In a country where I grew up. Where I learn to love it because this is my home. I’m constantly being reminded that I’m of lesser quality just based on my skin color. It stings but I still smile and I would never purposely cause harm on anybody.
I still smile because I have hope. Hope for a better future where everybody gets equal treatment. I know this may seem naive but hope is what got me through some really dark times. Regardless of religion, gender, race or sexual orientation. You are a person over everything.
I don’t agree with the looting and destruction of the local businesses. However, I can understand why they do it. Two wrongs don’t make a right. We need peace.
Through my travels, I learned to love people. People from all different backgrounds. Regardless of what their opinions are. I have friends who are Jewish, Christians, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Spirtual and everything else in between. I have friends who are far right and friends who are far left. At the end of the day, we are human beings. These labels we put on yourselves just divides us. Letting us be easily controlled by others’ agendas. We should learn to understand each other. It’s okay to disagree but never take the life of someone.
Hopefully, what is going on in the world will spark a postive change.
Rest in peace to all those who lost their lives due to hate and ignorance. Your lives matter!!
Sorry everyone for not replying to the comments the last week or so. I will finish as much as I can in the following days.
During these times, I want to keep everything on this blog positive. However, I will not give an illusion that everything is fine. I just lost a few people that I knew. One, helped me with skills I use on a daily basis. The others were so kind and would give the clothes off their back for someone.
As you all know, New York City is the epicenter of covid-19 in the Untied States. Most of my family lives here. My grandma, aunts and uncles have lived in the same homes for over 60 years now. New York City is part of my roots and a part of my history. It’s sad to see so much death here. Never felt like a New Yorker until now. Even with these times being hard, I have seen people volunteering to give food to the elderly. I haven’t been able to see my grandparents due to my travels. I was always worried about me bring a sickness to them. Knowing that people are out there helping the elderly gives me a sense of community. Remember there is always some positivity in dark times. Doesn’t matter what brought you into that dark tunnel. At the end of every tunnel, there is an exist.
So please everyone, don’t take these times lightly. For those who live in rural areas and less populated areas, this virus will still do it’s damage. Make sure to follow the rules of how not to spread it. Wish you luck and health! Please wash your hands before eating.
As the number of covid-19 cases continue to grow around the world, we just want to wish you and your love ones health. Also, the random person down the street. These are hard times. However, we will pull through. Always keep a bright outlook even if everything is falling apart because you have the privilege to live another day. A lot people don’t have that.
Currently, I’m in the epicenter of the USA right now. The hospital nearby my home has been filled with confirmed cases. The death toll has risen like crazy in Brooklyn. The hospital near me had to get 4 refrigerated trucks to fill them with dead bodies because their morgue is full. This is no joke and this is not something to be taken lightly.
Let’s this be a wake up call to show you that people are all the same. Regardless of their political affiliation, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or how much money someone makes. We are people first! United we stand divided we fall. From the small towns to the big cities, we will get through this together. If we were more honest to each, this virus probably wouldn’t grown into such a huge problem.
I have no fear because I know love always shine!
Much love and safe travels! Please keep clean everyone!! Wash your hands!!
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!
Even with this virus going on, the new york city hustle still has to go on. I wanted to see how nyc looks like during the lockdown. It was only day 3 of the quarantine. No one was really taking it that seriously at that time. So there was some people going out. As I write this, there is a curfew now.
Day 3 photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Did all the preparations to make sure there won’t be any unwanted souvenirs. This time exploring Manhattan, you can tell it was nothing to joke about. I was the only one walking around in the streets at times. Never felt so alone in new york.
Downtown photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
I could not shake that gut feeling that something is wrong. I know that this virus is bad but, this is something coming from an apocalyptical movie. What made it worse was the homeless guy screaming in the background in pain. He was screaming like a lunatic. Not sure if he was doing this on purpose to get attention or he really was hurting. Maybe both possibly.
The freedom tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Dark clouds came overhead, it was so poetic. As almost the clouds knew, we are in for some dark times. I’m going to try to be as postive as possible. However, seeing new york city like this really pushes my fear buttons.
The oculus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Places that are usually filled with people, seems almost like a ghost town. The picture above is the mall at the world trade center. This place is usually packed with people. Either going to/leaving work or just shopping. I never seen anything like this during a weekday at 4 pm.
Loneliness photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
What I kept noticing were the police and the security guards still working. Felt almost bad for them. They weren’t wearing any mask. Some were wearing gloves. However, they are the ones seeing this pandemic live. They are at the front lines of this. It has given me a higher level of respect towards the people who risk their lives to bring us peace. I dont agree to everything they do. Yet, picture new york city or your local area without any police during a lockdown. I’m sure people will turn to rioting after a few days.
