miami Beach. I wanted to see Miami Beach before the tourists came. From what the taxi driver told me, there would be bumper to bumper traffic. The picture below was taken while I was walking down Collins ave.
South Beach before tourist came, Hugo Morel
Thank you for taking your time to read this post! Drop a like and a follow. Next week we will explore the Everglades. Much Love!! Stay safe!!
After exploring the city, the time came for us to crash on the beach. Seriously, we slept on the beach like bums. It was a very interesting experience. This event led up to the real reason as to why we were in Rio, to see Pope Francis.
published by Hugo Morel
It was a nice 2013 winter day in Rio. The sun came and went at times. When the sun came out, it was extremely hot for the winter time. The type of hot that would give you a headache. Like the picture above, many of us found something to shield our heads from the sun.
skyscrapers in Rio by Hugo Morel
Once lunch time came, we had to stay in line for about 2 hours to get our meal and our meal cards. The meal cards would give us two free meals per day. The pictures below were taken during us waiting in line.
more Rio’s skyscrapers, Hugo Morel
lady getting her lunch, Hugo Morel
the hectic line, Hugo Morel
Once night time came, we found our spots on the beach to sleep. We decided to explore a little around the city. Going with the flow of the crowd, we got dragged into a march from people all over the world. It was very interesting meeting and talking to them.
night time Rio’s streets, Hugo Morel
marching, Hugo Morel
After a rough night of trying to go to sleep, the pope came. The crowd was extremely cheerful. With 64.6% of Brazil being the pope’s follower (not on twitter), the beaches of Copacabana were never this filled. It was amazing to be apart of history.
the pope on the screen, Hugo Morel
the hectic crowd, Hugo Morel
skyscraper, Hugo Morel
After seeing the pope, the crew packed up and headed towards the airport. Unfortunately, we missed our flight. We had to negotiate a deal with the airlines. Long story short, we had to drive from Rio to Buenos Aires. Trust me, it was a butt-numbing experience.
the stink-eye, Hugo Morel
Thanks for taking your time to read this post. Don’t be like the guy in the picture above, drop a like and a follow. Much Love! Next week we go to Miami!
After experiencing a day of nothing but rain, the sun finally got over it’s shyness. We got to see Rio, the way it is in the movies. The true beauty of this city, was hiding from the gloomy weather.
published by Hugo Morel
Rio de Janeiro is a huge city with many wonderful neighborhoods. The global image of Rio usually resides in the neighborhood of Copacabana. Copacabana is located in the South Zone. From what the locals told me, this beautiful area was once only for the rich. With time, the beaches became open to the public. As seen in the photos below, the scenery is very alluring.
by Hugo Morel
By Hugo Morel
By Hugo Morel
By Hugo Morel
By Hugo morel
Modern art in Rio taken by Hugo Morel
The photos below, are more views of the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean really matches Brazil’s flag, Green and Blue.
the Atlantic Ocean
the Atlantic Ocean
The photos below were taken at top of Corcovado. Corcovado, meaning hunchback in Portuguese, is a mountain in the city of Rio. The mountain is known worldwide due to it’s iconic statue.
by Hugo Morel
By Hugo Morel
By Hugo Morel
by Hugo Morel
On top of Corcovado, sits the world famous statue, Christ the Redeemer. This iconic symbol is the staple of most Rio de Janiero postcards. To get to the statue, you can take a local bus tour or walk it. I recommend taking a local bus tour. It’s easier and safer. The roads going up the mountain are not very pedestrian- friendly. Once at the top, you must pay a fee to see the statue. We got in for free because we pretended to be priests. It’s hard to believe they actually believed us! I recommend to skip the gift shop. It’s too expensive and most what you find there can be bought at a lower price elsewhere.
published by Hugo Morel
Thank you so much for taking your time to read this post. Drop a like and a follow. Much love!! Next week we explore Rio’s metro!
São Paulo, Brazil is the Americas’ and the Southern Hemisphere’s most populated city. We were so excited to finally be here, in Brazil’s Manhattan. It was towards the end of a 2013 July when we arrived and we were once again reminded the Northern Hemisphere has opposite seasons.
Published by Hugo Morel
It was raining when we got to São Paulo. Even with the rain, the city still looked amazing. Summer in the Northern Hemisphere is winter in Southern Hemisphere The picture below is São Paulo’s Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge. The bridge is a world class landmark. When an image of São Paulo is shown, the Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge is usually in the picture.
Published by Hugo Morel
The Bridge is similar to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Although, not as famous as the Golden Gate Bridge. Both bridges represent their city in a world class level. The picture below is a close up of the Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge.
published by Hugo morel
The Octávio Frias de Oliveira Bridge was created in an unusual form of an “x.” The picture below are skyscrapers with the Bridge’s reflection on the windows. You can see more of it’s “x” form.
Published by Hugo Morelpublished by Hugo Morel
São Paulo’s skyline is so amazing. It really does make you feel like you are in Manhattan. The picture to the side, looks similar to when you are driving out of Manhattan and heading to Yonkers, New York.
Published by Hugo Morel
Another beautiful building in the world class city. The city’s skyline and buildings, truly make you feel like you are in any American city.
published by Hugo morel
published by Hugo morel
The city’s subway and public transportation is very modern. It’s able to compete with Moscow’s. Which, Moscow, has the busiest subway in the world. The pictures above are examples of the city’s public transportation.
brought to you by google
The picture above is a picture of São Paulo’s metro map. In 2013, the metro fair one-way was R$2.90. Which was about $1.45 in american dollars. The actually price of metro fair now, probably went up. Just remember one Brazilian Real is about half an American Dollar.
published by Hugo Morel
Published by Hugo Morel
São Paulo is a beautiful city. Very similar to New York City, with it being one and a half of NYC’s population, São Paulo is truly breathtaking.
Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Drop a like and a follow! Happy holidays and we hope you enjoy it with your love ones! Much Love! Next week we will be in Rio de Janeiro.
