During these times, I want to keep everything on this blog positive. However, I will not give an illusion that everything is fine. I just lost a few people that I knew. One, helped me with skills I use on a daily basis. The others were so kind and would give the clothes off their back for someone.
As you all know, New York City is the epicenter of covid-19 in the Untied States. Most of my family lives here. My grandma, aunts and uncles have lived in the same homes for over 60 years now. New York City is part of my roots and a part of my history. It’s sad to see so much death here. Never felt like a New Yorker until now. Even with these times being hard, I have seen people volunteering to give food to the elderly. I haven’t been able to see my grandparents due to my travels. I was always worried about me bring a sickness to them. Knowing that people are out there helping the elderly gives me a sense of community. Remember there is always some positivity in dark times. Doesn’t matter what brought you into that dark tunnel. At the end of every tunnel, there is an exist.
So please everyone, don’t take these times lightly. For those who live in rural areas and less populated areas, this virus will still do it’s damage. Make sure to follow the rules of how not to spread it. Wish you luck and health! Please wash your hands before eating.
As the number of covid-19 cases continue to grow around the world, we just want to wish you and your love ones health. Also, the random person down the street. These are hard times. However, we will pull through. Always keep a bright outlook even if everything is falling apart because you have the privilege to live another day. A lot people don’t have that.
Currently, I’m in the epicenter of the USA right now. The hospital nearby my home has been filled with confirmed cases. The death toll has risen like crazy in Brooklyn. The hospital near me had to get 4 refrigerated trucks to fill them with dead bodies because their morgue is full. This is no joke and this is not something to be taken lightly.
Let’s this be a wake up call to show you that people are all the same. Regardless of their political affiliation, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion or how much money someone makes. We are people first! United we stand divided we fall. From the small towns to the big cities, we will get through this together. If we were more honest to each, this virus probably wouldn’t grown into such a huge problem.
I have no fear because I know love always shine!
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!
Even with this virus going on, the new york city hustle still has to go on. I wanted to see how nyc looks like during the lockdown. It was only day 3 of the quarantine. No one was really taking it that seriously at that time. So there was some people going out. As I write this, there is a curfew now.
Day 3 photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Did all the preparations to make sure there won’t be any unwanted souvenirs. This time exploring Manhattan, you can tell it was nothing to joke about. I was the only one walking around in the streets at times. Never felt so alone in new york.
Downtown photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
I could not shake that gut feeling that something is wrong. I know that this virus is bad but, this is something coming from an apocalyptical movie. What made it worse was the homeless guy screaming in the background in pain. He was screaming like a lunatic. Not sure if he was doing this on purpose to get attention or he really was hurting. Maybe both possibly.
The freedom tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Dark clouds came overhead, it was so poetic. As almost the clouds knew, we are in for some dark times. I’m going to try to be as postive as possible. However, seeing new york city like this really pushes my fear buttons.
The oculus photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Places that are usually filled with people, seems almost like a ghost town. The picture above is the mall at the world trade center. This place is usually packed with people. Either going to/leaving work or just shopping. I never seen anything like this during a weekday at 4 pm.
Loneliness photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
What I kept noticing were the police and the security guards still working. Felt almost bad for them. They weren’t wearing any mask. Some were wearing gloves. However, they are the ones seeing this pandemic live. They are at the front lines of this. It has given me a higher level of respect towards the people who risk their lives to bring us peace. I dont agree to everything they do. Yet, picture new york city or your local area without any police during a lockdown. I’m sure people will turn to rioting after a few days.
Barbershop photo courtesy of Hugo Morel
Went to a local barbershop in downtown Manhattan. Saw this sign. It’s clear some people are too worry about the virus to care about spelling and grammar. I’m not a grammar police but come on…you can’t spell further nor precaution? At least use google, to spell it for you. If this picture becomes a meme, you know where you found it first.
I went exploring downtown manhattan during day 3 of the lockdown. It was not as serious as it is now. I recommend none of you do this!
Keep safe everyone! Please don’t leave the house unless you have to. I wish you all luck and health!! Much love and safe travels!.
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!
Coming back to my home base in New York city gets more difficult after every international trip. Unfortunately, I got a rude welcome when I returned home this time. Because of my looks, I had extra problems with the immigration officers. Since, I can pass off as a “terrorist” or “drug smuggler.” Of course, the jar of coconut candy looked too “suspicious” to the officers. Can’t blame them to be honest, they are just doing thier job. I got that candy from my time in little Africa, during my trip to Paris. So I was a little annoyed; however, everything checked out after some questioning and inspections.
Ps. I will be writing about my trip to little Africa during my time in paris. Keep on the lookout!
Nyc skyline at night taken by Hugo Morel
I love New York City to the fullest. So much culture, going to queens is like taking a plane ride to another part of the world. Being back home usually takes some time to get used to.
Waiting for the 7 train in queens taken by Hugo Morel
Eventually, you get so accustomed to being on the road. So much to a point, that post travel depression is a thing. Luckily for me, I have grown an immunity to it over the years. Although, when winter hits New York City, all I can think about is getting on the first plane to the tropics.
