Dublin: Being Persuaded by the Irish Charm

After getting rested, it was time to explore. The sun was just about to set and the colors of the skies were in full bloom. I was surprised as to how beautiful Dublin is. I know every European city has a certain sophistication; However, something about Dublin is truly memorizing. The friendly atmosphere mixed with the upbeat smiles really made me enjoy my time in the Irish capital. It was a lot better being here than being in New York City. Comparing the two is somewhat interesting. New York’s I don’t care about you attitude verses Dublin’s friendly and upbeat attitude. If you have any self respect, I’m sure you know which one I would prefer.

A Dublin street photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

I started walking just to see what was around. No goals just taking in the moment. I had all of tomorrow to see the tourist attractions. Right now, it was only about getting to enjoy the environment. One of my biggest problems while traveling is not really appreciating the fact that you are in another country. Sometimes it just feels unreal. Doesn’t really process in my mind where I am at all the time. Yeah, I know took a flight to another part of the world but sometimes it doesn’t fully sink in. It’s clear that the language and culture is different; yet, it’s almost like you are not living in the present and only thinking about the future. I’m usually focused on getting to see all the touristic sites. So much to a point that I do not value being very far from home. I was not going to let that happen here. Luckily, it was hard not to be in the present while in Dublin.

The beauty of Dublin photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The Irish charm is hard to resist. Just look at the photos and I’m sure you can understand. Classic Irish music blasting from pubs (for us North Americans that means bars). It almost made me want to live here. Well at least, reconsidered living in New York City. Before coming to Dublin, I was never really interested in seeing this part of Europe. Well of course, all that changed during my small time exploring around. The turns of the small European style streets mixed with the looks of people not being stressed out and enjoying their lives is hard not to like. I lived in smaller america cities and been to small towns in Canada. Dublin has that small town feel with the big city lifestyle. People here act like there are from a small town. The smiles I kept getting when I asked random questions. All this made me smile and enjoy the present. No thinking about what I’m about to do and only thoughts about what is going on now.

The River liffey during sunset photo courtesy Of Hugo Morel

Ran back to see the river liffey before the sun went down. From the picture above, it is clear why I wanted to see the river. The pictures can only capture half of how beautiful it was in person. I truly recommend everyone to visit this place. I have been convinced Dublin is one of my favorite cities in Europe. Also, it comes close in beauty when compared to Paris. Can’t wait to see and explore more!

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

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

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.

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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!

January 25, 2020 41

Twas The night before Christmas in Madrid (sunshine blog award 🌞)

Twas the night before Christmas, somewhere there was a kid secretly opening their presents without the adults knowing. When I was a toddler, that kid opening presents early was me. The Christmas spirit filled me with so much nostalgia. At one point in my life, it was my favorite time of the year.

Madrid’s most famous Christmas tree photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Seeing families with their children running home put a smile on my face. Everybody looked happy and relaxed. The Puerta Del Sol was packed with people. All eyes fixed on the neon lighted Christmas tree. I was in lost for words. This tree lived up to the hype.

Famous statue del puerta del sol photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The texture and patterns of the lights were so interesting. It felt like Times Square when the ball drop for new year’s. The Spanish public square was completely packed. Everywhere you turned, there was a person with a camera. Had to get out the main part of Puerta Del Sol to take a photo. It was almost impossible to get close to the tree.

The entrance to Puerta del sol photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Still with all these people, I was loving the moment. People were all together celebrating something positive. Not sure, why that stood out to me. Maybe because I feared someone or something would make a negative out this celebration. Luckily, everything was relaxed. You didn’t even see police with guns imposing like you do in the USA. There was no sense of intensity here. Just smilingly faces with joyful expressions.

Christmas lights Madrid photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Started walking back to my Airbnb apartment. The thought about of my family came to my mind. I wonder how they were doing. I spoke with my parents and everything was fine. What made me pounder, were my cousins. We used to be so close. Yearly, I used to celebrate Christmas with them. Around this time as kids, my brother and I used to travel to New York City to visit. Sadly as you get older, sometimes family bonds fade away. Who you considered your love ones, don’t always want to show you love back. Please, treasure the good moments with your love ones. You never know what the future has in store! Regradless of how I was feeling, loved my time in Madrid.

Hey everyone we got nominated for the sunshine award!!

I Want to say thank you to chocoviv. She is someone who is always positive! I really recommend reading her blog! Here is the link! Even when everything is not going her way, she alway looks at the bright side of things. Her blog is for people who love positivity. Truly honoured that she reads my blog post 🙂

The Sunshine Blogger Award Rules :

Thank the blogger (s) who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog.
List the rules and display an award logo on your blog.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger (s) asked you.
Nominate 11 other bloggers to receive the award and notify them by commenting on any of their posts.
Ask the nominees 11 new questions.

