Tag: backpacking

Traveling to Cuba from the U.S., Oh the Obstacles!

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date October 29, 2015
No Comments on Traveling to Cuba from the U.S., Oh the Obstacles!

Cuban flag and I over the Malecon in Havana

Getting to this island has been nothing but endless obstacles, from the American Embargo itself to issues back home. The more problems I faced on this voyage, the more worth it had. With plans to come here in the summer, a car wreck set me back mentally and financially, using my trip finances for a car replacement. Saving up for this trip was a mission of its own as I am also strictly saving paycheck to paycheck, a chunk of money to fund a gap year in 2016. So coming here was not just like any other ordinary trip I have taken in the past few years, it has value despite all the setbacks. Because of all the historic politics taking place and the thawing out of the ridiculous cold war relic of an embargo, between the US and Cuba, there is without a doubt no better time to travel to a country free of any American imperialism than right now. Returning and stressing about US immigration is a story on its own, but for now, lets just get there from South Carolina.

Fortunately, my mom tagged along not only to help split costs and stretch out the budget, but to create some life long memories on this historic voyage, especially if I plan to be gone for so long around the globe in the next few years. While the planning was seemingly impossible despite the proximity of Cuba to the US mainland, we made a far-fetch itinerary with awkward plane layovers, work.

Travel Itinerary goes like so:
-Drive 1 hour and change to Charlotte, North Carolina
-Fly 3 hours to Cancun (American Airlines)
-6 hour (12 hour layover really) layover in Cancun
-1 hour and change to Havana (Cubana de Aviacion)
-ENJOY CUBA (2 weeks)
-1 hour by plane from Santiago to Havana (Cubana de Aviacion)
-1 hour and change to Cancun from Havana (Cubana de Aviacion)
-1 night on the beach in Cancun
-Fly 3 hours to Charlotte (American Airlines)
-Drive 1 hour and change back to Greenville, SC
-(My moms itinerary was the same except a bus back to Havana for a night from Trinidad and leaving 8 days before me)

Total cost to be in the air: 780ish
(A non stop flight would have been a blessing at this point)

When we though we had everything in check and set for this trip, our problems didn’t end at our home doorstep on the way out. Little did we know the reputation of Cubana de Aviacion, Cuba’s national air carrier, would be an airline known for frequent tardiness and problems. After being delayed an hour and a half, being transported via bus to our airline, sitting in it for about an hour, the plane decided it didn’t want to “work”, sending us back to Cancun airport via bus for an additional hour. A whole day wasted on traveling with thoughts of possibly not making it to Havana that evening. Thankfully, our problems did end that evening as we we returned to our plane and flew nonstop to Havana. Aside from my mom being questioned at immigration at Jose Marti Airport because of a different hairdo than in her photo (last name is Castro also), we finally made it across a long endless barrier of problems into a world of reminders that everything we went through, was worth it.

Upon arrival in Havana, after a long day of travel, restlessness with layovers and plane malfunctions, lengthy currency exchange lines in a 2nd hand smoke hell of an airport, we finally could take in the fact that we made it to Cuba. Finally seeing our first vintage American classics in the evening while jamming out to “Sonique – Feel so good” with our taxi driver. Driving into town looking at all the deteriorating yet stunning Art Deco buildings pass by. Watching all the people in the streets go about their lives in such a fashion that you don’t ever see at home (thanks to technology).

We arrived at our casa about 5 to 6 hours late with the expectancy that our hosts would be asleep. Instead, they were wide awake, awaiting our arrival with open arms and a warm welcome, discussing our long journey, and finally showing us to our room before calling it a night and falling into a beautiful coma.

The next morning, we awoke early enough to enjoy a home cooked meal by our hosts and was nothing but delicious and thankfully, filling. Eggs, cheese, bread and butter, fruit, coffee, and great company. Nothing beat the memories of opening up the large doors to a balcony that over looked the streets of Havana and the everyday life of Cubans in the streets, selling things from mops, to groceries, and home decorations. Gazing down the “calle” until the unpredictable patterns of buildings and balconies became one single focal point . A sight I had wished to see practically my whole life. Despite the problems we faced, these little details were the perfect creation of a single thought, and that was the ice breaker that made me realize, I really made it to Havana.

