Almost getting arrested in Cuba

Yeah, almost got myself into a world of hurt. So this story is to tell you, what not to do when going to cuba. Trust me, this story will save you the headache. Especially, if you are American.

It all started when I bought my tickets to Cuba. They were for an aiport called Holguin. I would fly from NYC to Toronto and then Toronto to Holguin. Looking back, I should had double checked more information about the Airport first.

Outside view of the airport photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

What makes this airport special is the fact that it’s in the province that Fidel Castro was born in. Being the Communist country that it is, Castro is almost viewed as a holy figure. So of course, this airport would have some national pride to it. Unfortunately, this wasn’t my most memorable moment.

Waiting at the airport’s parking lot photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got into the immigration and customs line without a problem. Eventually, it was my turn to speak with the officer. Showed him my passport and said everything wrong. At that time, if you were American, you could travel to Cuba for educational reasons. However, you don’t say that to the Cubans. You need tell them you are there for vacation. If you all know me by now, I told them I was there for educational purposes.

To the immigration officers, all the red flags were shown. I got sent into another room where three other officers started questioning me in Spanish. Luckily, I spoke Spanish. I can’t imagine what would happened if I didn’t. They spoke no English, apparently.

After about 20 mins of questioning and convincing, I was eventually let free. Met up with a local friend named Andy. By the way, those 20 minutes were rough. They asked me everything, even about my relatives. This was my first minutes in Cuba and they were already bad. However, I was not going to let this ruin my time.

Walking towards the edge of the street photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Outside of the aiport was where the real issue occurred. Andy and I were looking for a taxi. Holguin is about a 2 hour drive from Santiago de Cuba. Which was the place I would be staying at. Unfortunately, the roads in Cuba are horrible. It would probably take up at least 3 hours.

All the taxi drivers in Holguin are run by the goverment. They were very aggressive. I would say no and they would circle around the aiport just to ask me again. I felt like a dying mouse and the taxi drivers were birds of prey. They all wanted about two hundred usa dollars worth for one way. It’s ridiculous because most of these drivers only get paid about 5 usa dollars a month! They have the nerve to try to rip off/scam tourists!

Sidewalk just outside of the airport where we got harassed by taxi drivers photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Andy and I started walking outside of the airport. He was a little nervous because of the situation. Andy knew that these people were apart of the government and they could tell any police officer false claims. We could end up in jail because of their lies. Ironically, I only had 300 usa dollars worth of currency. American cards do not work in Cuba because of international policies. So, what I had was what I had. We had to find out a way out of this mess. What made things worst, this airport is in the middle of nowhere. Country side for miles, you can not walk on the streets without being watched.

We were about to speak with another driver, when that same driver that has been circling us pulled up. We told him no for the fourth time. This time he was angry. The driver screamed at us claiming he would tell the police. The situation was getting intense.

Back in the airport’s parking lot where we found a kind hearted taxi driver photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

By chance/luck, we found a driver that would take us for about 80 USA dollars worth. The driver was going to Santiago anyways. Andy’s showed off his strong negotiation skills. Sadly, the situation was still not over.

As we got into the car, we noticed the cameras were following us. I didn’t noticed them at first. They were moving everywhere we moved. This was proof the other driver made the government aware of us. Our good hearted taxi driver started to get nervous as he started the car. As what he was doing, was technically illegal. By helping us out with a cheaper fair, he was putting his safety at risk. The cameras were straight on us. We drove out of there as soon as possible. While the goverment’s cameras were following our every move.

After about 30 minutes of driving, we started to feel more comfortable. The tension in the car died down. We were out of the airport and out of that province. The music started and the laughter began. Even with everything dying down, you still felt that the goverment could stop us at any moment.

Thank you for reading! Much love and safe travels.

Check out our eBook “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe

September 4, 2019 52

Exploring around Caye Caulker, Belize

The majority of my stay in Belize was in Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is a small island off the coast of Belize. South of San Pedro, the island of Caye Caulker has a very slow attitude towards life. Something that enjoy throughout my time here.

a map of belize, caye caulker is in bold text photo courtesy of https://www.cayecaulker.org/maps/

To get to Caye Caulker, I had to take a ferry from Belize city to the small island’s water taxi station. It was about an hour ride and worth the view. My friend and family back in New York City are probably freezing at the moment. It was beginning of March, still winter in the USA. This Caribbean Island’s temperature was my guilty pleasure. It was crazy to believe a few days ago, I was freezing in Iceland.

Taking the water taxi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once on the island, you can feel the real Caribbean pace. Everything runs slower and more peacefully. Everybody is relaxed and without stress. With the reggae music blasting somewhere in the background, I felt at home. The vibe felt like my childhood. Reminded me of my family members telling thier stories of living in the Caribbean. This atmosphere brought so much nostalgia.

How the homes look like in Caye Caulkers photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The people of Belize are astounding. They are a mixture of African, Mayan, East Indian, British and Spanish. This combination is so interesting to me. It’s like seeing your Mexican and Guatemalan friends speak English with a Caribbean accent. I almost forgot that Belize is an English speaking country. The only one in Central America. Some families speak Spanish fluently at home. However, it’s usually descendants of Mexicans, Guatemalans immigrants and the local native population. They kept the Spanish language alive by speaking it at home. Most can understand Spanish but, speak it like third generation Hispanics in the USA. It’s somewhat broken.

The reggae cafe photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Reggae is huge here. It’s so infused with the local culture. Makes sense since, Belize is more culturally similar to the Caribbean island nations. Besides the Mayan roots, the other Central American countries do not have much in common with Belize. The language barrier is a strong influence towards the cultural differences. You all know the reggae cafe was the first place I ate at. The food was so amazing, I just focused on eating. Taking photos slipped my mind.