Barbershop photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Went to a local barbershop in downtown Manhattan. Saw this sign. It’s clear some people are too worry about the virus to care about spelling and grammar. I’m not a grammar police but come on…you can’t spell further nor precaution? At least use google, to spell it for you. If this picture becomes a meme, you know where you found it first.
I went exploring downtown manhattan during day 3 of the lockdown. It was not as serious as it is now. I recommend none of you do this!
Keep safe everyone! Please don’t leave the house unless you have to. I wish you all luck and health!! Much love and safe travels!.
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!
So, we are here. What feels like a movie, as if we are in the start of “I am Legend.” The world has made a semi-stop. New York City has felt the impact. The whole world is feeling this virus. Wheather by being sick, losing money or stuck at home. I’m here, in the USA’s biggest city. Trying to stay positive without being positive of corona. Sadly, I’m not talking about the beer.
In front of Bryant Park photo courtesy of Hugo Motel
I just couldn’t be stuck inside my home. I love being free. It almost feels like house arrest. Never actually experienced it and I never want to. Left my home to just get my mind off of things. It’s sadden me to what is happening. Never seen midtown New York City look so empty. There very few people out and walking.
Usually this street is packed photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Not sure if people are overreacting or this virus is really that bad. It’s crazy how I went to Wuhan and never got sick. Now, I have to worry about it at home. The irony is strong in this situation. Thought I dodged a bullet but now I need to be careful once again. While inChina, I was suggested by locals to go to the market in Wuhan where it all started. Luckily, I declined it.
Nyc Subway station being empty due to the corona virus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Went underground to catch a train to get to another part of midtown. What really shocked me was the lack of people. This what a midtown station looks like after 3 am. I was there at 1 pm on monday. This station is usually packed at that time. This was 34th street pen station. Where you can catch all the trains! Crazy how lonely it looked.
Times sqaures photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Went to times Square, it was business as usual. There weren’t that many people as normally would be. However, that didn’t stop the street performers. Saw transformers break dancing. There is always something weird going on here. Let’s see what’s more to come of this.
Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels!
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!
Now when the world thinks about the state of Georgia, they think about peaches and the city of Atlanta. However, this state has a lot to offer. Much more than pecans, peanuts and sweet onions. This state has small gems cities that can be overlooked if you are not care. One of those cities is Valdosta Ga. This post will show you reasons to go to this small city of 56 thousand. These are things to do in Valdosta, Ga.
Explore Grand Bay wetlands
Go fishing in one of Georgia’s swaps. Valdosta, Ga being right over Florida, you will see a lot more swaps and alligators. Of course, not too many alligators because they are scary. The Grand Bay Wetlands is a great way to explore the outdoors and appreciate the american wildlife. You can go hiking on the less wet parts of course, unless you like swimming with gators. In all seriousness, there is a half mile boardwalk that lets you see the swamp up close on foot. Really worth it, if you enjoy outdoor activities.
Grand bay wetland
2) Have family friendly fun at Jungle Jym’s
One thing is that we do not talk about much on this blog are places to go with your kids. Jungle Jym’s family fun center has activities to do indoors and outdoors. The place has an 18 hole mini golf course, arcades and bounce areas. A few fun things to do in valdosta ga for kids. Be a kid again with your kids. Join in the bouncy walls, play air hokey and show your kids you still have it. Truly, a great place for bonding.
*Sadly, I read in an article that the owner is racist. He pulled his gun out on a young girl. Please read the reviews before going. Not sure if the claims are true or not.
3) Have fun with nature at Freedom Park
This place is wonderful for getting back in touch with nature and for staying fit. There is plenty to do in Freedom Park. With it’s 250 acres of space, the park has a lot places to hike. The park also has dog parks with sections for small and big breeds dogs. It is a great place to get your dog or dogs out and let them express all that bundled up energy.
Freedom park
4) Go horseback riding at Spanish Moss Stables
Learn how to horse ride, at the Spanish Moss stables. With lessons on horse back riding, you get taught with some of the best teachers of all South Georgia. Already a rider, there levels that one can. If you feel comfortable horseback riding in the open field, you have that choice. It’s great way to experience that country life first hand. The Spanish Moss is also a ranch.
5) Visit the Valdosta Mall
I know shopping can be addictive and can be done anywhere. However, like that saying said, “When in Rome, do as the Romans.” This is the city’s main shopping center. Great place to get what you are looking for. At night time, the mall looks really beautiful. An awesome post for Instagram pictures.
