I was going to write a normal post but I felt it’s more appropriate to give tribute to a country that always bounces back.
This country I have been wanting to visit for such a long time and explore that part of my ancestry. However, there always something happening in this country that made me want to visit later. When the climate was more peaceful. I’m sure most of you all know by now what has happened in Lebanon. Two huge explosions hit the capital city. Everything in a 6-mile radius was hit by the boom of the second explosion. Right now, a confirmed 70 people have lost their lives. If you saw the videos, I’m sure the death toll will probably be near or above 1000. It is currently being under investigation to see if this was a terrorist attack or not. In my heart and gut feeling, I have a suspicion that this was a terrorist attack.
They said it was a fireworks factory that blew up. The first explosion I can see it possibly being caused by what the chemicals fireworks are made out of. However, the second explosion looked different.
Stand strong to a beautiful and small country that always bounced back. A small country that had such a big impact on the world. Through its history, diaspora, and culture.
Stay safe everybody and enjoy your loved ones. There were a lot of people who woke that day thinking it was going to be normal. Who are now not able to have another chance to wake up again.
Once we arrived to Casablanca, my new friend show me where to buy the high-speed tickets. Knowing this helped me save 3 hours on my next trip. Which would had been 6 hours. Half the time saved meant more to spend in my next location.
A view of casablanca photo courtesy of hugo morel
The next morning, I woke up cold. It was winter time here. Casablanca is a lot colder than Marrakech. It actually felt like December up here. Had to wear all my winter clothes like I never left New York City. Hard to believe because most of my first impressions of North Africa was the heat. However, it was almost freezing.
views of the road with the sun photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
another of the sun photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Left the room I rented on air bnb to head towards the Casablanca’s train station. I wanted to see a little bit of this city. I was going to head up north soon. There wasn’t much time for me to explore the business capital of Morocco.
A view Casa Voyageurs photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Started wandering around the Casa Voyageurs train station. I was slowly noticing a lot of American businesses like Starbucks around. It’s crazy to think the center of hipsterville (starbucks) was in Morocco. Yes, this is definitely not the Africa the media likes to portrays. Even saw hipster Moroccans, which is something that I’m still trying to process.
Another view of Casa Voyageurs photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Casablanca felt like a normal European city; yet, mixed with it’s own culture. The time I spent in the taxi to get to Casa Voyageurs, I saw how differnt Casablanca was to Marrakech. For those who don’t know, Casa Voyageurs is Casablanca’s main train station. Marrakech actually felt and looked like a tropical french metropolitan built similar to Paris. However, Casablanca was like I was really in Paris at times. In parts, you didn’t feel like you were in Africa. It just felt so European. I literally thought the eiffel tower was just around the corner. To my dislike, my time here was ending and it was time for me to leave. This is a place, I have to visit again and explore. However, I was going further north, closer to spain. Let’s see what more Morocco had to offer.
Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!
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Finally, it was my time to board the train. It felt like 10 hours of waiting. Something funny happened to me while waiting. This lady that was sitting next time told me in arabic, “watch over my bags while I go to the bathroom.” I had no idea what she was saying. However, she thought I was Moroccan. After about 15 minutes, she came back. Grabbed her bags and thanked me in Arabic. Replied with the little arabic I know, “shukraan” meaning thanks. She found out that I obviously didn’t speak arabic. She told what she asked in English. We laughed and I made a new friend. That’s what life is about. Meeting people and making memories.
On the platform waiting for the train photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Once on-board the train, I went to the first class section. There was like a 7 dollar difference from the main cabin to the first class seats. It was a no brainer. Sat on my seat, I was surprised to see how beautiful the trains were. The west gives bad media attention towards africa. Trust me people, it’s not as backwards as you all think.
When the train arrived photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
My cabin mates for this journey came and got to their seats. After about ten minutes, the train was in motivation. The crew operating the train came to check out tickets. He had to look at my ticket twice because it had the wrong date on it. The worker at the Marrakech station printed out the wrong ticket. I didn’t noticed because my mind was elsewhere. Reluctantly, I had to buy the ticket again. All this because I missed my frist train. Moral of the story, always google the current time when in a forgien country.
The train company is called Atlas Photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
One of my cabin mates spoke English. He understood what happened and explained to me that I can get a refund at the Casablanca station. We ended speaking about the current affairs of Morocco. He told me this french and Arabic speaking country has Africa’s first high-speed train.
The further the train went into Morocco, the deeper my new friend and I had conversations about entrepreneurship went. He owns a few businesses and a travel agency. Found out he was going to Casablanca too. Sadly, there were two Scandinavian girls were killed.
