self improvement Archives - Passport Overused

My good friend was in town to meet up with me. We haven’t seen each other in years and we needed to catch up. Who knew this experience would be so reflective.

I was excited to meet up with my friend. We haven’t seen each other in years. This guy is like a brother to me. We been through a lot of rough times with each other. We knew each other since toddler years. He has been through a lot in life. So, it’s always good to see him with a smile on his face.

Outside of the Indian restaurant taken by Hugo Morel

Of course knowing me, I convinced him to eat some Indian food. We went to a nearby Indian restaurant and we were a little bit thrown off. To our surprised, the restaurant was aimed more for romantic couples. This brings the joke of bromance to a whole new level.

Of course, we didn’t care what others might think and we ordered our food. As we waited, we exchanged stories about our lives and how our old friends are doing. After some time, the topic of my travels came up. Explain to him about my travel experiences and all my personal growth. Also, spoke about the awesome people I met, the cultures I learned about and the countries I have been to. The conversation became deep and intense.

My friend with the “bromance” heart in the background taken by Hugo Morel

He could sense the passion in my stories. Eventually, after speak for what seemed like 30 mins, we got our food. To his surprised, he saw I ordered food he never seen me eat before. My friend told me with a smirk on his face, “travel has really changed you. You aren’t the same person I grew up with. The Hugo I know, would eat the same food until he died.”

Taken by Hugo Morel

Those words really cut me deep. I was scared that I was becoming something that nobody back in my hometown would be able to relate to. The part of California we are from, there wasn’t much diversity at the surface. You really needed to look hard to find a Nepalese restaurant or anything diverse. All we had was awesome mexican food, some Chinese and occasional soul food. Unfortunately , that is usually it.

Still with my fears, my friend and I still had a great time. It felt great to enjoy your time with a childhood friend. All the laughs made me forget about the strom being created in my head. Best to live in the moment, being lost in thought would be disrespectful. Especially, when friends fly just to see you.

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

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As my days in Egypt were nearing, I could feel the long awaited departure. I will finally be able to come back and tell my love ones how beautiful Egypt is. However, I felt a sudden sadness.

Graffiti of a kid that died in the Egyptian revolution taken by hugo Morel

Reality hit me like a car going 80 mph hitting a brick wall. I would be leaving behind a country, I felt so spirituality connected to! I grew so much as a person here. Got over my negative views of muslims and became a more empathetic human being.

Two kids playing by the Nile River taken by Hugo Morel

Decided to walk by the Nile River to get my mind off things. Needed some me time. Had to reflect on all of my personal growth. Learning about the Islamic culture made me feel more human. For once, I didn’t feel like a robot. A robot that has been programmed to fear the different and unknown.

Another view of the Nile River Taken by hugo Morel

Walked up a few stairs to get a better view. I wanted to really absorb the moment. People were laughing and having fun. Enjoying what little they had, the benefits of living a simple life. A life away from the big cities in the USA. Where people complain about simple issues. Like, the Air conditioning is not working or someone on the internet doesn’t agree with them. We are so lost in capitalistic gains, we forget how lucky we are compared to the world.

As the sun was setting, I walked back down the stairs to be back, where the people were being people. If you ever went people watching, you will understand that last sentence. The sounds and the energies of moment were priceless.

Nile river with Cairo tower in the background taken by Hugo Morel

For the first time in a long time, I felt at peace. It was a feeling of being happy because I’m experiencing life to the fullest. Im not just some program who can’t think outside of the box. I am a traveler who has his own opinions. Opinions that are not formed by the media biases; but, through my life experiences. This is what means to be human. To be unique, not follow the crowd and to have empathy towards those who are different to you. Took me a flight halfway across the world to learn that.

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that you are seeing in person, the place you read in history books. Funny how someone who never got good grades in history class, gets to experience the locations in person. Life is truly amazing.

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

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