Central park taken by Hugo Morel
Still, coming back is always different. Same place and same atmosphere; however, I’m not the same. After ever trip, I come back a different person. These questions always comes back and haunt me. Am I liking the person, I’m becoming? Will my close friends and family members still accept me, the way I am now? Will my future lover dislike the person, I will slowly change into?
Another photo of NYC’s skyline taken by Hugo Morel
These are the questions, I always come back with after every trip. I just hope, I can continue to look at myself in the mirror. Currently, I’m genuinely happy because I know traveling the world is my life’s work. I can feel it in my heart. However, there’s a fear deep down that my character will be consumed by the constant travels.
Sunset over the manhattan skyline taken by Hugo Morel
I just want to stay true to who I am as a person and not forget where I come from. Not many people where I grew up become a contributing member of society. Especially, not someone with my ethnic background. I can’t help, but feel guilty at times. Why am I the lucky one that escaped? This is what goes through my mind, every time I return from a trip. I just hope, my hometown will accept me for who I will become. Also, that I don’t become arrogant and forget my humble beginnings.
Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels! Next week, I will be taking over again. While, Tony and his wife are in Cuba. Meeting up with them soon! Can’t wait to write about cuba and share with you all!
To start your own adventures, check out the link below.
The Bronx, the borough and county known for the founding of hip-hop. This part of New York City has so much culture and is rich of diversity. So many subcultures are found here, it is truely ashame that this borough is usually over looked.
The art scene in the Bronx is truly amazing. So much graffiti is here, most tell a story and/or are a reference to a hero of that neighborhood.
The person in the picture above is Roberto Clemente. Clemente was a Puerto Rican professional baseball player. He was the first Latino to be in the Hall of Fame and opening the door to many other latinos. Now, the sport has at least one latino in every team and many other latinos have made a place for themselves in the Hall of Fame.
Going to the Bronx, I had to go to where hip-hop started. So, I went to the South Bronx on my own risk. Unfortunately, this historical area is filled with crime. I will not advise to go here without caution.
Even with all the crimes, I witness an act of kindness. I saw a Puerto Rican couple help clean a random man’s shirt. After the man spilled something on his white shirt and was unable to clean it himself.
The Bronx is filled with people from all over the world but the majority of Bronx’s population comes from Latin America. Puerto Ricans used to dominate the Bronx; however, Dominicans have taken over in recent years. The cycle continues as more and more latinos move into the suburbs. The next group of Latinos to dominate will be mexicans.
One place a reader recommended me to go was the Bronx’s little Italy. Finding out there was a little Italy in this borough surprised me. This area’s influnces from Italy is astounding. They have Italian pop music playing in the background.
When coming here, I recommend going to Full Moon Pizzeria. The food was great and the atmosphere felt like I was in Italy. Had a conversation with one of the owners and he told me all the place I should visit, for my upcoming trip to Italy.
Thank you for reading this post! As promised, I made the post about the Bronx. Made it a little longer than usual because of not keeping my promise last week. Next week, we will be going to the nieghborhood of Williamsburg. Have a safe week!! Much love!
Times square, the center of the world. The center of the world’s capital. Times square is truly breathtaking.
I have been here many times (bad pun), one can never get bored here. So many interesting characters. From crazy homeless people who claim the world is ending tomorrow to people having breakdowns, this place has it all. If you are looking for free entertainment, Times Square is the place.
This area has a dark past. Once as a mobsters hangout, Times Square was filled with illegal activities. Eventually, one mayor had enough and wanted to make the square Disney friendly. Now, it’s one of the world’s biggest tourist attraction. People from all ages now walk these streets at all times (another bad pun) of the day.
Believe or not, Times Square is one of the city’s most secured areas. With so many police around, it makes one feels very calm to walk the streets at night. Just watch out for the police on horses, they leave behind tracks. Make sure to watch the floor at all times (I couldn’t help myself).
Thank you for taking your time to read this post! Much love! I know I said we would be going to the Bronx but that will be next week. Have a safe week!!
Queens, the most diverse county in the United States. Home of hip-hop legends like Nas. Queens, is the biggest borough by landmass and the second biggest by population. It is truly worth the visit.
There is a lot to do in this borough. Home of the New York Mets, Citi Field should be on your itinerary. Many events occur here during the summer and some are free. Also, home to North America’s Amway store.
I explored Queens several times and have gotten lost more than I count. Flushing-Meadows Park is actually a fun place to get lost in. The park has a zoo and a metal gobal; however, I’m not trying to be too much of a tourist. So, the zoo and the gobal were skipped. The Flushing-Meadows Park is the second biggest park in the city. The park has a science museum for kids, as well. Flushing-Meadows Park is on a comparable level to Central Park.
Queens is a place of diversity. With more than 48% of it’s population being foreign born, many of it’s residents speak a different language. Queens county is said to be the place with the highest percentage of the world’s languages are spoken in one area. Each neighborhood in Queens has a different culture. Flushing is Queens’ main center for Asian communities. The neighborhood of Flushing is the place where you can experience true Asian culture.