A photo of murdered Danish student Louisa Vesterager Jespersen (L) and Nowegian Maren Ueland placed on top of flowers as Moroccans pay tribute to the victims. Photo: Fadel Senna/AFP
My new friend showed his anger towards the terrorists that committed murder. He explained that terrorism is not Islam. This is something I already knew from my travels to Egypt. He let me know that terrorist groups create chaos to prevent progress. Morocco has just built their high-speed trains and opended up thier country more for tourism. This makes the extremist groups furious. It almost a reminder of my views towards the average muslim. They just want peace.
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!
After eating that wonderful ice cream, I went back into the station. I was so excited to be able to do this. Since I was a kid, I told my father that I will do a long train travel in Africa. Here I am as an adult, about to do what I claimed I would more than a decade ago. Hopefully in the future, I will do more than one country on a train! You get to see more of the countryside than being on flight.
Kfc In morocco photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
I was excited to see Morocco by train. Starting off at Marrakesh with a stop in Casablanca, this train journey will end up in Tangier. Tangier is almost across the sea from Spain. It’s on the very tip of northwest morocco. So, I was almost seeing the whole country on train. My face had the brightest smile. You can’t say dreams don’t come true. For at that moment, I was living in one.
An American real estate company photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Per-ordered my train tickets from a local agency. It was a little more expensive buying them in person. In Morocco, you can’t buy train tickets online with a foreign card. If you are using a foreign card, you have to buy everything in person. That’s why I used a local agency, they assure to buy your tickets ahead of time. Most of the extra money went to a good cause. The agency helps with local troubled youth, so I wasn’t mad.
A bird’s eye view of the train station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Waiting to board the train was dreadful. It’s like a kid waiting in line to go to Disneyland. Every ten minutes, I would look at my watch. Wondering when I will board. With very little public WiFi spots, I had to find something to pass my time. Pulled out a book to read; however, I put it back in fear of losing track of time. It was one of those moments, where you were frustrated going back and fourth on what to do.
The entrance of the train station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Of course, that’s what happened even without reading my book. I missed calculated the time difference and apparently my phone did too. I missed my train and had to take another one, two hours later. Which means more waiting like that kid in line at the Disneyland entrance. This was just the start to something more complicated. However, that didn’t stop me from having a good time.
Hey, everyone!! I’m sorry I haven’t responded to your comments and not making a post yesterday. It’s been a rough three weeks for me. Lost two close people recently. Also, on Monday I just lost an uncle to the virus. It’s very hard for me and everyone lately. I”m terribly sorry once again. I promise to reply to every comment by this weekend. Please stay safe everyone. Wash your hands!! Safe travels and much love!
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!
With only a few hours left in this desert metropolis, I had one last thing to do. I didn’t visit the palm island yet. This is the place where all the six stars services were at. My final task on my to-do list was about to be crossed off.
The entrance to the Atlantis hotel photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Found a taxi and told him to take me to the man-made island. It took about 30 mins of going through tunnels to finally arrive to the Atlantis hotel. My local friend works here. Didn’t want to bother her while working. Plus, fancy things aren’t really my thing.
The Persian gulf photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Right in front of the hotel, there is a beautiful view of the Persian golf. It’s crazy to think that Iran is on the other side of that body of water. Iran is like another universe compared to Dubai. I always found it strange, how countries so close to each other could be so different in economics and political views. For example, USA and Mexico. Two countries that share a broader, however, are so different. It’s almost mind blowing to think how a few thousands miles can really change how people think, live and look.
The water park next to the six star hotel photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Eventually, I asked to be driven to the 6 star hotel. I didn’t want to go in, I just wanted to see from the outside. The restaurants inside aren’t that expensive. It’s about 80 dollars a meal and side orders. That’s about 20 dollars more in New York city. The funny about the hotel is that there is a water park right next door. Kind of implying water parks are somewhat a luxury here. Which, if you knew more about water parks. That water should be yellow. Bleach is such a magical substance.
The Burj al Arab from the front photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
In order to get to the hotel, you need to pass a security check point. You can’t get in without a reservation. I was thinking about going here for a restaurant. However, that is something I would regret spending money on. I always prefer authenticity over luxury. With that, ends my adventures in the 🇦🇪 UAE. Next stop would be more Christmas themed.
Thank you so much for reading! Hope you all are enjoying your weekend! Happy late Thanksgiving to the Americans!
As my time in Dubai was ending, I kept trying to find something to do. This is something that’s abnormal for me. I don’t really care about jewelery. Never interested me to show people what I have. So I never go to a jeweller. I got convinced to go visit the famous gold souk by my local friend.
My new friend photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
On my way there, I met this very smart cat. To get away from the heat, it slept inside the air-conditioned subway station. I just wanted to give it water. Life must be tough for a furry animal in the Middle Eastern heat. Had to say goodbye to my new friend. Sometimes, I wish I could adopt street cats. Especially, from forgien places.
The entrance of the gold souk photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Stepped out of the station and that wave of intense humidity hit me. I was sweating so much. It made me look like I just took a shower. Uncomfortably, I made it to the entrance of the souk.