Questions

1) Do you celebrate Christmas? If not, do you celebrate any special day in December?

Yes, I celebrate Christmas. However, the way My family and I celebrate it is different than the main stream. It’s more about eating food than exchanging presents. Our meals are the presents.

2) What book are you reading right now?

Currently reading the 48 laws of power.

3) Netflix or YouTube?

Youtube all the way. Since most of it is free.

4) Favourite movie?

The movie Hugo. It’s crazy how it has my name as the movie’s title and I could relate it to struggle of the main character.

5) Favourite artist?

Don’t really have a favorite. For some reason Bob Marley is the first to come to mind.

6) Dream vacation location?

Antarctica! Currently planning on going there soon!

7) When did you start blogging?

About 4 years ago

8) Why did you start blogging?

My friend recommended me to start blogging. Sadly he just wanted to use me.

9) Do you like using gift bags or are you a wrap-expert?

We don’t do normal gifts. Our meals are the gifts. So i guess plastic bags.

10) Favourite childhood toy?

A teddy bear i called Pacheco. I losted it somewhere.

11) Go to friend’s house or host the party at your own place?

Probably go to a friend’s house. I hate when people are at my home. Things tend to go missing.

Alright! Time for my questions!!

1) what are your plans for next year?

2) How are you going to make sure those goals are accomplished for next year?

3) What is the favorite place you traveled to?

4) Do you like to travel alone or with friends?

5) what is the funniest travel story you experienced?

6) Does it snow this time of the year where you live?

7) When did you start blogging?

8) Do you enjoying blogging?

9) What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

10) What made you smile the hardest this year?

11) What are your travel plans for next year?

Blogs nominated for this award:

https://empowerandbalance.wordpress.com/

https://rebeccagoesrendezvous.wordpress.com/

https://kristalynhartley.wordpress.com/

https://amomentwithme.com/

https://thehuntress915.wordpress.com/

https://rosesintherubble.com/

https://bobbiblogger.wordpress.com/

https://thetravelingtodds.com/

https://adventuresfromelle.com/

https://streetsofnuremberg.com/

https://angelartstar.wordpress.com/

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love! Happy holidays everywheres

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.

December 21, 2019 9

Being reintroduced to Florence, Italy

There’s something special about revisiting a place. From landmarks you didn’t see to overlooking the small street corners, experiencing a destination should be done more than once. You get to appericate the location more.

The Arno river running through Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As my friends and I started walking/exploring, we eventually stumble across this river. Although I saw this river in my last trip here, I did not realize the name of it. Nor, did I noticed this is Florence main artery. It’s pipeline to the sea. Just imagine the boats that sailed here during the Middle ages in Florence’s prime. The sight must had been amazing. Picture the colors of the sails and caragos that merchants were bringing from Pisa. Sometimes I wish I had a time machine, that would be some next level of sightseeing.

The dome of Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

After some time, we got to the Florence dome. Probably my favorite landmark in all of Italy. The appearance just attracts me. The patterns and colors always makes my imagination run wild. Everytime I see this, I keep thinking of the Renaissance. Again, I truly wish there was a time machine somewhere. Maybe I could borrow it for some time (Yes, that was a horribly executed pun).

Random rooftops in Florence photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Being here with just adults is liberating. You do not have to be constantly looking to see where the child ran off to. There’s a level of stress that is gone. I can see why old couples tend to travel the world together. There’s a higher level of being in the moment you get without having to overlook someone else. I usually travel alone or with friends, so this is the only place I really had to babysit while traveling. The comparison of the two is good to know before jumping into parenthood. I know I will still travel; however, it would be more for educating my children about the world.

The side tower of dome photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once again, Florence is a place I really enjoyed. Being reintroduced to Florence has made me appericate the beauty of this city. There’s so much history here. It’s hard not to get lost in the historic sites. Truly a destination for people who love history.

Thank you for reading! Stay safe and much love! Happy holidays everyone!!

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.

December 18, 2019 25

Wandering and learning at The Dubai Museum

To escape the heat, I decided to go and see what the Dubai museum was about. Took the metro to get there. It was a little bit of a walk away from the nearest station. So much for escaping the heat.

Dubai Museum on the left photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

When I got there, I was surprised to see the price of the tickets. It was about 3 USA dollars to go around. I’m not much of a museum person. However over my travels, I’m slowly becoming one. Plus my local friend kept telling me to come here.

