Leimert park, LA’s Harlem

After meeting up with my friend, my group went to tour more of Los Angeles. I rejoined them in south central. These last days in L.A. we had to make it count.

South central has changed a lot over the years. It was once saturated with crime. Present day, the area has somewhat calm down. With the rise of rent and property value, crime has gone down. Along with the crime, the culture of the nieghborhood has left as well.

A short ride from south central, we ended up in Leimert park. We were told by a lot of locals, this area was rich with culture. The African-American history and culture is strong here. Jazz played an important role in this nieghborhood. Many local musicians were painted into arts. It was a way to keep them alive, even after death.

The African roots are strong in the arts produced in this area. From paintings to music, a part of Africa is present. Leimert Park has a very artistic vibe to it. Most locals have something to do with art. The creativity here can leave you in awe.

As the last day came, we had to leave this beautiful city. We have learn a lot from the city of angels. Heading towards the airport was surprisingly difficult to do. Until next time Los Angeles.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Next week, we will be back in New York. Stay heathly!

July 8, 2016 7

Meeting up with an old friend

While in the Los Angeles area, I received a text from someone I grew up with. This text was very important to me. There was not much to the message; however, it was a reminder that a good friend is near.

After an hour drive from my hotel, I was in Orange County. The excitement of seeing my old friend made me very jumpy. Every time the car would stop becuase of traffic (which is very common in L.A.), I would bounce up and down on my seat while having my hands on the wheel. Once I saw Orange County, the excitement turn into nervousness. I was finally meeting my friend after two years of not seeing him.

Of course, we ended up meeting at a mexican restaurant. It is only natural, if you are in Los Angeles. Mexican food is everywhere.

About an hour later, we finshed all our food. All we could do is talk about our lives. I am so proud of my friend. He is currently getting his PhD. My good friend took me back to his home. It was heartwarming to see how much he has accomplished. We went talking about old memories and all the idiotic actions we did as kids. The laughters and the pains, it is amazing knowing you have a friend with this much history.

It felt really good to see old pictures of us as kids on his wall. The simple and mischievous times, the good memories. Great to see, the kid I grew up with in San Francisco made something out of himself. Ended up sleeping over like when we were younger. Similar to the many times, we used to play videogames until the middle of the night.

Thanks for taking your time to read this post. Next week we will still be in LA’s Harlem. Have a great week and stay healthy!!

July 1, 2016 5

The Beauty of Southern California

After arriving to Los Angeles and stopping by In and Out, it was time for me to lay on a bed. I met up with a friend from the area. He offered to drive me to my hotel. Man, this guy smoked! I appreciate the ride but wow. The air in his car was thick from cigarettes. Great guy, if you can get over the smell of something burning. He left me at my hotel, after learning more about the changes of this city. These changes were interesting.

After talking to an old friend, I went to my hotel room. The room left me speechless. The layout of the room was fit for a king, not a traveler. I had this room all to myself. Truely, a five stars experience.

The view from my window was amazing. At night, it reminded me of my time in Las Vegas with my parents as a child. The sound of the Californian freeway in the background was smoothing. I finally felt at home.

One of the many great things about Southern California, the Spanish history is still visible. Coming from Northern California, our big cities are San Jose, Sacramento and of course San Francisco. Even though the cities still have Spanish roots, it’s not as visible as in Southern California. Los Angeles and the surrounding areas, makes you feel like you are in Spain.

After taking in the view, I reunited with my travel friends. We went to a Peruvian restaurant. The food was out of this world. The rice had a strong taste of garlic. I even tried a Peruvian ice cream. When it came to meat, I only ate what I knew. I had guinea pig once, as a pet.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Next week, we will be exploring more of Los Angeles. Have a great week and stay healthy!

June 24, 2016 11

The flight to Cali ends with a burger

This was March of 2016. I have not been to my home state in over 6 years. We were so excited to finally be in the state of the golden bears. At that time, we had no idea what would be in our near future.

