Top 5 things to do in israel

Israel, a beautiful small country in the Middle East and a place I wanted to go for a while. This country has been in news for many controversies and issues. To my Muslim friends, they still call Israel Palestine, and to my Jewish friends, it is Israel. Regardless of the current politics, this country is still very beautiful and a great place to go on vacation. This post will inform you of the top 5 things to do in Israel.

1)Visit the beaches

Beach in Israel in things to do in Israel

When we think about Israel for most, beaches aren’t on our minds. However, Israel really has some really nice beaches that you have to visit. From the dead sea to the mediterranean sea, you will be blown away as to how beautiful the beaches are. If you like beach weather and lifestyle, then you should visit Tel Aviv. With skyscrapers near the beach, it will remind you of the gold coast Australia. So, if you are into beaches then Israel has a few just waiting for you to visit.

2) Visit the Eilat’s barrier Reefs

Eilat’s barrier Reefs in things to do in Israel

things to do in Israel — another photo Eilat’s barrier Reefs

Australia has the Great Barrier Reef and Central America has Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. So, Israel has the Eilat’s Barrier Reef. Although not as big as the world’s largest and second-largest, Eilat’s Barrier Reef is still worth the visit. There are many snorkeling trails and you can even scuba dive here. This nature reserve and the national park were listed in the New York Times as a place to go in 2019. There is even a public aquarium here that is actually the biggest in the Middle East. Yes, it is even bigger than the ones in Dubai and Qatar. So, this is definitely something that should be on your list of things to do in Israel.

3) Do a historical and/or religion tour

Israel is home to religious sites for 3 religions. Including two of the world’s largest religions. Picture you walking in the steps of Jesus and where he was born. If you are Muslim, you can visit the Dome of Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Which is the third most important religious site in Islam. Needless to say, there are tons of Jewish sites for you to visit. However, If you aren’t into any of those religions, you can still learn about history. There are tons of historical sites here that are waiting for you to visit. There are Roman ruins here that you can explore.

4) The Street Food

Israel surprisingly has some of the best street food that you can eat on a global scale. The street food here is safe to eat. So, you don’t have to worry too much about getting food poisoning. However, you should always see them cook the meat properly and reviews, if they have any. When it comes to food, Israel is very interesting and diverse. Since this is a country that many Jewish people came from all over the world to relocate, the food scene reflects that. Also with the new immigrants, you can see it in the food. From North African to European dishes, there is something new for everybody to try. There are street food tours for you to take. This is definitely something for you to cross off your list of things to do in Israel.

5) visit the Red Canyon

Just outside of Eilat, Red Canyon is a place you want to visit. If you like hiking and seeing rock formation, this is the place to go. Similar to the grand canyon in the usa, there are many tours to take. It’s warm year-round, so you can definitely go hiking during the winter. If you want to learn more about the Red Canyon, here is the link. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Israel.

Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe everyone! Wash your hands! Much Love!Thank you so much for your support!!

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October 14, 2020 6

Inside Abu Dhabi’s Grand Mosque

One of the most famous mosques in the world. Constantly shown to us as a luxury. The Grand mosque of Abu Dhabi is Marvel to see in person. It makes you realize how much this country loves their religion.

The view of the mosque from the taxi photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The taxi driver pointed out that I could take pictures from afar. I asked him just to make sure. Didn’t want any surprises. The whole me wearing shorts kept poking my mind. Asked the driver about my shorts and he said that it won’t be a problem. I just wouldn’t be able to go to where the Muslims were praying. Which was fine. Meanwhile, I was my crossing finger hoping he was right. Didn’t want to go this city for nothing.

Outside view of the mosque photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Finally, got to the entrance. I was dropped off and my new friend left. We had an interesting conversation. He was from Iran and told me his opinion about the mosque. I was let known very well that it was beautiful; however, there are other mosques all over the Muslim world that are much prettier.

View of the mosque passing the security check photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

You have to pass a security point. Similar to airports with metal directors. It was cool to see that a few of the security guards had the traditional white arab robes. If you turn around passing the security check point, there is a line of taxi drivers waiting outside. At least, I knew there won’t be any problems going back to the bus station.

