Getting lost can be fun when you have your phone or a back up plan to find your way around. Sadly, this wasn’t the case for me. What made it worst, my phone had died and I was in an unfamiliar city. No taxi in plain sight to be found. It was at this very moment I knew the horrible situation I was in.
The clarion hotel
Had to use my foggy memory to get back. It was a diffcult task but I had no choice. Started to retrace my steps, slowly but surely the enviorment started to look familiar. I remember the clarion hotel that my airbnb host pointed out. She said use it as a pinpoint to know where you are at. Kept walking and trying to remember the surroundings.
A home at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Got back to the residential part of the city. This is where it got hard. A lot of the homes looked the same at night. The streets and curves, everything looked similar. I started to get a little nervous but, I still felt like everything will be alright. Asked a group of women where a certain street was. They claimed they didn’t know where any street was. I remember the name of the street closest to the my airbnb apartment. Normally, I wouldn’t mind being out this late and lost. However, my flight was in the morning and I left my passport in the apartment. It was no fun.
A random street full of homes that looked the same photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Eventually, I found the street. Walked in the direction that made sense and looked fimilar. The more I walked, the more I felt calm. I found the building to where the apartment was at. I noticed it wasn’t too far from where I asked the group of women. It was hard to believe they didn’t know where this street was. However, a random guy with an American accent asking for directions at night. I’m pretty sure they probably thought I was going to rob them or something. Either way, I was happy to be back in the apartment.
Stay safe everyone and remember to 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!
After eating that awesome Indian food, I had more of limerick to explore. To my surprise, limerick closes really early. It was only 10 pm and everything was nearly closed. Yeah, that entitled new yorker in me was annoyed at this.
Being the only one on the street photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Sometimes people have midnight cravings. Yeah, it’s kind of a new york or big city thing. It felt like a ghost town. The moment was a little creepy. Gotten used to having people out and about after 1am. So, it was almost like the locals know something that I don’t know.
The Treaty Stone photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
I randomly found this Memorial. I learned about it from my airbnb host. This stone is very important to the city’s history. It is said to be used in the signing of forming limerick. It ended the williamite war which was a war related to the independence of the republic of Ireland. Another awesome moment of experiencing history.
dowtntown photo couresty of Hugo Morel
another emypt street photo couresty of Hugo Morel
The streets looked really empty. It’s clear this place is not for the younger crowd. This is more to raise a family. I like the quiet and calm amtoshpere. Being in new york city, time moves too fast. You don’t really get to appericate the moment. Here 30 mins felt like 3 hours. It was defintely a great dose of fresh air. Sadly, I was just reminded I had to go back and I forgot the way. Took my phone out to find there was only 3 percent of battery left. Checked to see the address of host’s home and the phone died before i could write it down. With my bad memory, the address was gone. I had to find a way out of this mess soon.
Stay safe everyone and remember to wash your hands!
Sorry for posting on Thursday. Had a wild day yesterday.
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!
Sometimes when you are out and about, you tend to forget that food is needed. Out of nowhere, your stomach starts to yell. You are reminded that you are hungry. However, when you are out at night in an unfamiliar city. You have to eat what you can. Especially, if the city closes everything early.
The entrance to the Indian restaurant photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
I stumbled acrossed this Indian restaurant. At the time, seeing an Indian restaurant in the middle of Ireland seemed out of place to me. Looking back, since the Republic of Ireland was once part of the U.K. It just make sense the Indian food scene should be good here. Oh, it is very good.
The stair to the restaurant photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
When you enter the restaurant, you are greeted with stairs. You can hear Indian music playing in the backgroud. It felt like I was stepping into a little India. The restaurant looked like any typical Indian eating place. The difference is the music playing in the background. It was a woman with a high voice singing in Hindi. It really gave an authentic experience. I kind was hoping that people jump out dancing like in the Bollywood movies.
The food came and my stomach became happy. Still yelling but this time with joy. Stuck with chicken because I’m not as adventurous as most people think. Every time I see goat on the menu, I keep being remind of those youtube videos of yelling goats. Moral of the story, careful what you stumble on the internet.
Sitting on the table photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
The food was amazing. The spices on the chicken were really good. It tasted a lot better than majority of Indian restaurants that I went to. This experience made me want to go India one day. I know the food will be different in India than the USA or Ireland. Yet, this made me excited about India. It was around this time, I noticed I left my phone charger. Who knew that would create a problem in the near future.
Stay safe everyone and remember to 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!
Exploring a city at night is something you always have to be careful. Especially, if you aren’t a local or aren’t a friend of one. However, since it was my last night in Ireland. I wanted to make the best out of my time. I spoke with my air bnb host before going out and exploring. She assured me that Limerick in general is very safe. Just don’t go out flashing your new iphone or watches. So becareful when exploring this city at night.
A beautiful view of downtown photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Walked and found this beautiful river. I couldn’t resist the colors and the view. It was on a bridge connecting the residential to the downtown. It was a very humbling experience. I was so far from home and so far from where I grew up. Kind of wish, some of my childhood friends could see this with me.
Another view of the river and downtown photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Kept walking further on the bridge. Found a statue, sadly I had no idea what it meant at the time. Had to google it after the trip. Learned so much from the Irish and the history of the people.
Statue of a general that died in the rebellion photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
So this statue is one of the many memorials to honor the Easter Rising. The Easter Rising is an important part of the Irish history. It started on Easter week of 1916. During the time of World War One. Irish Republicans started a rebellion to get independence from United Kingdom. There were other rebellions before this one. However, this was the one that ultimately lead to having majority support of an independent Ireland.