Valdosta Mall
6) Check out the local harvest at the Raisin Cane
The Raisin Cane is the local farmers market. You can get some of the best local product of all South Georgia here. That sweet vidalia onion and of course peaches. It’s truly a great place to have a taste of Georgia’s agriculture. Open Monday through Friday 11 am to 1:30 pm, get your slice of peach cobbler.
7) Have a blast at the Valdosta Wake Compound
Okay, I never been wake boarding. I have friends and family that did this in Dubai out of all place. This is something you can do while visiting Valdosta, Georgia. Wake boarding seems like tons of fun. You get on a wake board and you start getting pulled by a boat. In valdosta, there us a compound just for this water sport. Goes without saying, best time to go is during the warmer months. This is something I’m excited about going one day.
Wake boarding
8) Haira Ghost Tours
Another activity mentioned in last week’s post, if you are into ghost hunting this small city In southern Georgia has a tour for you. I’m starting to see more travelers make this type of travel common. This is mostly due to the travel channel mainly being about ghosts and not travel. Anyways, Georgia has a very strong and deep history. There were a lot of bloody battles fought here. I’m sure you will find a ghost to bring home as a souvenir.
9) Visit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Memorial park
Let’s be real, a lot of rural southern states tend to have communities with racist mentality. Not all people in the south think that way. Just be careful of where you are going at night. Read reviews of places before going. Don’t let ignorance stop you from having a good time. This place has a lot to offer and it would be ashame to not explore it. Remember Georgia is the state where Martin Luther King Jr was born. Make sure to visit that memorial of him in his home state. The one in valdosta is very nice. There are marble stones mentioning some of his many accomplishments!
10) Lose Your Voice By Screaming At Wild Adventures
Every where you go, you will find out where adventure junkies like to hang out. Luckily here, it is the amusement park called Wild Adventures. It’s an amazing park that also owns a water park. Great place to enjoy the outdoors in a family friendly place!
These are 10 fun things to do in valdosta ga!!!
Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels!
Ps. Sorry i have been struggling with the comments. Doing my best to catch up. Please don’t think i don’t care. I enjoy your thoughts!
Now, Idaho is a state that is not many people talk about outside of the USA. It’s really a state that people fly over or visit, if they have family there. When you mention Idaho these question always arrives, What is there to do in Idaho? Or What is there to do in Idaho Falls? Well, this post will show you there are a lot of fun and cheap “things” to do in Idaho Falls. Which will be our main focus in the beautiful state of Idaho.
1) Yellowstone National Park
Oh yeah, Yellowstone National Park is not too far away. Although the park is mainly in Wyoming, a few hours drive can get you to see this beautiful park. This is a place I always wanted to go but never had a chance. Actually been to Idaho a few times, just to Boise, Idaho. As you can guess, I really want to go back to this part of the USA. I mean just look at that yellow rock!!! In all seriousness though, I have been wanting to go this park since I was a kid. So, this is definitely going on my bucket list.
Yellowstone national park
2) Visiting the Idaho Brewing Company
I’m not much of a beer junkie but I know there are few of them out there. If you would like to have place to just relax and drink some beer, The Idaho Brewing company is the spot. Located in the city of Idaho Falls, it’s hard to miss. I’m sure every local knows where this place is! Known for it’s in house tap beer and it’s friendly atmosphere, you will truly enjoy your time there.
3) Visiting Grand Teton National Park
As you can probably tell, Idaho falls has a lot of nature to visit and explore. The grand Teton National Park is no different. Located about a 2 hour drive from Idaho Falls, seeing this park in person is definitely worth it. The views look like they come from a movie. Teton national park really shows the beauty of America’s natural landscape. With the white capped mountains, it’s hard not to fall in love with this place!
Grand Teton National Park
4) Taking a ghost walk tour
Yeah, this isn’t really my thing. However, if you don’t mind the possibility of bringing a ghost back as a souvenir, you should definitely check this tour out. The tour goes around downtown Idaho falls. The city of Idaho falls is rich with history and this is an interesting way to learn. With the paranormal traveling on the rise, might as well put this on your list. Here is the link to a company that offers these type of tours. *warning* We will not be held responsible for any ghosts you bring into your life. Not all of them are like Casper the friendly one.
5) Stopping Snake river escape rooms
I never knew what an escape room was. Growing up, I always thought escape rooms were places people go when they are running from the zombie apocalypse or the police. Never thought it was some type of adult game room. What is an escape room? Well, I asked the same question myself. Escape rooms are rooms where people play a game of finding clues, solving puzzles and accomplishing tasks within a certain amount of time. It’s a fun and wholesome way of spending your time in Idaho falls.
