Taking a breather at St. Patrick’s Park

On the outside of the world famous cathedral, lays a very elegant park. One that might get over looked if you not careful. The St. Patrick’s Park has a charm that is hard to match. A sense of peace mixed with a classic atmosphere. No crazy person running around asking for hamburgers or something. It is truly a place for a quick breather from the urban Dublin.

20190901_081225 — Inside of the park photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When you first come into the park, it’s hard not to get distracted by the cathedral being on the right hand side of the entrance. Luckily for me, I saw a beautiful display of nature and I had to take a look. If you have been reading this blog for a while, I’m sure you know that I love going with the flow. You notice things more that you might had overlooked because you were so focused on the destination. A wise man once said, ” It’s about the journey and not the destination.” That is something I believe more people should take to heart. In the short life I have lived, the more I was happy with the process or journey, the more I valued the people around me and enjoyed things most people often overlook. It’s better to live in the moment, than to live in the what could be. Just trusting the process let’s all the stress disappear. Even in hard times, gives you a reason to smile brightly. Which is the reason why I love going to parks.

20190901_081832 — The beautiful colors of nature and the reason why I visited the park photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The further I walked into St. Patrick’s park, the more I saw what I came here for. The way nature is displayed and placed, I almost forgot about any negative thoughts. The peace this park displayed made me jealous. I wish New York could have more peace in their parks. Sadly, there is constantly a white background noise that is a result of all the chaos going around. Can’t be mad at that, since that also gives New York City it’s charm. However, despite Dublin being one of the largest cities in the E.U (even with brexit, Dublin is a City in the E.U). This city’s doesn’t have a strong background noise presence. You hear birds chirping like at the time of sunrise. The noise of birds dominating the airways because most people are still asleep. The type of feeling you get in rural areas. For a minute, I forgot I was in the Irish capital.

St. Patrick’s cathedral photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The history of this park is very interesting. It is believed that this is the site where St. Patrick baptized the first Irish Christians. So, it’s the place where Christianity was believed to have started in Ireland. I had no idea about the importance of the place when I was there. I swear, I really need to research the places I go to. It would gave anybody a better level of appreciation of the place they travel to. Sometimes, I feel like I’m taking travel for granted.

The beautiful garden at the park photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I sat on the bench and people watched. I was comparing the two cultures of the USA and Ireland. The Irish in Dublin are just more cheerful and easy going. I truly enjoy the atmosphere of Dublin. People here are so friendly. Couldn’t wait to see more of this city and of Ireland. Of course, St. Patrick’s cathedral was calling for me. Luckily, I was not too far away.

Thank you so much 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

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February 15, 2020 21

A step through time at Dublin’s Castle

In the heart of Dublin lays a governmental building on dame street. The history that these walls have seen is astounding. Never been someone who likes monarchs; however, I was convinced to come here by a few local I met. Main reason why I came here is to see the Irish history in person.

20190901_071743 — Dublin castle sign photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When you first come into the Dublin castle area, you will notice a few gift shops. Didn’t bother going in them because I’m sure the prices are on the tourist trap side. There is another gift inside the castle that you can visit. They sell generic touristic items like key-chains and magnets. The other store outside the castle sold crystals and fine china. Things that would cost me more money to bring them back home. Imagine bring a large crystal on a trip to the USA and being stopped by a security guard at the airport. They check your bags and they find this giant rock of a substance they are not sure of. I’m a Hispanic of African descent, it’s best not to let them think I’m smuggling some new type of drug. Besides a few small crystals on necklaces or bracelets, I’m not going to take that risk.

20190901_072101 — A knight in front of the crystal store photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The whole outside of the castle really gave me that old age feel. During the times knights, dragons and wizards were a part of everybody’s daily lives. You could almost hear the classic Irish music playing as you walk around. Makes you wonder how many people passed by here. Picture the battles that were fought to maintain these walls. I mentioned this before, I wish we could have a time machine to travel back into the past. Where you can see the events happen in real time. One could dream right?

20190901_072327 — Entrance of into the courtyard of the Dublin castle photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I kept mentioning the history of the Dublin castle without actually explaining it. So, this castle was built when Ireland was on under the English rule. During the times of King John of England in 1204. Later being completed in 1230, this castle has been used as a governmental building. Even today, this is where the president of Ireland holds his meetings.

20190901_074254 — State dinning Room photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once inside, you have to leave your bags and purses in a locker. You will have to pay to get in the castle. There are no videos allowed in the castle. You are allowed to take photos of course. Just remember to have the flash off.

The photo above is the state dining room, also know as the picture gallery. I’m guessing because people take a lot of photos here. This is actually the oldest part of castle. It was the only room to escape the many fires over the years. Also, it has never gotten any major modifications. Meaning, it has kept it’s original decorations. Truly, it’s like stepping in time.