It started of as a raining day, a typical occurrence in New York City. If it’s not rain, it’s snow in the empire city. We were so ready to finally have warm sunlight touch our skin. Unfortunately, we could not have been farther from reality.

The flight to Los Angeles was not the best. We used Virgin America and that was somewhat of a pain. Virgin America had charged me 200 dollars for a bag! The fee should had been only 20 dollars!! Being a freelancer, you all know I fought for my money. They returned my money but, it gets worse. Before the plane took off, they gave us this horrendous safety tip music video. The facial expressions everybody gave was not positive.

The only good that came out of the flight was having the window seat. The views were amazing. Seeing the snow covered mountains was breathetaking. Flying over Arizona, the desert’s reddish color was out this world. At times, it felt like you were flying over Mars.

Los Angeles was under the plane’s wing. We were close to our destination. After what felt like an eternity, I could feel the California vibes.

Being from California, the one thing I missed the most was In and Out burger. The best fast food chain in world. Sadly, it’s only in California and some southwestern states. The only goal on our mind after arriving to the golden state, was a burger from In and Out. Being unhealthy, never felt this good!

Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Next week, we will go to our hotels and take in the amazing views of Southern California. Much love! Stay healthy and have a great week

June 17, 2016 17

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

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

Brooklyn, the Independent Borough

Brooklyn, home of many iconic rappers. The Borough that is giving Manhattan a run for it’s money. Brooklyn is the Borough that can stand on it’s own two feet.

Brooklyn at one point, was it’s own city. Besides Manhattan, Brooklyn is the only borough with a downtown. Having it’s own downtown; if Brooklyn was a city on it’s own, it would be the 4th largest in the country.

This borough is the place to be. Even, Michelle Obama wants to move here. Brooklyn has a vibe that no other place in America has. There is never a dull moment. If you are into outdoor activities, there are a handful of parks. Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s Central Park. The park has an everlasting energy to it.

In the posts to come, I will talk about my personal experiences in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods. From restaurants to parks, I have a lot in store for you all.

Brooklyn has a strong personality. So many colorful people live here. From hipsters to professionals, this borough has it all. You can always meet interesting people, maybe even during a subway ride (good luck because people are anti-social on public transportation).

Thank you for taking your time to read this post! Next week, we will be going to Queens. Much love!! Stay heathly and have a good week!

May 13, 2016 24

In the city that doesn’t sleep

New York city, the city that doesn’t sleep. Full of villains and creeps. Home of musical legends and people from all over the world. NYC is one of America’s greatest cities.

Usually, when people talk about New York City, it’s Manhattan. The next posts will be focussing on everything that is NYC. Which includes: Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and thier nieghborhoods.

When coming to NYC through the air, you either come through JFK, LaGuardia or Newark. If you are arriving by train or bus, pen station will be your entry to the city. By the way, the photo above was taken by me at the Empire State building.

New York City has an amazing character. In the subways, you have all types of personalities. From crazies asking for money to hipsters reading books. There is a never a dull moment in this city; unless, you are stuck in traffic or your train is delayed.

I have to come clean, New York style cheesecake is the best. I tried many cheesecakes in different countries and different parts of the USA. New York style has no competition. Once tried cheesecake in brazil, worst cheesecake ever created. It had a watery taste and it was very soggy.

New York, New York is truly a city that does not sleep. Where most cities the nightlife ends at ten, that is not the case in NYC. Many stores and restaurants are 24 hours. There is always a place to go during the middle of the night.

Thank you for taking your time to read this post! This is the start of several New York City related posts. Hope you guys will like it. Next week we will be in Brooklyn. Much love!! Stay safe and heathly!

May 6, 2016 38

Boston and Graduation at Tufts

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.

IMG_20140517_122355 — 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!!

March 11, 2016 24

Dallas, English training and Korean culture

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.

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.

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 Morel

SDC10049 — Another 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!!

February 26, 2016 59