personal growth Archives - Passport Overused

As my time in Paris was coming to an end, I wanted to make the most out of my time. Decided to eat at a Burger restaurant my local friends recommended. Had to take a picture of the menu, this is what the french think about Americans. Burgerz and french fries named after the current USA President. We truly have a bad reputation around the world.

Once my Burger was done and in my stomach, I left to go to the Louvre Museum. Took the short subway ride to the location. Wasn’t truly sure what to expect. I’m not really someone who likes going to museums.

Building with French flags taken by Hugo Morel

When I got out of the subway station, I was greeted with this awesome looking building. I just had to take a picture of it. Paris has so much beauty every where you go. Eventually, I entered the museum courtyard. Didn’t bother to pay the fee to go downstairs. I just wanted to relax and have some me time.

Outside view of Louvre Museum taken by Hugo Morel

Found a place to sit down and people watch. Yeah, I became an elder at heart. I love taking in the moment and seeing how people react to the museum’s pyramids.

I eventually got up to walk by the pyramids. These pyramids in Louvre Museum were made out of glass. They were made by a Chinese-American architect. It’s actually the entrance to the museum and a landmark to the city. It’s still hard to believe that I went to Egypt and saw the real pyramids. Until this day, it still shocks me.

The entrance to the Louvre Museum taken by Hugo Morel

Something about seeing people walking to the entrance reminded me of all my travels. Looking back at my experiences, life is such an adventure. You never really think your life is exicting or interesting, until you are forced to write about it. Where I come from, traveling to Europe is so out of reach. Looking back, you never really take account on how far you have came. I accomplished so much for some random ghetto kid from California.

Ps. I really recommend you all get a journal and write about your life experiences. You will be surprised at your achievements!

The suburbs of Paris taken by Hugo Morel

Finally my time was up. Off to the airport, I went. I’m going back home, as a person with more confidence. I can walk a little taller knowing I’m breaking barriers by traveling.

Reflecting on the beauty of Paris, I can see why people fall in love with this place. Unfortunately, my love affair with Paris was more like a fling. My time here was short. Still, I couldn’t wait for my next adventure and to start a new chapter.

Thank you for reading. Much love and safe travels!

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

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.

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!

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