20190901_074502 — State drawing room photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Now, the picture above is the State Drawing Room. I have no idea who the people in the picture were. I just knew they were important to the Irish history. Sadly, most of this room was destroyed by a fire in 1941. It was reconstructed in 1968, this room is probably one of the newest in the castle. Once a reception room for the king at the time, now foreign dignitaries use it.

throne at st. Patrick’s hall photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The throne room photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

What is a castle without a throne? An expensive mansion? The pictures above are the thrones I have found on my trip throughout the castle. I was expecting more to be honest. I guess movies have influenced my mental picture of what a throne should be. I was expecting a bigger chair with tons of gold on it. The one on the right is in the throne room. Apparently, this was built for King George IV’s visit to Ireland in 1821.

The throne on the left, I found in St. Patrick’s Hall. Which is the biggest room in the castle. It has a blue carpet on the floor. So, it’s hard to miss. I read this is the throne for the president of Ireland. Always cool to look at in person. When you are in Ireland, I definitely recommend taking a visit. It will be worth the money!

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

Ps. Got in contact with a few friends I met in Wuhan, China. Will explain it in Wednesday’s post!

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February 8, 2020 18

Dublin: Being Persuaded by the Irish Charm

After getting rested, it was time to explore. The sun was just about to set and the colors of the skies were in full bloom. I was surprised as to how beautiful Dublin is. I know every European city has a certain sophistication; However, something about Dublin is truly memorizing. The friendly atmosphere mixed with the upbeat smiles really made me enjoy my time in the Irish capital. It was a lot better being here than being in New York City. Comparing the two is somewhat interesting. New York’s I don’t care about you attitude verses Dublin’s friendly and upbeat attitude. If you have any self respect, I’m sure you know which one I would prefer.

A Dublin street photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I started walking just to see what was around. No goals just taking in the moment. I had all of tomorrow to see the tourist attractions. Right now, it was only about getting to enjoy the environment. One of my biggest problems while traveling is not really appreciating the fact that you are in another country. Sometimes it just feels unreal. Doesn’t really process in my mind where I am at all the time. Yeah, I know took a flight to another part of the world but sometimes it doesn’t fully sink in. It’s clear that the language and culture is different; yet, it’s almost like you are not living in the present and only thinking about the future. I’m usually focused on getting to see all the touristic sites. So much to a point that I do not value being very far from home. I was not going to let that happen here. Luckily, it was hard not to be in the present while in Dublin.

The beauty of Dublin photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The Irish charm is hard to resist. Just look at the photos and I’m sure you can understand. Classic Irish music blasting from pubs (for us North Americans that means bars). It almost made me want to live here. Well at least, reconsidered living in New York City. Before coming to Dublin, I was never really interested in seeing this part of Europe. Well of course, all that changed during my small time exploring around. The turns of the small European style streets mixed with the looks of people not being stressed out and enjoying their lives is hard not to like. I lived in smaller america cities and been to small towns in Canada. Dublin has that small town feel with the big city lifestyle. People here act like there are from a small town. The smiles I kept getting when I asked random questions. All this made me smile and enjoy the present. No thinking about what I’m about to do and only thoughts about what is going on now.

The River liffey during sunset photo courtesy Of Hugo Morel

Ran back to see the river liffey before the sun went down. From the picture above, it is clear why I wanted to see the river. The pictures can only capture half of how beautiful it was in person. I truly recommend everyone to visit this place. I have been convinced Dublin is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Also, it comes close in beauty when compared to Paris. Can’t wait to see and explore more!

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

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For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

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January 25, 2020 41

Arriving at Dublin: Just follow the river

After about a 2 hour and 45 min ride, I was in Dublin. Ireland’s capital and most talked about city. Couldn’t wait to explore this beautiful gem. Of course, when I got off the bus it was at the wrong stop. Great way to start your journey. Was about a 25 minutes walk from my accommodation.

Bus leaving me in Dublin photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got into a nearby mall and asked a security guard for directions. You know that moment after traveling for about 7 to 8 hours, you aren’t really thinking as clearly. Didn’t even cross my mind to a buy local sim card. I was just focused on laying on a bed. I was told to just follow the river.

The river liffey photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I decided to just walk it. It was only 25 mins and needed to get the blood running. Also, thought it was another way great way to see the city and take photos. Glad to say I wasn’t wrong. The clouds kept moving over the sun making the atmosphere really look the British Isles.

Another view of the river liffey photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Followed the river and kept walking. I noticed how friendlier people are in Dublin compared to limerick. The locals here go out their to help others. I was genuinely surprised, when I got lost for a second. Yes, I get lost even following a river. Ironically, the person I asked was a taxi driver. He offered to drive me for free, since it was about 3 minutes away and he was heading in that direction.

Realizing I was lost next to the river liffey photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Took the chance and walked across the street to his parked car. I honestly felt bad that he was so nice to me, that I gave him 20 usa dollars. I know it would had been less if he would had just charge me; However, I never had someone genuinely want to help me for free like this. Coming from California and living in New York, when someone is this nice to you it’s usually a scam. If this was New York City, I probably would had been played as a fool in this situation. Funny thing, he rejected the money I gave to him the first few times. Eventually, he accepted the money. If he was a scammer, he would probably had been the best I ever met. Got dropped off and my Dublin journeys were just about to start. Couldn’t wait to see what the Dublin hype was all about.

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

For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!

For my underwater photos, I use the gopro hero 7 white.

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.