Walking inside the souk photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Once inside the souk, you get blasted by the smell of spices. The noises of people trying to sell you their goods were in the air. The souk felt like a subway train going towards Manhattan. Everybody is trying to sell you something. Unwanted soliciting everywhere. It comes with the territory.
Poster of bollywood stars photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
The further I walked, you notice the Indian influence. There were a lot of Indian celebrities images. Dubai does have a large Indian community. Didn’t expect to see Bollywood Stars posters here. Didn’t even know who that person was until showed my Indian friend this photo.
One of the many jewellers photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
The jewellery shops were so beautiful. Being a proud window shopper here. I just came to the souk for sightseeing and not buying. Glad, I made the trip here. It made me wonder how this place used to be before Dubai became so international. I was a little disappointed, since the souk lacked that Middle Eastern authenticity you see on television. I was hoping people would be speaking more arabic and less English. I don’t really like complaining, I’m just pointing that out. Regardless, I still enjoyed my time.
With this city’s over the top strive to be the best. There is a lot of differences compared to Western public transportation. I could not roll my eyes even more after finding out they have the only five star subway station. Although, Dubai’s metro system seem to be the world’s best. There are rules one must follow, if you want a smooth time.
A subway station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
For starters, you don’t see people asking for money. That is something this country really tries hard not to have. The government pays the homeless to go back to their country. As harsh as that sounds, it’s better than just leaving them out to die in the rough desert environment. Especially, when summer comes around with the sand storms.
The top level of the “five star subway station” photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Another tip is to not eat in subway carts. Yes, that is illegal and could cause you a fine. Of course, I saw the sign while I was eating donuts. Luckily for me, there wasn’t any cops nearby. The fine is about 100 AED, which is about 30 us dollars.
The second Level of the “five star subway station” photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Dubai’s metro is very clean. There is no litter on the subway carts. Dropping or forgetting something on a subway cart could lead you to a 200 AED fee. Which is about 70 USD. Keep that in mind because the more fines you get, the more unwated attention you attract to yourself. Which is never good in a foreign country. Also, Sleeping in waiting areas can result to fines as well. Same amount as of 200 AED. I wish they had these rules in New York City.
The five start trophy photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Another rule is carrying alcohol while on a public vehicle can result in charges or fees, if you are found out. If you are carrying beers or wine bottles in your bag, please make sure they do not make much noise. Remember this is a Muslim majority country after all. Being found with alcohol in non-approved areas can lead into some serious trouble. It all depends which type of cop you run into. I heard stories online of people being found with alcohol and being sent to jail. Which caused them to lose their flight.
The stations mark where the women’s section will be photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Lastly there is a woman’s section on the subway trains. They are usually a lot nicer and less crowded. From what I saw, there are usually empty seats. Only women are allowed to go with the exception of little kids. Of course, Me being me. I ended up walking into and taking a seat in this section. Took me a minute to find out why it was so empty. Saw a lot of pink on the floor and the word women was written everywhere. Luckily, there was no police around. So, I did not get in trouble.
Hey everyone! This post is not to scare you. It’s just to keep you aware. I do suggest reading Dubai metro rules. Here is the link to keep you informed. Dubai is awesome and there is no reason as to why some culture differences should ruin your time here.
One of the most famous mosques in the world. Constantly shown to us as a luxury. The Grand mosque of Abu Dhabi is Marvel to see in person. It makes you realize how much this country loves their religion.
The view of the mosque from the taxi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
The taxi driver pointed out that I could take pictures from afar. I asked him just to make sure. Didn’t want any surprises. The whole me wearing shorts kept poking my mind. Asked the driver about my shorts and he said that it won’t be a problem. I just wouldn’t be able to go to where the Muslims were praying. Which was fine. Meanwhile, I was my crossing finger hoping he was right. Didn’t want to go this city for nothing.
Outside view of the mosque photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Finally, got to the entrance. I was dropped off and my new friend left. We had an interesting conversation. He was from Iran and told me his opinion about the mosque. I was let known very well that it was beautiful; however, there are other mosques all over the Muslim world that are much prettier.
View of the mosque passing the security check photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
You have to pass a security point. Similar to airports with metal directors. It was cool to see that a few of the security guards had the traditional white arab robes. If you turn around passing the security check point, there is a line of taxi drivers waiting outside. At least, I knew there won’t be any problems going back to the bus station.
On the mosque’s lawn Photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Once inside, you have to walk the long courtyard. The blazing sun hitting the white marble floor was making the environment warmer. The place felt like a house of royalty. Finally got to the point where you have to take off your shoes. Left my shoes with the guards and starting explore the small areas that were allowed.