Beautiful Classics and colorful buildings in front of El capitolio

Catching a sunset over Havana on castillo de los tres reyes del morro

Like any other big city, especially a country’s capital, there is more than enough to do, see, and experience depending on ones taste. My mom and I decided one full day was good enough to see especially with the limited time we had on the island, me 14 days and her 6 days. One day was good enough to travel in such a fashion to see everything deemed necessary to see and experience. From walking along the Malecón to the U.S. Embassy, to chatting with locals about the US/Cuba relations drinking Bucaneros. To taking in the Plaza de la Revolucion and El Capitolio gazing at all the colors of Art Deco and characters of each American vintage car had. To watching salseros do their thing along the Paseo del Prado, to finally watching the sun set over the city at Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro. Despite all the problems we faced, I let it all go, smiled, and told myself, I’m finally in Cuba. 🙂

Tags american, backpacking, cuba, cubana, embargo, fidel castro, habana, havana, travel, traveler

Europe General Hungary Voyages

Three Nights In Budapest

So I sit here on my first train overseas in learning mode. What I mean by this is being positive about my complete confusion on how things work over here not to exclude language barrier obstacles. I’ve got to look back and laugh at trying to buy a bus ticket at the wrong place at the airport, my confusion on ticket and towel rentals at the Szechenyi baths, losing directions in a not so pleasant part of Budapest and asking for directions, falling for the “What train platform am I on?” in exchange for donation money not realizing how easy it is to actually find the train after hiring train staff. I don’t mind tipping, but my face was priceless after the man was rubbing his fingers for a tip. Hey, it’s Europe! Although these may come off as “mishaps”, they were all part of the experience. In addition, I honestly can’t deny that I expected this.

Budapest Hungary Elizabeth Bridge — Erzsebet Hid/ Elizabeth Bridge

Budapest Hungary shoes on the danube — Shoes on the Danube Memorial

Budapest Hungary parliament building — Hungarian Parliament Building

Budapest Hungary heroes square — Heroes Square

Budapest Hungary food beer — Hungarian lunch and brew.

As for choosing Budapest as my first European city, it was perfect! It wasn’t Paris, Rome, London, yet it’s not Bishkek, Tashkent or Yerevan. In my eyes it lies right in between the familiarity of its reputation yet still off the beaten path and this is exactly what I wanted. The city is beautiful, even more so at night when all of it’s historical landmarks are proudly light up. While some may look in disgust at some of the deteriorating walls of buildings and graffiti, I am drawn to it as beauty. This alone gives Budapest a sense of personality. Like art work telling a story and giving you a first hand taste of it’s history. In reference to history, unfortunately Hungary’s past isn’t completely settling, from the shrinking of its far reaches and border, to bombings and Nazi occupation in WW2, to socialist times during the Cold War. Although times have changed since, you an still feel the vibes of the country 20, 30, and 50 years ago when times were, different. You can see it in the faces of people, especially the elderly as well as some of the buildings, as I mentioned before.

Budapest Hungary highest point — Foggy hike up to the highest point of Budapest.

Budapest Hungary streets — Stroll in the streets.

Budapest Hungary ruin bars — One of several ruin bars.

Budapest Hungary night — The city is best seen at night.

I can see why Budapest I called the “Queen of the Danube”. Because the city is divided in half by the river. It is wide enough for amazing panoramic views of each side. Despite the rough recent past, the city let alone country is well worth the visit, worth the attempt to learn an interesting language, taking a step back in time with Hungarian history, taking a stroll along its, bridges, street and into one of it’s apartment buildings to look straight up into the sky in its center. Take a walk in Margit Island to escape the hustle and bustle, grab a brew at a ruin bar, pick up a Hungarian pizza and Kürtőskalács on the street, and of course, complete the day with a relaxing dip in one of its many world famous thermal baths. 🙂

Budapest Hungary szechenyi thermal baths — Nice dip in the Szechenyi Bath house.

Video Footage

Tags backpacker, backpacking, budapest, cheap travel, city, danube, hungarian food, hungary, in hungary, solo travel, thermal baths, travel, traveling

General Voyage Journal

Just Get Up And Travel: Easier Said Than Done.

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date June 20, 2014
No Comments on Just Get Up And Travel: Easier Said Than Done.