6) Take a tour of St. Anthony Sand Dunes
Oh you never heard about Idaho having Sand Dunes. Well, don’t worry about it because we didn’t as well. Google really opens your mind! About a 40 minute drive from Idaho Falls, these sand dunes will leave you speechless. It will make you think you are in the middle of Qatar or in the Sahara. Totally worth the trip.
St. Anthony Sand Dunes
7) Seeing the Japanese Pavilion
A great and cheap way to visit Asia in the Midwest is going to the Japanese pavilion in Idaho falls. Get a taste of japan with the Japanese style buildings and gardens. Located on a island in snake river by the Broadway Bridge, step into a land very far away but in the backyard of Idaho. It open 24/7 year round, great place to be if you enjoy Japanese culture.
8) Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest
In the middle of a roundabout you will find a landmark like no other. The tourist attraction are eagles flying over a waterfall, I haven’t seen much tourist attractions like that. Where an artificial waterfall is in the middle of cars. It’s pretty cool to see of front and take photos from Instagram, at least what my friends told me. I enjoy the uniqueness of the landmark. So, I wouldn’t mind stopping by when I’m there.
9) Walk along Snake River Greenbelt
Walk along the snake river greenbelt and the see the history of Idaho Falls. It’s a six mile walk alongside snake river. It’s is a great way to get some exercises while on traveling. The river used to be the main highway for the city. It was used to get into Montana and other nearby states. It’s the main reason why the city was established. The river eventually turns into waterfalls. Which is how the city got it’s name. Truly a great way to see the natural beauty of Idaho. Also, it’s free. Enough said, right?
Snake River
10) See Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field
Located not too far way from Idaho Falls, lays a lava field that looks like it comes from a star wars movie. The Hell’s Half Acre Lava field is truly a beauty to see in person. The national natural landmark was created by a lava lake few thousands years ago. It’s worth seeing because it almost looks like you are in another planet like mars. The beauty the earth hold has no limit.
Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field
Well there you all go, hope this post changed your mind about Idaho Falls. There is a lot of reason to book a flight to this city. This part of the USA has a lot to offer from sand dunes to it’s lush rivers. Idaho falls has it all. Truly, worth booking that flight to this part of Idaho!
Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels!
Hey, everyone! Decided to change things up this week. Will be talking about my awkward experience in Chicago. Hope you enjoy!
My cousins and I were doing an across country roadtrip. Starting in San Francisco and ending in New York City. Roadtrips are the best bonding moments in my opinion. After many days and hours, we eventually arrived to Chicago.
It was the fourth of July, we were astounded by how many people were outside. Lake Michigan was filled with lively Chicagoans. Even though it was July, you can still feel that cold breeze coming from the Lake. I could see why Chicago’s is nicknamed “The Windy City.”
We went around the tourist sites as fast as possible. We were somewhat rushing at this point to go to a hotel. All of us were tired and smelled bad. We were on a really tight budget. It was either, sleep in a hotel and skip a few meals or sleep in the car in some parking lot, while eating like pigs. We skipped a few meals the before day. So were looking for a hotel with a buffet or at least serviced breakfast.
We eventually found one in boystown. The name itself kind gives off the atmosphere of the neighborhood. It was home to Chicago’s LGBT community. We being open minded, didn’t mind about what community lived in the area. We just wanted a place to sleep for the night. Plus, we grew up in The San Francisco Bay Area. We are used to being around the LGBT community. As we drove to the hotel, my cousin saw a Walgreens. Walgreens in Chicago are like the corner stores Deli in New York City. My cousin to Walgreens because he didn’t want us to be dehydrated.
How the hotel was designed photo courtesy of Chicago Dungeon Rentals
After my cousin bought water bottles from Walgreens, we went to this hotel. Once inside, you get the weirdest vibe. Everything was dim lit. There were whips and chains hanging from the wall. Of course, none of this really mattered to us. Because, we just wanted a place to sleep and we were tired.
All of us came to front desk of the hotel. There was a lady with a bright smile standing behind that desk. We told her that we were looking for a room. Her energy was all over the place. Jumping in excitement to help us out. As she was booking our room, she looked at me. The woman then asked my age. Told her I was 17, which I was at that time. Her smile went away. The once bright smile became a stone cold face. She explained to us no one under the age of 18 can stay in this hotel. We all looked at each other and left.
We asked ourselves, “what did we almost get ourselves into?” Three straight cousins almost went and stay a night in some sex dungeon. “What was the lady so excited about?” We wondered, as we were quietly thinking, the whole time in the car. “Did she thought we were going to have a threesome?” These questions were on our mind as we drove to Cleveland. After that experience, we decided to just pig out and find a parking lot to stay the night. One more day of being smelly didn’t matter to us.
