Taking the subway to Giza

Well yes, you thought I would go to Egypt and not go to Giza? You must have not been following us long enough. Of course, we had to do it my way.

Inside a mosque taken by Hugo Morel

After getting familiar with the Islamic culture, it was time to go to the tourist traps. It was somewhat interesting because she suggested that we take the subway. It’s like the universe knows I love subways!! The cool thing about this experience is that not many Tourists get to take the subway like I did. So, some of these pictures will be new to those that visited Egypt.

Entering the subway station taken by Hugo Morel

Entering the subway station, you have to pass through a metal detector. Which makes sense because of all the problems this part of the world has been facing. Cairo’s subway is something similar to the Bart in San Francisco or the metro in Washington D.C. It was small; however, very complicated. Still wasn’t chaotic as New York’s and I liked it!

Waiting for the train Taken by Hugo morel

We were waiting for the train and I noticed something. The train stations were actually cool. I know this isn’t very interesting; however, outside was pretty hot. Usually, NYC’s or other cities’ subway stations are hotter than the outside temperature. Just some geeky observations.

Train passing by taken by Hugo Morel

As the train came, we jumped inside and found seats. Inside the train, there was no air conditioning and the heat was uncomfortable. Even with this, people were still smiling and laughing. Makes me really think about how lucky I was to live in the USA. Yet, I still complain about simple issues and get sad over things people around the world see as a luxury. This was definitely a humbling experience. This is why travel changes you. You get to see the world in a differnt view. Every experience helps me grow into a better person.

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

To start your own adventures, check out the link below.

Check out our latest e-book “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come without breaking the bank: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe0

February 9, 2019 6

Taking the subway in Prague

If you are a long time follower, you would know how much I love subways. The whole thought about going to a different country, and/or city, and seeing how locals travel around is so fascinating to me.

It all starts in the morning with some potato dumplings. Those dumplings would be awesome with some cheese. They are still good regardless but with cheese, they will be an awesome cheese filled dumpling! The only thing better than that is a cheeseburger from In and Out.

Prague’s subway system is very modern. It felt like a fancier version of New York’s subway.

When taking the subway make sure to have this ticket with you. If you lost it, you will have to buy another ticket to get back to where you are staying.

This reminded me of star trek for some reason.

This is what stood out to me, the subway walls have carvings. Let’s see them try that in New York.

I love trolleys and light rails. Reminds me of my hometown, San Francisco.

Thank you all for reading this post. Have a safe week and stay heathly. Much love! Next time we will be in Germany.

November 18, 2016 10

Rainbow bagel and Remembering Williamsburg

The nieghborhood of Williamsburg has become one of Brooklyn’s most famous. The change has been almost overnight. The once crime infested Williamsburg, has turn into a center of the hipster culture.

When coming into Williamsburg, I recommend taking the J train. On this train, you are able to see Manhattan’s skyline. The J train is above ground and goes along the Williamsburg bridge. It is truely breathtaking.

The Williamsburg bridge, Brooklyn’s second most famous bridge. After the Brooklyn bridge, the Williamsburg bridge has been the star in many movies. Movies that include superheroes, such as the hero with the spider senses. I recommend walking this bridge with a significant other. The view is very romantic. Also, there is a side that is only used for bikes. It is a perfect date set up.

I was informed by a reader and a friend, to check out a place where they make rainbow bagels. This excited me to go on the very so handy google. It’s funny, how many times I looked over this store. Not giving it a second thought.

I was completely sold, when I walked into this store. All of types of cream cheeses and in every color.

I was taken back at how many colors, cream cheese can come in.

When in Williamsburg, stop by the bagel store. I had the rainbow cream cheese with the rainbow bagel. It tasted sweet, almost like cheesecake. This was definitely worth googling (my new word).

Williamsburg brings back a lot memories. My family has been in this nieghborhood for over 60 years. We have seen this area at it’s worse and best. A lot of the area has changed. Many of the activities we used to do as kids, are gone due to technology and demographics of the area.

For example, videology was once our corner blockbuster (some of you might not remember or know that chain store). I remember those summers, my dad and I used to visit New York from California. This place was the center of our entertainment. Those were good and simple times. In recent times, the store has become a dive bar. This is an indicator that area has somewhat lost it’s soul.

Thank you for taking your time to read this. You guys are the best! Next week, we will take a break from NYC and start my Los Angeles adventures. Much love!!! Stay heathly and happy!

June 10, 2016 22

The many sides to The Bronx

The Bronx, the borough and county known for the founding of hip-hop. This part of New York City has so much culture and is rich of diversity. So many subcultures are found here, it is truely ashame that this borough is usually over looked.