On the mosque’s lawn Photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once inside, you have to walk the long courtyard. The blazing sun hitting the white marble floor was making the environment warmer. The place felt like a house of royalty. Finally got to the point where you have to take off your shoes. Left my shoes with the guards and starting explore the small areas that were allowed.

One of the areas tourists are allowed to wander photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The combinations of the white and gold were jaw dropping. In complete awe, I took in the moment. This mosque is a work of art. Completely different than the Iranian/Persian mosque, I visited the other day. Also, the ones I saw in Egypt were not at this level. This is mosque gave more of a sense of wealth. You can tell there was an abundance of money here. All the mosques I visited in Egypt, many were run down with little money. However, they have more soul to them.

The grand mosque is very beautiful; yet, this is not my kind of thing. Love their expression of appreciation towards their religion. Everything was perfect and on point. The Grand mosque reminded me of a sports car. Lovely to look at and to be in one. While, Egyptian mosques were more like a community church van to me. The ones that picked you up to make sure you went to Sunday masses. Enjoy both but prefer the van.

Outside view of where the muslims went to pray photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Learned from Muslim friends, each region of the Muslim world has their own unique style of mosque. The Persian and Egyptian styles, I have already shown on this blog. Hope to share how each region looks like to you all.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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!

November 9, 2019 19

Abu Dhabi: Seeing UAE’s second biggest city

Abu Dhabi is the Los Angeles of UAE. Second largest city and probably the more beautiful. It’s also the capital of this oil rich country. The name meaning in arabic is “father of gazelles.” It is located on an Island in the Persian Gulf. Reminds me of Manhattan.

Abu Dhabi skyline photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When I first got to this city, I noticed how clean and less congested the streets look. Dubai is clean but not like Abu Dhabi. The city felt like I was driving through a clean Miami. The buildings and roads also reminded me of Milan, Italy. This oil rich capital is very beautiful.

Walking up the steps to the royal Palace photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started to explore the place, a few locals to me to visit the Royal Palace. Of course, I only came here to see the Grand mosque. At this moment, I was finding something to do until then. Never been inside a Royal Palace. So, why not?

In front of the Royal Palace photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got dropped off by a taxi near the entrance. Taxis in this city are like new york city. Just less expensive in my experience. The taxis are regulated so you do not have to worry about being ripped off. However, the drivers might take the longer route to get more money. Keep on the outlook.

Water works photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When I got to the Palace’s main entrance, I was told that I could not visit since I had shorts. The nerve of the people who suggested me going here, not telling me this. I was somewhat disappointed that I could not go inside. I didn’t want the situation to ruin my mood. So, I walked down the steps and started watching the water works.

In the taxi seeing the presidental palace photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Burning in the sun, I almost got up to run into them. The fact that no one else was doing it made me think otherwise. Got back on a taxi and I was off to the Grand mosque.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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.

November 2, 2019 19

Taking a bus to Abu Dhabi

So I found out the famous Grand mosque was not in Dubai. Kept searching for it online on a Dubai map but nothing was showing up. It wasn’t until I googled the Grand mosque, I found out it was in Abu Dhabi. UAE’s second largest city, which was a two hour drive. Didn’t not to drive in a forgien country due to fear of what could happen, I kept looking for taxis. Found out it would cost me about 100 USD to get there by taxi one way.

The al ghubaiba train station photo courtesy Hugo Morel

I’m sure you all know, I’m too frugal to spend 100 dollars for a taxi ride. Found out from a local friend, I could take a bus for about 16 us dollars roundtrip. To take the bus, I had to take the subway to the station shown in the picture above.

Walking to the bus station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once outside, it’s about a 3 block walk to the bus station. Got losted and started asking around. People in Dubai are very friendly and helpful. Most would love to help tourists without asking for anything in return. So do not be afraid to ask.

The bus station photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Eventually, I found the bus station. Went to buy the bus tickets and there were two lines. One for women and the other for men. The whole segregation of gender is still hard for me to understand. Women don’t have to take go to the women’s line. They can choose whatever line they want. However, the women’s line is quicker and less people hassling you. The men’s line you have to pay attention or they will cut you in line. Which is never fun. Luckily, there was not that many people there when I bought my tickets. Just one problematic person.