Hey, everyone! Thank you for reading! We will be going back to the normal story of my travels. This was just a little flashback, happy pride month to you all!! To our followers who are in the LGBT community. If you are traveling Internationally, please read about how the country’s view is towards the LGBT. Heard of people getting attacked. To everybody else, safe travels as well. Love shines, hate destroys!
The good thing about having friends is when you are down, they try to understand. As a last effort of trying to understand my situation, my friends invited me to a soccer game. I didn’t think too much of it at first. However, this event would change my outlook on the American culture.
Hudson River taken by Hugo Morel
Started off as a normal day of hanging out at the park. Saw a beautiful view of the Hudson River and had to take a photo. One of my friends called me asking, if I would like to go to a soccer game for a local professional team. I agreed, since I wanted to take my mind off all the changes that were happening to me.
Red bulls rally taken by Hugo Morel
Took the Jersey transit to go to the red bulls arena. The trip was actually very short from Pennsylvania station in New York City. Eventually, met my friend who was really pushing me to buy a red shirt. Of course, me being the “socially aware” person I am, I wore blue. The team the NY red bulls were facing had blue jerseys. Apparently, this is was like walking to a gang territory wearing the wrong colors. By the photo above, you can see how much they love red.
People starting fires taken by Hugo Morel
Somehow and someway, I got dragged into a rally. They shut down the whole street. Everyone was either drunk or just crazy passionate fans. They started fires in the middle of the road. Cars couldn’t go through. Had no idea how I got into this, I was just following the crowd. Moral of the story, never follow a group of sport fans.
Red bulls arena taken by Hugo Morel
When I got to the stadium and never in my wildest dreams did I expected Americans to be so excited about “soccer”/football! Growing up, the only sports that mattered were basketball, baseball and American football (the one with tackling, Sundays nights and tons of beer). I had to pinch myself a bit. Seriously thought, I never left Europe for a second. Unless, the San Francisco Bay Area’s cultural importance on sports wasn’t the American norm.
Game starting taken by Hugo Morel
So apparently, my friend hooked me up with seats that only loyal paying fans were allowed to sit. It was very chaotic! Very minute, there was a new song about the red bulls. All I kept thinking was, “all this for a soccer game?” “Am I really in the USA right now?” Still stunned, I saw a fan running into the field. I couldn’t believe it. I expected this for American football games, not for soccer.
Random guy being taken off the field taken by Hugo Morel
Not entirely sure what was going on in his brain at that moment. However, the guy didn’t look too proud. Seriously, still can’t believe this was an American soccer game. Ironically, the next big trip was I going to make, is a country where soccer is the national sport.
Forgot who won, to be honest. The whole time, I was just overwhelmed at the culture shock. My friend showed me that there’s more to the American culture than what is on the Media. In this diverse and beautiful country, there’s something for everybody. Regardless of your interest, this country gives you the freedom to express your hobbies and passions.
Thank you for reading!! Much love!! Have an awesome weekend!!
Just wanted to change the pace a little. Since you probably already heard. There was a plane coming from Dubai that landed in JFK. Apparently, there was about 100 sick people on it. I was on that plane and I was not sick.
So many crazy events happened on that plane. So let me tell you about them. *Spoiler alert* we will be revisiting Dubai sometime soon on this blog.
Taken by Hugo Morel
So it all started at the gate, we got our bags searched three times. I understand the reason for it; however, it makes you feel unwelcomed to the USA.
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I got into the plane and was walking to my seat. A guy asked me if I was sitting on 70k, I told him I was. The man asked if we can change seats because his mom was sitting next to me and she wasn’t feeling too well. So I gave up my sit and moved to his seat. About 10 mins later, another man came to me and asked, “do you mind if we switched seats?” “You are sitting next to my wife and I want to sit next to her on the plane ride.” I didn’t think too much about it. He lead me to his seat, which was in business class. So I got an upgrade for free! What were the chances?
I sat on my business seat and slept. I met an awesome dentist and a real estate developer. They were awesome people.
After about 8 hours of sleep and 2 superhero movies, we got to New York. We had no idea what was going on the plane. The airlines staff seemed worried about something. We were greeted to a group of flashing lights from police cars to ambulances. Out of nowhere, vanilla ice came out. At first, I didn’t know who this guy was. I just thought he talked alot and his jokes were somewhat funny.
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Anyways, we got out of the plane and we were taken into the airport by shuttle buses. People were wearing masks like we were coming into the states with a new zombie virus. The media loves to over stress situations. By the way, the sickness was just the common cold. so dramatic…