Caye Caulker’s beaches photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started walking around after eating, Caye Caulker is extremely small. You can walk around the whole island in about 40 mins. There weren’t any real cars on the island. Just a few golf carts used for taxis and the occasional small truck delivering food. This is a place, I could see myself retiring. Away from the stress and a way to live like the Caribbean lifestyle should be truly lived.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

Ps.. Next week the underwater photos will be in the post. I have been waiting for a while to show you all this!

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

Check out our e-book “How to Travel for Dirt Cheap” by Hugo Morel for ways to make your dreams of traveling come true without breaking the bank. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M848M47?ref_=pe_3052080_276849420&fbclid=IwAR0_mRF-eE9tODIshljVr7CQ8h6vKT6hHn_8gZfJ94DySY1ylPO2Itu2Qe

July 13, 2019 19

Belize, here I come!

This was the first time in a long time that I visited a Central American country. Belize, was truly something to be excited about. Home to the second biggest Barrier reef, I couldn’t wait to show you all the photos.

Me holding my gopro photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

For this trip, I definitely had to buy a camera that took underwater photos. Belize has some awesome Caribbean beaches. The whole time I was at the store, I kept thinking how beautiful the photos would look. You all are in store for some very beautiful photos with crystal clear water coming in a few weeks.

Waiting at the Charlotte International Airport photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Had to do an overnight layover in Charlotte, North Carolina. Came during the worst time. It was during the NBA All-Star weekend. So, there was no point of going out of the airport to find a hotel. If I had, I would have extra stress getting back to the airport with all the traffic from the All-Star games.

The door of my room at the lounge photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Found an overnight lounge for a decent price. It’s crazy how my room was named after the local football team. If you are ever at the Charlotte airport during an overnight layover, keep in mind that the airport shuts down after around 10 pm. The security will kick you out, if they see you wondering around later than 11pm. Best to find a lounge or some overnight accommodation.

Belize photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After a goodnight sleep, I woke up and went towards my departure gate. The best thing about most overnight lounges, you don’t have to recheck yourself through security in the morning. Got on my flight, slept like a baby during the flight.

Next thing I knew, I was in Belize. My adventures in this country were about to begin! Couldn’t wait to see the Caribbean Blue waters!

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

Check out our eBook “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

July 6, 2019 27

My last day in the land of reggae

My time in Jamaica was coming to an end. My friends left to go back home and I was there alone. In the land of beautiful smiles and joyful people.

I decided to walk around and I found the emancipation park. This park was made in memory to the end of slavery in Jamaica. The history and the importance of the park is shown in the local culture. This park is usually the center of many events.

The park had a nice and relax feeling to it. It was just super hot that day. I can’t tell you how much I was sweating. It wasn’t the best choice for me to wear pants. Learn from my mistakes people, wear shorts in Jamaica!

Just between you all and me, I really was fighting myself from not jumping into that pool of water. I knew that could spark an intentional incident.

My final advice when visiting Kingston, make sure to check out Devon’s house. There is a lot of historical importance tied to that house. It was once the home of Jamaica’s first black billionaire. Also, I’m sure you seen in it a few music videos or movies. On top of everything, there is a shop there that sells rum ice cream!!

Oh my days in Jamaica have came to an end. I really miss waking up to this view.

(All photos were taken by Hugo Morel)

Thanks for reading our post! Enjoy the rest of your day or night!

July 28, 2018 17

This Jamaican hostel is “interesting”

*warning: the photos you will encounter on this post, will not be children friendly.

After getting settled in Kingston, my friend and I went around looking for a good place to eat jerk chicken. Ironically, it was not that easy. I noticed that there was a lot of curry chicken and curry products. I learned from a local that Jamaica has a strong community of East Indians, due to the English bring them for cheap labor.

Eventually, we found a place. The chicken taste like it was out of this world! Much better than the stuff you find in NYC. I never felt so fat before because within five minutes, I was fighting myself to not order three more plates.

The cool thing about the restaurant, it had a collection of old silver and gold coins. It made me truly feel like I was in the Caribbean.

We eventually went to the Bob Marley museum in Kingston, Jamaica. It was an interesting place. It made you see how the superstar lived. It was pretty cool but, they played a movie at the end and no lie, we all fell asleep during it. No disrespect to Mr Marley.

Before we end this, I just had to show you this hostel. This hostel had some Rasta statue of this horny old dude. Here you go!

Yes, it’s what you think it is.

This was the most memorable surprised ever, unfortunately.

Thank you for reading! Next time we will explore more of Kingston.

July 14, 2018 12

Welcome to Jamrock!

How can it be Caribbean week without a post about Jamaica?

(Photo taken by Hugo morel)

It all started with my friend telling me that he was going to celebrate his birthday in Jamaica. Of course, how can anybody say no to being invited to Jamaica?

(Photo taken by Hugo morel)

The flight to Jamaica was so boring. It’s hard to let time pass when you are so excited. It was a four to five hour flight from NYC; however, it felt like 24 hours. I was sitting in my seat like a kid waiting to ask, “Are we there yet?”

(Photo taken by Hugo morel)

Once I arrived in Jamaica, I was surprised by all the smiles on the locals’ faces. Be careful when finding a taxi driver. Luckily, the taxis driver I got was honest. He told me the tips and inside information on the taxi system in Kingston. If you see a red license plate, that car has been registered by the government to be a taxi driver. Knowing this will help you from getting into unnecessary trouble.

(Photos taken by Hugo Morel)

I was truly blown away from the white sands and crystal blue waters. Jamaica was extremely hot. Taking a quick dip in the ocean was really the only way to refresh. There were no complaints here though.

Next time, we will visit the Bob Marley museum!

July 8, 2018 2