Al Fahidi Fort photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The entrance to the museum is very interesting. It’s made like a 1500’s fort. The entrance of the museum truly made me felt that I was in the Arabian Peninsula. I never seen this type of structure before in person. The fort is made out of coral rock. In fact, besides the Spanish forts in Florida and California. I never seen an actually fort before. Especially, not one made out of coral! Also, the fort is believed to be the oldest building in Dubai still active. The fort is called Al Fahidi.

Outside views of the Arish photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Once inside the museum, you get to see the old fashion homes. They are called Arish and are made out of palm fronds. The homes are actually very small. Only really containing a place to sit, a kitchen and a bedroom. It’s crazy to think that the emiratis once lived so humbly. The large amounts of money a country gains, can really change its people’s culture.

Old fashion helmets and weaponry photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Got to see an armoury right past the entrance. I heard the armours and weapons were collected from all over the world. I could only imagine how hot it would had been wearing mental armour in the Middle East during summer. I would rather choose 2nd degree burns over cuts caused by swords and arrows any day.

The collection of swords photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Funny thing about the homes, you get to see the old fashioned “air conditioning.” They were called wind towers. It was a gap in the ceiling of the Arish, as seen in the picture below. It was brutal for me to even walk around in this structure. The heat was still slightly unbearable. I couldn’t picture living in a place with no artificially-made cold air. Where the average temperatures in the summer is about 106 degrees to 86 degrees. For those who live outside of the usa, 41.1 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. Not to mention the 70 percent humidity.

The wind tower photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The further I got into the museum, I found a door that lead me inside a walkway. That walkway would eventually take me to the main attraction of the museum. I was about to learn how Dubai was before the discovery of oil. Couldn’t wait to see what was in store me.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!

October 12, 2019 9

Stumbling across a Persian mosque

After exploring around the neighborhood near where my airbnb apartment was, I saw this beautiful building from a far. I started walking towards it and I found out it was an Iranian hospital. Little did I knew, I stumbled around a Persian neighborhood.

outside of the Persian mosque photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

For those who don’t know, Persian and Iranian are similar. Iran was once a part of the Persian empire. That is something, I did not know at the time of me stumbling across this beautiful piece of art. Found out later while doing research. Walked towards this interestingly patterned building. From outside looking in, I figured out it was a mosque. I could tell by the shoe cubby and chants of the Qur’an.

Inside of the mosque’s entrance photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

Saw someone come out of the mosque. Asked if it was okay for me to enter. I got the clearance to explore. Once inside the gates to the entrance, I was in awe towards the attention to detail. The colors made the building look so majestic. The patterns and the designs are so beautiful. Couldn’t wait to see how the inside looks like. Put my shoes in the cubby and I was off.

Inside of the mosque seeing the men praying photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

The inside of the mosque was truly foreign and new to me. The colors matched the outside with a touch more of green. To make sure it was okay, I asked one of the mosque’s operators if I could take photos. He gave me permission of course.

I got to see some of the followers pray. Similar to how it was during my time in Cairo, the mosque was sectioned by gender. I was not allowed to go on the women’s side. Still, I enjoyed the part I was given access to.

Sometimes, it’s hard to picture how close United Arab Emirates is to Iran. It’s literally less than a two hour flight from Dubai. Makes sense why there’s a strong Persian community here. Glad I got to see in person.

Another look of the mosque photo courtesy of Hugo Morel

As I was looking at the Muslims praying, I started to think a little to myself. The differences between this mosque and the mosque in Cairo. They both practice different types of Islam. Egypt is Sunni majority and Iran is Shia majority. They are similar and very different at the same time. Similar to Catholics and Protestants, the houses of worship look very different. It’s almost the same here. Expect, Sunni is the majority branch of Islam at about 87% to 90% of the Muslim population. While, Shia Islam is about 13% to 10%. Here is the link for those who want to more read about this.

Also, I remember something funny at this time. I was wearing the cross my family gave to me for my travels. This whole time I was exploring this mosque, you can clearly tell I was a christian or came from a Christian family. Yet, not one person gave me a second look nor hostility. To think how, I was once so scared about going to a Muslim majority country. I can only laugh at myself now. I grew so much as a person throughout my travels. With every new country, I was becoming a person. Someone with more understanding to others who are different than me. Truly believe, we can stop more wars from happening, if we just understood each other better. We all have similarities despite our differences. Hopefully, we get to see that in our lifetime.

After about an hour of looking around, I saw pretty much all of the mosque. That was my sign to walk back into the heat. Thought about staying until the sun went down. However, I didn’t want to take advantage of the friendly welcome I was given.

Safe travels everyone and much love!

For videos about cultures of the world and to see our travels, subscribe to our youtube channel!

October 5, 2019 32