Just get up and go! Everyone thinks about this in the working world. Especially like a 9-5 person like myself. Add working weekends to that, that feeling is even stronger. As a travel lover, wanderlust, and having daily cravings for new places, new faces, and new cultures, I frequently ask myself, what it would be like to just let go of everything and just go. Quit both my jobs, leave my family, a number of friends, my girlfriend, and routine lifestyle behind to travel long term. But there is more behind this single minded decision having to consider many other factors, than to just GO. It wouldn’t be the first time this has been done in the history of mankind. Well, at least in the western world or more so, America, to me it seems more difficult of a decision. Maybe it’s just me? In general, as possible as several weeks, several months to a year or even several years of time away from routine is to travel is, it does come with some big time preparations.

Courage
For the most part, at least for me, I live in a routine world of wake up, work, work out, eat, chill (video games or movie), sleep, and repeat. Working hard seven days a week to pay bills and necessities all to get two to three weeks off a year, say what? Those who vacation on a tropical beach can say that is not enough. But any wanderlust like myself knows and understands that this is truly not enough time to embrace cultures while abroad or even domestic. This is where long term travel comes into play and the consideration grows each travel experience or let alone every day. These two lifestyles are so opposite that it feels very intimidating in the most exciting way. Living a way of life of comfort and planning to wanting a lifestyle of spontaneity and sacrifice. Unless you reach a breaking point, have a bad break up, get laid off, then setting off immediately, looking forward to long term travel in your life goals takes a lot of courage. Let’s not forget the dangers and different forms of safety precautions you have to face around the world. It’s scary, but it’s an awareness as a true traveler that we must keep intact. But this shouldn’t be an excuse to stay huddled up in a routine lifestyle. Courage the hell up and follow your dreams while being extremely safe.

Finances
Second of all, doing this is not impossible as I said before, it has been done. However it does come with a hefty price and I am not just speaking of finances. First off, the first thing anyone thinks of is money. Traveling long term is no free experience. I mean, you can be the best budgeter in the travel world, have an abundance of friends worldwide, and not fly a single airline and still have to spend money on some level. I guess some records have been made, but we are talking about everyday people here and trying to be realistic. Maybe I am slightly involved in my comfort zone, being “too” safe but not only do I want to have funds for my long term trip, but also have backup money for when and if I return. Is that smart and realistic or is this against the code of a “true” wanderlust. Am I contradicting the spontaneity that comes with long term travel by planning my funds to much? There is no real answer to how much money you should have. One may desire to save thousands while another leaves with a few hundred and works on the fly. Anything goes and that is the beauty of traveling. Something I kind of learned through a post by an awesome world traveler by the name of Nomadic Matt and his commenters from around the globe.

Family / Friends / Love
Anyone understands the desire to get away from routine and work but when it comes to the desire for time with new faces in new places around the world and sacrificing all for this, its really hard for many to understand, especially close ones. It honestly doesn’t matter how much thorough explaining I do, I don’t expect anyone to understand this travel addiction I have. It is like trying to fully understand the perspective of an Artist. This is where I don’t expect anyone to understand me, but hope to gain support. At this point in time, June of 2014, only two out of six of my closest ones know of my long term travel goals for myself, one being the single person who has inspired me to travel in the first place. It is intimidating considering that some of them helped me come out of unemployment to finally get me where I am now. But I remind myself, traveling is all I have desired to do my whole life and I have worked hard and continue to work hard to do just that. It is my life long dream and what makes life so much more damn amazing. They may or may not understand, but support is important to me just as long as I am not saying fuck this, I’M GONE!

Work
As far as work goes, work is very crucial, be it you work in a 9-5er and/or with a weekend gym job like me, as long as it looks good on the resume and it is benefiting me in the long run, just getting up and leaving or not showing up to work then globetrotting is not an ethical thing I would do. I may travel and find love in working abroad forever but I won’t depend on that too greatly and just quit my jobs instantly. Gaining and maintaining a good rapport is the absolute best thing to do with long term travel plans. Regardless of what shitty day I am having, I don’t tell myself “I am quitting this job anyway, who cares.” I remind myself “I will resign from this job when I am ready, travel, and if I return, I may still have an open door to return.” I may not be hiking the Machhu Pichu trail, sunbathing on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, or whitewater rafting in Costa Rica just yet, but everywork day is part of my long term travel experience in a way. It is my building blocks to that dream, every single second, minute, and day I am on the clock. I have yet to experience long term travel but I know how it feels to be unemployed and the feeling is not good. Although I am aware of the phase of unemployment I will phase after my trip, with a positive attitude in my working years and a rich travel soul post long term travel, finding work will be fine. Hell, I may find myself doing what I love. I have hope and confidence.