Inside the bus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once on the bus, you get to choose wherever you want to sit. It had air conditioning and the sits weren’t too bad. It was definitely worth the 16 dollars. Once the bus started driving off, I kept thinking how faraway from home I was. Dubai’s senerary was beautiful and exotic to me. The farther away we left Dubai and it’s metropolitan area, the more desert looking the senerary got. Lost in the moment, I didn’t even think about taking photos. So much sand, it made you feel like you were on a highway in the middle of a yellow ocean.

As the two hours passed, I could tell were getting close. The yellow ocean became green fields of dates. The excitement was building up. Couldn’t wait to see what adventures waited for me in Abu Dhabi. We eventually got to city and my wild experiences were just about to start.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

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.

October 26, 2019 19

Exploring Dubai in the Middle Eastern heat

My first full day in Dubai. Of course, you all should know I’m about to explore this metropolitan. It was early September here. However, it felt like mid July in New York. The humidity was no joke. I wasn’t going to let a little heat stop me. Also, when I say “little heat,” I mean steamy sauna hot!

A small view of Dubai’s skyline photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Going around is not that difficult, just handling that sun is. The good thing about Dubai is that their metro system is very reliant. All buses and trains have air conditioning. The way downtown Dubai was created, you don’t really have to be outside in the sun too much. At most, you walk from the train station: to the mall, to your home or the building where you work at. Unless you are a tourist like me, you really don’t have much business being outside. Also, the taxi system here is just like the Usa and the European union. There’s a set fare based on the mileage that runs on a meter.

Another view of Dubai’s skyline photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Walking around, you really get a sense that you are in the Arabian Peninsula. Tons of signs in Arabic and English. In case you don’t know, United Arab Emirates was once an English colony. Meaning, you won’t have any problems speaking English here. However, I heard the Emiratis would prefer, if you spoke Arabic to them. Funny thing about that, when you are here there are very few Emiratis. Most of Dubai’s population are recent immigrants.

The Dubai frame photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Saw the Dubai frame, didn’t bothered going to the top. I would had to wait until one hour in the heat for it to open up. Went there before opening time. I’m not interested in going to the top. Unless, there was a swimming pool and a buffet of ice cream inside. I was only here to see the top of one building, the Burj khalifa . The Dubai frame is the biggest frame in the world. Once again you are reminded, the United Arab Emirates goes all the way. Everything they do has to be the best or the biggest. Which makes Dubai such an interesting City.

Just Outside of my Airbnb apartment photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The skyline of dubai is interesting. Everything is big and in your face. It feels like you stepped into the future. The futuristic buildings can make you feel you are in that show called “The jettsons.” The only thing that is missing are the flying cars and people with hover backpacks. Still, I would not be surprised if some of the mega rich living here owns one.

The view of the Burj khalifa photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As my time in the heat was becoming unbearable, I saw an interesting view. The Burj Khalifa can been seen all the way where I was at. It truly is a man-made mountain. The freedom tower in New York City is dwarfed compared to this massive skyscraper. Looking forward, my next stop would be to climb all the way to the very top. By climb, I mean take an elevator. Burj Khalifa, I will see you very soon.

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

September 21, 2019 14

Seeing the world’s biggest mall and fountain

After getting situated at my accommodation, it was time for me to go back to the Dubai mall. Im not much of a shopping person. I prefer to not spend extra money on items that won’t increase in value over time. I was going to the mall for sightseeing.

My Airbnb apartment photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Took the metro to the Dubai mall. It’s hard to miss because their is a stop on metro named after it. It was about three stops away from where I was staying. It’s funny, this city is almost built around this mall. I didn’t know that this mall is actually apart of the burj khalifa. It’s the base of the building. Makes sense, why it feels like this city is built around this mall.

Inside view of the Dubai mall photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once at the mall, you are kind of overwhelmed at the size of it. It was about 4 floors of shopping. Walking around, you see almost every brand known to man. There’s even an aquarium in this mall! The emiratis are over the top. When they do something, they make sure it’s the best or the biggest.

Outside of the mall waiting for the fountain show photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I was told by my local friend to watch the water show by the fountain. Yes, it’s the world’s biggest fountain. About two times bigger than the one in Las Vegas. The water show starts at 7pm and ends at 11pm. There is a show every 30 minutes from starting to closing.