The art scene in the Bronx is truly amazing. So much graffiti is here, most tell a story and/or are a reference to a hero of that neighborhood.

The person in the picture above is Roberto Clemente. Clemente was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player. He was the first Latino to be in the Hall of Fame and opening the door to many other latinos. Now, the sport has at least one latino in every team and many other latinos have made a place for themselves in the Hall of Fame.

Going to the Bronx, I had to go to where hip-hop started. So, I went to the South Bronx on my own risk. Unfortunately, this historical area is filled with crime. I will not advise to go here without caution.

Even with all the crimes, I witness an act of kindness. I saw a Puerto Rican couple help clean a random man’s shirt. After the man spilled something on his white shirt and was unable to clean it himself.

The Bronx is filled with people from all over the world but the majority of Bronx’s population comes from Latin America. Puerto Ricans used to dominate the Bronx; however, Dominicans have taken over in recent years. The cycle continues as more and more latinos move into the suburbs. The next group of Latinos to dominate will be mexicans.

One place a reader recommended me to go was the Bronx’s little Italy. Finding out there was a little Italy in this borough surprised me. This area’s influnces from Italy is astounding. They have Italian pop music playing in the background.

When coming here, I recommend going to Full Moon Pizzeria. The food was great and the atmosphere felt like I was in Italy. Had a conversation with one of the owners and he told me all the place I should visit, for my upcoming trip to Italy.

Thank you for reading this post! As promised, I made the post about the Bronx. Made it a little longer than usual because of not keeping my promise last week. Next week, we will be going to the nieghborhood of Williamsburg. Have a safe week!! Much love!

June 3, 2016 18

In the center of the world

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!!

May 27, 2016 28

Queens, the diverse borough

Queens, the most diverse county in the United States. Home of hip-hop legends like Nas. Queens, is the biggest borough by landmass and the second biggest by population. It is truly worth the visit.

There is a lot to do in this borough. Home of the New York Mets, Citi Field should be on your itinerary. Many events occur here during the summer and some are free. Also, home to North America’s Amway store.

I explored Queens several times and have gotten lost more than I count. Flushing-Meadows Park is actually a fun place to get lost in. The park has a zoo and a metal gobal; however, I’m not trying to be too much of a tourist. So, the zoo and the gobal were skipped. The Flushing-Meadows Park is the second biggest park in the city. The park has a science museum for kids, as well. Flushing-Meadows Park is on a comparable level to Central Park.

Queens is a place of diversity. With more than 48% of it’s population being foreign born, many of it’s residents speak a different language. Queens county is said to be the place with the highest percentage of the world’s languages are spoken in one area. Each neighborhood in Queens has a different culture. Flushing is Queens’ main center for Asian communities. The neighborhood of Flushing is the place where you can experience true Asian culture.

Thank you, for taking your time to read this post. Much love!! Next week, we will head to the Bronx. Have a safe week and stay healthy!

May 20, 2016 9

Riding Rio’s Public Transportation

Rio’s metro is the second most used in Brazil. With 1.1 million riders daily and 401.5 million yearly, the metro is on a global city level.

subway entrance

taken by Hugo Morel

Waiting for the train at the station, makes you feel like you are in Brooklyn, NY at the L train Bedford ave stop. One way metro fare is R$3.50. Remember that the American dollar is about double of Brazil’s currency. The pictures below were taken as we waiting for our train. It was more modern than we expected. Being Americans, we tend to not think so highly about other countries’ subways.

taken by Hugo Morel

Taken By Hugo Morel

The picture below is one of Rio’s subway trains on the outside.

Taking Rio’s subway was very similar to New York’s. The train we took was like New York’s A train. You got your crazies and your trains’ panhandlers. The major difference is that the whole train is connected. In New York, the trains are separated by carts with doors in between each cart. While in Rio, there are individual carts but they are connected with no door dividing them. The train on the inside, looks as if you were inside a giant snake.

taken by Hugo Morel

taken by Hugo morel

taken by Hugo Morel

Walking in the subway stations, we noticed a lot of shops. Very similar to New York’s Penn station. The pictures below were taken in front of a video game store in the subway station.

taken by Hugo Morel

taken By Hugo Morel

Rio’s Public Bus system is on a world class level. With 831 bus routes, you can travel anywhere in the city at cheap rate. The bus fare is R$2.40 one way. In American dollars, the fare is a bout $1.20. Make sure to know this when taking the bus, obese people have priority seating. Make sure not to look like a jerk.

priority seating sign

waiting for the bus

Rio also has an express bus called BRT. The BRT has it’s own private lane on the highway (USA, we should take notes!). Going on one of these buses, can get you across the city in no time. The picture below is a BRT station.