Visting Orvieto, Italy (saying goodbye)

Our lengthy trip across this Southern European country was about to end. We had one more place to visit before leaving. A part of Italy I didn’t get to see on my first trip to this pasta loving country. I was excited but also a little bitter. Something about Italy makes it harder to leave the second time around.

Look over italy photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

For those who don’t know about this small Italian city. Orvieto lays on top of a hill. What makes this place so special is being able to see the Italian landscape and it’s white wines. This place is very famous for it’s classy alcohol. Ironically at the time that I was here, I did not this was a major site for the Etruscan civilization. They were the ones who built this city originally and was very important to the Etruscans. I wish I knew during my time here. Looking back, it was probably best because it would had made it even harder leaving.

The cathedral to the left photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Some much history runs through these buildings. In the usa and the Americas, most buildings are about 500 years. Hard to believe some of the buildings here are 4 times older. It makes you think about humanity. We have short lives but our structures are our legacy. Picture what all this would look like in 2000 years. Imagine how the USA, Russia, China and all of Africa would look like in 2000 years. Sadly, we won’t see it in person. Unless, medical doctors find a way to keep human bodies a live 200 times more of it’s normal capacity. Which I hope they don’t. However, if they did would that make us still human?

Another look of the Italian countryside photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As the wind was hitting my face, all I could think about was leaving. I have a lot of emotional tides to this country. A place where last time I was here, I escaped a major earthquake, got dumped, learned more about the Italian culture and meet some awesome friends. It is just hard to say good bye. The more countries you go to, the more you realize each country reminds you of a certain emotion. That emotion is usually associated with the experiences you had in that country. Italy has been a place where I had grown so much as an individual. I learned it’s better to be in the moment and socializing than being on your phone texting. Also many more life lessons that I know I would keep learning in other countries. However, it’s still hard to feel like you are saying good bye to personal growth.

The cathedral photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

What made me feel at peace is knowing I will continue to grow better as a person. With every new country, culture, person, langague and religion encountered will help the development of that growth. Good bye Italy, until we meet again!!

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

A revisit of Florence

After going through a long drive, we made it to center of art. The city that put the Italian Renaissance on the map. I couldn’t wait to see what I have missed the first time.

Florence at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It was 9pm or 21:00 when we arrived. Most European cities have such a sophisticated glow during nighttime. I know I mentioned that before In another post. However, it’s something that constantly in your face. No big buildings with flashy lights gives an unforgettable charm. Unfortunately, we were all too tired to explore. We would have to wait until the morning.

Florence cathedral in the backgrounf photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As soon as the sun came out, we were out and about. Going through Florence felt interesting. Revisiting a place without having to worry about kids was amazing. Looking over kids in place like Florence is a hard task. Especially, if that kid’s family is conservative. With all the naked statues, a few awkward moments came up.

A home in Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As we strolled along, I noticed this home. Almost felt jealous of the people that live here. I know Italy is not a perfect place; however, eating pasta on a daily basis with a side of wine is something of dreams. The more I thought about this house, the more I noticed it’s almost carved into the hill. Got hit back into reality, when my travel friends reminded me to keep walking. I have always been the type of person to get lost in my head. With that reminder, my adventures in Florence were just starting!

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love!

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
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.

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!

Walking through Assisi, Italy at night

After a 7 hour ride, we arrived at Assisi. It was late but we were not going to let that stop us. Plus, I never explored this Italian pearl after sunset. So I was already filled with energy.

night time at Assisi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

We got out of our hotel, into the dark gem. I was surprised to see how beautiful this city was at night. European cities have a different appeal compared to American cities. There’s a level of sophistication that American metropolitans lack.

Rocca Maggiore at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I started walking around until I got distracted by this beauty up above. The castle is called the Rocca Maggiore. I saw this during the day on my last trip. Seeing it at night gives a whole new perspective. It’s intimidating, the castle makes you think of how invaders must have felt. When they tried invading at night.

A road at night photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Walking the streets at night something was slightly off to me. After living in New York City for such a long time, seeing empty streets at night gives me anxiety. It’s usually an indicator to find another street to walk or you might get robbed. However, that is totally different here. There’s a sense of peace in the atmosphere.

An alley at night photo couresty of Hugo Morel

It felt so liberating to walk around without a worry in the world. The narrow alleyways can be explored without fear. No random stranger that could be a criminal waiting for you at the end. I truly wish I could live here. It was just the first night here and already I was loving it.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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
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.

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!

lasciando Roma-on the outskirts

Leaving Rome is always a hard task. A city as historic and classic like this makes you think twice. Leaving the center of the Roman Empire is an action usually ending with a heartbreak . Especially, if you love history, arts and food.

A stereotypical Italian car photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Even though my time in Rome was short-lived, there was a bright side. We would be doing an Italian road trip. So, we would see the countryside of Italy again. Something, I was excited to experience once more. For this country, I do not mind experiencing it twice and possibly a third time.

Views of the hills in the background photo courtesy Hugo Morel

As we left to the outskirts of the city, our group got to see the nature usually overlooked by tourists. Our starting point was in a suburb of Rome. The part I love about going to the suburbs is the open space. It’s not too remote like the countryside; yet, not too congested like the city.

A quite neighborhood outside of rome photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As the calm warm breeze hit my face, I felt so relaxed. This looks like California during the winter time. The hills mixed with green and gold, it’s hard not to enjoy the moment. Falling in love with Italy is not diffcult. The food, music, views and the people make it difficult to ever want to leave this country.