The water show about to start photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When I got there, it was between shows. Decided to eat at a Lebanese restaurant to make my grandma proud. All jokes aside, it was the closest restaurant with a view of the fountain. Couldn’t wait to see this show. This fountain was actually inspired by the Las Vegas fountain. The Emiratis made it a lot bigger, of course.

Biggest Water fountain in the world photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once the water started, lights and the sounds of music were everywhere. It was definitely a sight to see. All this made me wonder about the situation in Yemen. There’s people dying because lack of water. Yet, here is UAE spending 100s gallons of water on entertainment. It kind of left a sour taste to my mouth.

Another shot of the water fountain photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Even with that distastefulness, I couldn’t wait to see what this city had more to offer. Can’t believe I was here. I needed to make the most out of my time while being here. My adventures in this Middle Eastern metropolitan were just starting.

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

September 14, 2019 34

My childhood dream: I finally go to Dubai

Since I was a kid, I wanted to see the world’s tallest building. So when the opportunity of going to Dubai came, I had to jump on it. There’s no way I could reject a chance to go here. Who knew, if I would ever get the chance again.

The Burj Khalifa photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After a 12 hour flight, I went straight to the tallest building in the world. No time to waste. When seeing it in person, I was shocked as to how tall this man-made structure is. It’s like double the size of the freedom tower in NYC. This was an awesome moment for me. It’s hard to explain in words. Just imagine your childhood dream coming true. I was completely losted in the moment. Deep inside my mind, my inner child was happy.

The hallway of the building I was staying in photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got to my air bnb, I was surprised to see how clean it was. This was the first time I used this service. I’m starting to prefer it over hotels. I had a whole apartment to myself. I can cook and know what’s going into my food.

The studio apartment I was staying in photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

It’s cheaper than a hotel per night and I don’t have to waste money on eating out. The apartment had a little balcony. Too bad I wouldn’t use it as much, the heat was unbearable. Opening up the door, felt like steam from a boiler being thrown into your face.

The outside view photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The Middle Eastern heat is no joke. It’s hard to believe it was the end of summer/the being of fall, when I was there. It was around early to mid September during my stay in this desert city. I was told in the months of July and June, sand storms are common. Even with this heat, I won’t let it stop me. Couldn’t wait to see what this city had to offer.

Thank you for reading! Much love and safe travels.

September 7, 2019 66

Inside Cairo’s Coptic community

Now, this is something not many tourists get to see. I’m truly excited to be sharing this with you all. Unfortunately, some of these sites and buildings have been destroy due to bombings. So, these are photos that are hard to come by.

Greek Orthodox church taken by Hugo Morel

The Coptic Christians are actually descents of the Greek settlers, since ancient times. They eventually mixed with the general population; however, they maintained their religion and culture. That’s why you see a lot of greek letters in the Coptic alphabet.

Another church in old Cairo taken by Hugo Morel

Walking around and you really feel a sense of community. Similar to most minority communities, there’s a sense of togetherness. Everybody knows everybody, or knows your family.

Taken by Hugo Morel

As we explored the churches, it was hard not to notice the diversity. You see muslims in the churches viewing where Jesus was believed to go in hiding. What my local friend told me, Jesus is actually an important figure in Islam. Also, a lot of Muslim Egyptians have relatives that are Coptic Christians. There’s really no “bad blood” between the Coptic Christians and the average Muslims. Unlike, how the media loves to portray it. Some of my Muslim friends I met in Egypt, celebrate Christmas with their Coptic friends.

The well where Jesus was believed to drink water from taken by Hugo Morel

Learning all this from locals, made it hard not to love this country even more. It’s so interesting seeing this in person. Everyday in Egypt, has made me grow into a better person. One of the more humbling experiences in my life.

Coptic priest and a follower taken by Hugo Morel

In the Coptic traditions, the priests should not shave their beards. It’s a sign of respect, showing the wisdom of Jesus. At first, I thought they were Muslim. Then, I saw the cross necklaces and I knew the beards must be a tradition.

This is why I love traveling! It truly opens your mind and helps you experience being in the moment.