One of the areas tourists are allowed to wander photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
The combinations of the white and gold were jaw dropping. In complete awe, I took in the moment. This mosque is a work of art. Completely different than the Iranian/Persian mosque, I visited the other day. Also, the ones I saw in Egypt were not at this level. This is mosque gave more of a sense of wealth. You can tell there was an abundance of money here. All the mosques I visited in Egypt, many were run down with little money. However, they have more soul to them.
The grand mosque is very beautiful; yet, this is not my kind of thing. Love their expression of appreciation towards their religion. Everything was perfect and on point. The Grand mosque reminded me of a sports car. Lovely to look at and to be in one. While, Egyptian mosques were more like a community church van to me. The ones that picked you up to make sure you went to Sunday masses. Enjoy both but prefer the van.
Outside view of where the muslims went to pray photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Learned from Muslim friends, each region of the Muslim world has their own unique style of mosque. The Persian and Egyptian styles, I have already shown on this blog. Hope to share how each region looks like to you all.
Abu Dhabi is the Los Angeles of UAE. Second largest city and probably the more beautiful. It’s also the capital of this oil rich country. The name meaning in arabic is “father of gazelles.” It is located on an Island in the Persian Gulf. Reminds me of Manhattan.
Abu Dhabi skyline photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
When I first got to this city, I noticed how clean and less congested the streets look. Dubai is clean but not like Abu Dhabi. The city felt like I was driving through a clean Miami. The buildings and roads also reminded me of Milan, Italy. This oil rich capital is very beautiful.
Walking up the steps to the royal Palace photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Started to explore the place, a few locals to me to visit the Royal Palace. Of course, I only came here to see the Grand mosque. At this moment, I was finding something to do until then. Never been inside a Royal Palace. So, why not?
In front of the Royal Palace photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Got dropped off by a taxi near the entrance. Taxis in this city are like new york city. Just less expensive in my experience. The taxis are regulated so you do not have to worry about being ripped off. However, the drivers might take the longer route to get more money. Keep on the outlook.
Water works photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
When I got to the Palace’s main entrance, I was told that I could not visit since I had shorts. The nerve of the people who suggested me going here, not telling me this. I was somewhat disappointed that I could not go inside. I didn’t want the situation to ruin my mood. So, I walked down the steps and started watching the water works.
In the taxi seeing the presidental palace photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Burning in the sun, I almost got up to run into them. The fact that no one else was doing it made me think otherwise. Got back on a taxi and I was off to the Grand mosque.
So I found out the famous Grand mosque was not in Dubai. Kept searching for it online on a Dubai map but nothing was showing up. It wasn’t until I googled the Grand mosque, I found out it was in Abu Dhabi. UAE’s second largest city, which was a two hour drive. Didn’t not to drive in a forgien country due to fear of what could happen, I kept looking for taxis. Found out it would cost me about 100 USD to get there by taxi one way.
The al ghubaiba train station photo courtesy Hugo Morel
I’m sure you all know, I’m too frugal to spend 100 dollars for a taxi ride. Found out from a local friend, I could take a bus for about 16 us dollars roundtrip. To take the bus, I had to take the subway to the station shown in the picture above.
Walking to the bus station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Once outside, it’s about a 3 block walk to the bus station. Got losted and started asking around. People in Dubai are very friendly and helpful. Most would love to help tourists without asking for anything in return. So do not be afraid to ask.
The bus station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Eventually, I found the bus station. Went to buy the bus tickets and there were two lines. One for women and the other for men. The whole segregation of gender is still hard for me to understand. Women don’t have to take go to the women’s line. They can choose whatever line they want. However, the women’s line is quicker and less people hassling you. The men’s line you have to pay attention or they will cut you in line. Which is never fun. Luckily, there was not that many people there when I bought my tickets. Just one problematic person.
Inside the bus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Once on the bus, you get to choose wherever you want to sit. It had air conditioning and the sits weren’t too bad. It was definitely worth the 16 dollars. Once the bus started driving off, I kept thinking how faraway from home I was. Dubai’s senerary was beautiful and exotic to me. The farther away we left Dubai and it’s metropolitan area, the more desert looking the senerary got. Lost in the moment, I didn’t even think about taking photos. So much sand, it made you feel like you were on a highway in the middle of a yellow ocean.
Abu Dhabi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
As the two hours passed, I could tell were getting close. The yellow ocean became green fields of dates. The excitement was building up. Couldn’t wait to see what adventures waited for me in Abu Dhabi. We eventually got to city and my wild experiences were just about to start.
I’m sure most of you all know by now what has happened in Lebanon. Two huge explosions hit the capital city. Everything in a 6-mile radius was hit by the boom of the second explosion. Right now, a confirmed 70 people have lost their lives. If you saw the videos, I’m sure the death toll will probably be near or above 1000. It is currently being under investigation to see if this was a terrorist attack or not. In my heart and gut feeling, I have a suspicion that this was a terrorist attack. 