Red flower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It was time to start the road trip. We all got on our tour bus. Expect me, of course. Got lost looking at this flower. Lost in my thoughts, all I could think about how different Italian honey would taste like compared to back home. Even at this time, I was thinking about food. Eventually got on the bus and my Italian adventures were just starting. If my face at that moment could be an emjoi, it would be the heart eyes smile one. Italy has a vibe that is hard to match.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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
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.

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!

Roma Di Nuovo

Rome, a city that I enjoy visiting. With it’s classic charm and the city’s effort to maintain that classic look. This Italian city really gives you the feeling of being back in time; when you exclude, the ruins.

A roman walkway photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Walking the streets, the mediterranean architecture is shown brightly with the vibrant colors. The sound of music is heard throughout the walkways. People enjoying their pasta and wine. It felt good to be back.

Roman colosseum photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The ruins remind you of the antiquity of the city. Hard to believe this place is over 2000 years old. The consistent reminder that Rome wants to remind you of it’s glory. Collections of Egyptian carvings occasionally placed in the middle of streets. Forcing you to think about the reach of the Roman Empire.

Spanish steps photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

People enjoying themselves, in daily activity. Almost forgetting the historic impact that this city has made. Italian music playing in the background, gives you the urge to sit down and eat. Tourists losted in the moment, Rome leaves a mark on you.

Trevi fountian photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

My revisit of rome was already looking bright. I can not wait to see how many attractions I overlooked on my first go. I’m sure, it will leave a lasting impression.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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
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.

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!

A step back in time: Siena, Italy

Taken by Hugo Morel

Going to Siena, Italy is like stepping into a time machine. All of the markets and alleyways have been the same since medieval times.

Taken by Hugo Morel

Walking through the streets of this city, you really feel that you are in Europe. I have not been to a city more European than this. Most of the major cities in Europe have been tainted by globalization. Here in Siena, it’s as Italian as you can get.

Taken by Hugo Morel

Although, many of the markets were obsessed with selling Assassin’s Creed gear. Guess they were proud that the games’ setting, at that time, were in Italy. Haha 😆

Taken by Hugo Morel

The more you explore, the harder it is to not fall in love with the atmosphere. Everything is relaxed and at a slower pace. Complete opposite of the all the cities in the USA. Also, all the Italian food you want!!

Taken by Hugo Morel

Make sure to stop by the siena cathedral. It’s hard to miss!


Taken by Hugo Morel

One thing you will notice throughout the city is this statue of a wolf with two human babies. At the time of me being in Siena, I had no idea what those statues meant. I had to research to find out that it was linked to roman mythology. According to the legend, Siena was founded by Senius and Aschius, two sons of Remus. Remus is one of the babies that is on the statue. Remus was one of the twins that founded Rome and were taken in by a she-wolf. When Senius and Aschiue fled Rome, they took the statue of the she-wolf to Siena. It eventually became the symbol of the city.

Thank you so much for reading this post. Much love! Have a great weekend! PS.. We have a travel agency coming up soon 😁. So we can help you all create your own stories and adventures! Stay tuned and of course safe travels!!! We love you all!

Exploring Vatican city and the sistine chapel

Taken by Hugo Morel

The further you walk in the Vatican, the more you feel guilty by realizing how many times you skipped going to church on Sundays.

Taken by Hugo Morel

The Vatican has a wonderful collection of art. Many of the churches have many wonderful masterpieces on the ceiling. They also have a collection of art from the many different countries Rome conquered. Which is somewhat weird because Catholicism was never the Western roman empire’s main religion.

Taken by Hugo Morel

My whole thoughts on this place were very mixed. They kept showing Rome’s accomplishments; however, they are claiming that they are not a part of Rome. Also, the Byzantine empire was the first empire to accept Christianity as it’s official religion on the European continent. The Byzantine empire was considered the Eastern roman empire but, they didn’t conquered the countries that the Vatican kept art from.

Taken by Hugo Morel

We eventually made it to the sistine chapel. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take photos or videos of the chapel since there were many guards. Also, there was a guy yelling every minute in a bad Italian accent,”please, no videos and no photos!” So I took the picture of the next best thing. The sistine chapel was in town one day when I was back home. Took a picture of it just for you all!!

Taken by Hugo Morel

Thank you for taking the time and reading this post. Much love!! Also, just a small announcement! We have a lot of exciting things that are about to happen. Stay tuned!!

Entering the smallest country in the world

Vatican city, the home base of the Catholic Church. A country of about 1000 people and the place where the Pope lives. Do not let the name confuse you, it’s actually a country.

St. Peter’s square taken by Hugo Morel

Although, it’s not recognized by the United Nations as an actual country; Vatican city is self-governed. Besides speaking Italian, the Pope’s home is not apart of Italy nor Rome; even if it’s in the middle of Italy’s capital.

St. Peter’s square at sun rise taken by Hugo Morel

Entering this country feels more like an airport than immigration. You have to go through a metal detector. If someone acts up, they will have to deal with these guys.

The guards of Vatican City taken by Hugo Morel

To be honest, these guards I think are just for show. They aren’t really frightening nor to be taken seriously. Just look at those colors!

The entrance to Vatican City taken by Hugo Morel

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. Much love!! Have an awesome weekend and stay healthy! Next time we will be exploring more of Vatican city.

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