A hidden hole where Jesus was believed to hide in when the Romans were looking for him taken by Hugo Morel

Sadly, some of these places have been destroyed due to terrorist groups. I learned this from my local friends. So much history lost, due to false teachings of hate. If we were to learn more about each other, there would be a lot less conflicts in this world. Hopefully with my posts, you will learn to love others different to you. Learn to accept and appreciate people’s differences. However small, that will be the first steps to world peace. Love always shine!

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

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

Check out our latest e-book “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

March 16, 2019 11

Ruins: The pyramids of Giza

After going around the ground site of Giza, we finally made it to the pyramids. They were completely out of this world. Makes you really think twice about humanity and all of our achievements.

Taken by hugo Morel

All I could remember that day, was it being really hot. Finding water was somewhat a problem because you had no choice but to buy overpriced water from the street vendors. Make sure to double check, if the bottle has been opened or not. You don’t want to be drinking water from the nile. Haha no joke, it’s an actual thing here.

Someone climbing the pyramids taken by Hugo Morel

There were a lot of guards in the area. My local friend and I had to pretend we didn’t know each other because of local laws. A local woman can not show male tourists around, unless she is a tour guide. Made the whole situation awkward. Still with all the guards, there were people climbing the pyramids. As seen in the picture above.

Taken by Hugo Morel

As seen in the picture above, you can easily climb the pyramids. Of course, I wouldn’t do it because I don’t want to spend a night in an Egyptian jail. Unfortunately, this historic site has become a magnet for littering. There were a lot of empty water bottles thrown on the floor.

Where the pharaohs’ would have set thier boats taken by Hugo Morel

There’s always something special about being in the place you read growing up in history books. The feeling is out of this world.

The sphinx tourist shot taken by Hugo Morel

You know, I had to do the sphinx tourist shot. I don’t normally do things but hey, I’m in Giza.

Giza selfie taken by Hugo Morel

Also, had to throw in a selfie too. Can’t tell you all how much I dislike selfies but, I was really riding the tourist vibe.

hyroglifics taken by Hugo Morel

We walked around some more and found a little tomb with hyroglifics. Really wish we were able to read this ancient language. The stories this tomb had to tell us. We won’t be able to pass it on. It’s crazy to think that this little tomb was over 2 thousand years old.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

Next week, I will be going inside the pyramids and share some history on the structures!

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

February 23, 2019 27

Meeting my first Egyptian friend

I woke up with an excited attitude. I was finally in the land of the pharaohs. Was in somewhat disbelief to my situation because this is a place you read in history books. Actually being here was a completely different feeling!

Walking down the staircase taken by Hugo Morel

Took the stairs down because I did not have much trust on the elevator. Calling it an elevator was a stretch. It was more like an open view lift. You can see it in the picture of above. The door is where you would enter into the lift. Looking back on this experience, I was lucky this was my first African country. Other African countries have become more European-like, in terms of everyday functions and infrastructure. You get a true sense of not being in the western world here and I loved it!

Walking down the streets of Cairo taken by Hugo Morel

Stepping outside and you smell the spices from the nearby markets. The chaos and the unfamiliarity, it was hard to not start falling in love with this place. Never had a feeling like this in another country. For some reason, I felt like I belonged. As if, I could live here and be happy. I was starting to see why there are a lot of foreigners living here.

As I was exploring, walked into a little friend. Surpised to see so many street cats. In many other countries, you will see more dogs on the streets. However, cats and donkies are what I saw over here. It’s somewhat interesting because the ancient Egyptians worshipped cats. Another example of experiencing a history book in real life.

My local friend that I wish I could had brought back with me taken by Hugo Morel

As my day of exploring was ending, decided to go back to my hostel. Met a few people from all over the world. Was introduced to a soccer player from Gambia. He was working on his visa to go play in Europe. My new friend was at the hostel for the time of the visa process. Also met a friend from Sudan and another from Colombia. The hostel was actually a place where students that were studying in the local universities called home. It was an interesting experience.

Egyptian Sunset with Cairo tower taken by Hugo Morel

As the sun was setting, decided to take another photo. Same spot in a different angle. This time the Cairo tower was in the background. Currently, the tallest Building in Cairo. Tomorrow was the day, I will meet up with a local human friend. Looking back, who knew that my friend would help me so much on my adventures in this country.

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

January 12, 2019 26