Enjoying the end of summer at Rockefeller Lake, Upstate New York

As summer comes to a close, sprinkles of fall hit us like strong pumpkin spices. Random days of a cool breeze mixed with days comparable to mid July. Had to face it, summer was almost gone. Back to wearing big coats and looking out for stepping on ice. Excited about Halloween and the pumpkin pies being just around the corner. I still couldn’t shake this feeling of not getting the most out of this summer.

small dock where birds gather photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Didn’t really to explore much this summer. In terms of going to Upstate New York. Did a lot of international flights these hot months, just didn’t explore my local surroundings. Truly love this state. From Manhattan to Cairo, New York, this state has something most states lack. Could never really put my finger on it.

close up of the dock photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Lived in California majority of my childhood. Also, lived in three different countries as a kid. However, none have my heart like this state. A place where you can have the tallest building in the country; yet, still be a few hours away from such a gorgeous place like this. Nature and city are actually my favorite places to be.

view of the lake photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I know California and other states are beautiful. However, not many can compare to this. This scenery pulls my heartstrings. The blue sky’s reflection on the water made me feel the much needed sense of peace. The fact that it is summer and everything is so green.

another view of the lake photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The reason why I am up here was to escape from the city life. Sometimes you just need to relax and step back. No stress, no deadlines just me and the music that the planet earth makes. That’s when I can truly appreciate the creation of this small blue planet.

my favorite shot of the lake photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

My time here was almost up. Just did a day trip to escape. Would have to leave tomorrow in the morning. So, I made it last. Sat down to enjoy everything. That moment where you are lost in your head but still enjoy what’s around you. It was truly priceless. When you visit New York City, make sure to stop by and check out Upstate New York. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

took this photo while reflecting about going back to the city photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Thank you so much for reading! Decided to change things up a little this week. Will go back to learning about Afro-Caribbean culture next week. Much love and safe travels everyone.

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

September 25, 2019 20

Back to New York City: am I liking who I’m becoming? Post trip Blues

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!

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

April 10, 2019 26

A stroll by the Nile River: Why Travel makes you more human

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.

March 23, 2019 33