A description of 1916 but of course, I didn’t read photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Of course, at that time I was clueless of standing next to history. Sometimes you don’t value where you have been until after the fact. Kept walking reckless without trying to remember my path. Unfortunately, that would be a problem later on.
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 the weirdest thing happened. I went to limerick and got to my Airbnb. The host of property had a dog named Hugo. It was so strange but cool at the same time.
The dog named Hugo photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
The dog was obedient and adorable. I truly love animals. This dog just made me want to hug it. Never met a dog with the same name as me. Let alone, the place I was staying the night. It was pretty cool. In a funny weird way. Sadly, I was only here for a night. Didn’t have much time to hang out with this lovely dog.
The dog smiling photo courtesy of Hugo morel
Got dressed and ready to explore this beautiful Irish city. Started walking around and of course, I got lost. Limerick looks like a suburban area. A lot of the homes and streets look the same. Eventually after asking a few locals, I found a way out of the maze.
Irish Castle photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Saw this beatiful Castle. Unfortunately, it was closed. I kept thinking about my first time coming to this city. It looks very different at night. The sun was setting and everything had a more classic charm. That old world look you see in movies.
The lake photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Started walking and I saw this lake. It truly took my breath away. I couldn’t believe how beautiful it looks. The water almost matched the sky with the lights reflecting on it. My time exploring this place was just starting!
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!
My time in the Irish capital has come to an end. I had to take a bus from Dublin to limerick then to Shannon. It was a weird time, I saw a bus crash in front of me while they tried to park. The back of the bus hit a street sign. I hope that wasn’t a foreshadow from the heavens.
waiting for the bus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Eventually, my bus came and it was time to go. Ignoring the bad driving red flags, I got on the bus. The bust felt very spacious. It had WiFi and outlets, i’m sure you all know I was on Netflix. When going across Ireland, I really recommend bus Eireann. All jokes aside, they are a very reliable bus company. They have time tables and they are usually within 5 minutes of their schedule. It’s a great way to see the Irish country side while seating comfortably. They only crash when they are parking and not driving on the road 0.o. Last joke about crashing I promise!
The view of the front of the bus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
While on the bus, all I could think about was the road and the green grass. Ireland is so clean. You can tell they put a lot of effort into roads and agriculture. The moment was perfect, all I needed was an Irish beer. I really felt integrated into the country. In terms of experiencing Ireland. Main reason, why I don’t like driving when I’m in another country. I would be too unfocused on looking at the background and the scenery than looking at that road.
The Irish countryside photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Hours passed, I was still enjoying the moment. That green grass really matches the color of the Irish flag. What is missing from this was a green leprechaun and a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end. The memories of Dublin kept following through my head. The awesome smiles and friendliness of that city were now behind me. I was just looking forward and not backwards. I couldn’t wait what new adventures waited for me in limerick. All I Knew, Limerick has stories and memories waiting for me to experiencing them.
A field photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Finally got to limerick, dazed and tired I got on a taxi. The calmness of the smaller city hit me. It was an unreal feel. Also, no crashes. Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.
Thank you all for reading. I wish you all health! In these uncertain times, keep your close ones safe. Stay at home and don’t leave your home for no reason, if possible. There are ways to order food online! Much Love and safe travels!
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
After a long deserved sleep, I woke up with tons of energy. It was time for me to see what Dublin was really about. Got dressed and I was out the door. One of the staff, at the hostel I was staying, told me to visit Temple bar first. Since, the hostel was just a ten minute walk away.
One of the famous pubs in temple bar photo courtesy of Hugo morel
When I finally got to Temple bar, a big smile found it’s way on my face. This was the Ireland I pictured going to. The Irish music blasting from the nearby pubs mixed with sounds of the locals having a good time. Now this was Ireland and I wouldn’t traded for anything in the world. This moment was perfect. For those who don’t know, I always enjoyed the Irish people. I have an uncle who is Irish and Italian. I remember the stories he used to tell me about his family in Ireland. Everything around me at that moment reminded me of my childhood memories of him. He was really kind to me as a kid and all I did was caused him headaches. We all had that stage growing up. It was called the teenage years. I’m sure we can all look back at them and shake our heads in embarrassing. It’s crazy, I was never really excited about going to Ireland before this trip. I’m glad that my experiences in Ireland slowly changed my mind.
Directions signs for tourist in temple bar photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Started walking further into this touristic Dublin neighborhood, until I noticed that people were drinking. It was about 10:45 am at the time I started exploring. People here were already drinking this early. Dublin really gives that party atmosphere. If I was here back in my early 20’s, I’m sure I wouldn’t have left the pubs. They seem like the hangout spot for people here. Also, I really enjoyed how the signs were in English and Gaelic. Shows that the Irish are proud of their history. Which is something I want to share on a later post.
The temple bar scenery photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Going around Temple bar, you sense the relax and chill atmosphere. Completely different than limerick, Dublin just makes you feel at ease. Didn’t feel that threat of being jumped or attacked. This feeling is something you don’t feel in most American cities. Everybody here did not have that tense look on them. People here were focused but not in a rush to get their destination.
Temple bar at sunset photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
I know I just did a time skip with the photo above; however, I had to show you all a sneak peek of how temple looks at night. I can see why people really enjoyed the Irish capital. Next week, we will go to the Dublin castle!
Thank you so much for reading! Much love and safe travels!
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!