Thank you, for taking your time to read this post. Much love!! Next week, we will head to the Bronx. Have a safe week and stay healthy!
Brooklyn, home of many iconic rappers. The Borough that is giving Manhattan a run for it’s money. Brooklyn is the Borough that can stand on it’s own two feet.
Brooklyn at one point, was it’s own city. Besides Manhattan, Brooklyn is the only borough with a downtown. Having it’s own downtown; if Brooklyn was a city on it’s own, it would be the 4th largest in the country.
This borough is the place to be. Even, Michelle Obama wants to move here. Brooklyn has a vibe that no other place in America has. There is never a dull moment. If you are into outdoor activities, there are a handful of parks. Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s Central Park. The park has an everlasting energy to it.
In the posts to come, I will talk about my personal experiences in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods. From restaurants to parks, I have a lot in store for you all.
Brooklyn has a strong personality. So many colorful people live here. From hipsters to professionals, this borough has it all. You can always meet interesting people, maybe even during a subway ride (good luck because people are anti-social on public transportation).
Thank you for taking your time to read this post! Next week, we will be going to Queens. Much love!! Stay heathly and have a good week!
New York city, the city that doesn’t sleep. Full of villains and creeps. Home of musical legends and people from all over the world. NYC is one of America’s greatest cities.
Usually, when people talk about New York City, it’s Manhattan. The next posts will be focussing on everything that is NYC. Which includes: Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and thier nieghborhoods.
When coming to NYC through the air, you either come through JFK, LaGuardia or Newark. If you are arriving by train or bus, pen station will be your entry to the city. By the way, the photo above was taken by me at the Empire State building.
New York City has an amazing character. In the subways, you have all types of personalities. From crazies asking for money to hipsters reading books. There is a never a dull moment in this city; unless, you are stuck in traffic or your train is delayed.
I have to come clean, New York style cheesecake is the best. I tried many cheesecakes in different countries and different parts of the USA. New York style has no competition. Once tried cheesecake in brazil, worst cheesecake ever created. It had a watery taste and it was very soggy.
New York, New York is truly a city that does not sleep. Where most cities the nightlife ends at ten, that is not the case in NYC. Many stores and restaurants are 24 hours. There is always a place to go during the middle of the night.
Thank you for taking your time to read this post! This is the start of several New York City related posts. Hope you guys will like it. Next week we will be in Brooklyn. Much love!! Stay safe and heathly!
New year, new me as the saying goes. For me, new year means new adventures. It was the end of January 2016. New York City just survived a record breaking snowstorm. I was invited to go to Canada for a Capoeira event. The event will have masters of the art to teach us. The thought of it filled me with joy. Little did I know, it would be a journey just to get there.
NYC during the blizzard, Hugo Morel
One word of advice, never call your mother during a storm and your flight is the next day, after the whole city closed down. Yeah, the city that doesn’t sleep had to shut down at 2:45 pm; yet, any mother makes a situation seem more awful than it actually is. Okay yes, the blizzard was bad enough to close the city that never sleeps down but I was still alive. After a few “Are you alive?” calls, my mother convinced me to go three hours early to the airport. I’m still trying to figure out how she did this. Once the taxi dropped me at the airport, I knew I was in for a long night.
The day after the storm, Hugo Morel
As I got into the airport, the place looked like a dead zone. Everything was unusually closed down. The airport is open 24 hours on a normal schedule but a storm just passed. The airport looked like a homeless shelter. The food court was filled with people who were stuck in New York City. Their flights were canceled and the local hotels were closed. The only choice they had was the food court. This was a sight from a horror movie and a traveler’s worst nightmare.
people sleeping at the food court, Hugo Morel
the storm’s aftermath, Hugo Morel
After three hours of waiting, it was take off time. To save money, I bought a connecting flight, New York City to Denver international. The flight was full, due to the storm. They kept asking for handbags and luggage to be put on another flight. The kind person would be rewarded for a thousand dollars worth of flyer points. They asked four times and waited until someone actually volunteered before taking off!!
Denver International airport, Hugo Morel
At Denver International, I was surprised how big the mile high city’s airport was. It felt bigger than JFK. There was a mile long walkway (pun intended) and even a mall. I expected to see the cast of South Park here. This was mind-blowing!!
Flying to Winnipeg, Hugo Morel
After all the trials, I was finally in Canada. The country that is the home of Justin Bieber, Drake and maple syrup. Of course, instead of seeing Santa Claus and the north pole, I get a not so jolly welcome. Long story short, the immigration center kept me for about 20 mins trying to understand my story. It’s hard to explain to people, what Capoeira is. Lesson learned, never say you are going to stay at someone’s house that you met on Facebook and learn from a master that you never met in person.
Welcome to Winnipeg…kind of, Hugo Morel
Thank you for taking your time to read this post. Drop a like and a follow. Much love!!! Next week, we go to the city of Brandon. Stay safe and healthy!!