So, I sit here at work writing this, on and off asking myself if I am writing a post of thoughts or is this a post of suggestions. I guess I can say both. Like I said before, I have yet to experience long term travel and it’s after effects. In time, I will look back at this and either nod or shake my head at some things, if not inspire myself of how strong minded I “was” and continue to be to accomplish my goals. I don’t seek to give advice on what I don’t know yet but share what I do know on this long hard working path to adventures of a lifetime. This is something I think of everyday, some days out of anxiety, fear, and worry. But in the end, I am true to myself and what I have always wanted in life. That is to travel. And I look forward to that day, where all of my feelings, thoughts, and senses come together to prepare for the greatest day of my life, my first day setting off on a long term trip around the world.

Tags backpacking, family, friends, long term, travel, traveling, work, working

General Voyage Journal

Capturing/Editing Video: A Form of Travel Blogging

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date April 24, 2014
No Comments on Capturing/Editing Video: A Form of Travel Blogging

I have always had the eye of a photographer. Whether it be a disposable point and shoot, snap and print Polaroid, or Iphone camera. As a youngster something fascinated me at the thought of capturing a live moment forever. Oddly, this didn’t always apply to typical Kodak moments. This could simply have been a sign, building, or cars on a semi busy intersection. Maybe it was my upbringing and how I grew up. I lived a rough childhood segregated between fighting divorced parents. However my everyday life was fairly simple with one or two best friends, school, visitation routine between parents, and a lot of me time in between. It probably was that me time that allowed me to be more attentive towards the little things.

As I look in through boxes of old pictures, a good portion are of my picture friendly family and I, which is why I find so much comfort in being in photos. But a third of these photos are from me, stretching from my late single digit years to my late teens before the digital age kicked in. Files on my laptop and desktop took over from there. The travel bug has always been in me as I jetsetted to simple vacation spots like Virginia, Florida, and Puerto Rico (U.S. soil) every year. What relevance does this all have to capturing and editing video of my trips? Because my love for photos allowed me to evolve for something that presented so much more. Thanks to my dad, movies have my heart as I have so much love for movies of all kinds. Sitting late at night movie after movie, from horror, to action, to comedy also gave me the ability to naturally analyze how movie-makers do what they do best.

So in conclusion, when you take my evolved love of travel with my web design skill, knowledge and software access and my skill of good photography and video, you get an unique individual with the ability to be a traveler, photographer, and producer all in one in a land far away from home. All of this in one person with a backpack on his back. Little by little, I have realized that I can take as many pictures as I want to and write as many blogs as I can. But my travel journal and documentation of adventure lies within the videos I capture along with commentary I add, whether it be along the journey or voice over. Fortunately, in my lifetime exists an evolving world of internet and technology to allow me to have the privilege of doing all this.

On my train ride through the rural sections of eastern Ontario en route to Ottawa from Toronto, I sat next to a girl jotting down her travel insights and thoughts on old journal paper. While doing so, I aim my iPhone to the side of the train as trees, homes, cars, and railroad crossings buzz by. I may or may not be the next famous travel filmmaker, but how I document and present my footage to the world on sites such as YouTube is surely loved by many. I show my audience my travels as if they were with me and it works beautifully. In my perspective, most people are presented whats hot. Why not the in betweens? Point A and point B are exciting, but you would be surprised at how many oo’s and ahh’s you experience as a traveler when you put your camera down. To me, it is all worth the hard work of hitting record some more. And it is almost like artwork: a combination of video clips done in such a way with the appropriate music to go with the feel of where I am. I not only enjoy my travels and allow others to enjoy, I give myself the pleasure of reliving my adventures in the far future in a unique fashion. Whether I am setting off for a two week trip or a long term journey, no matter what I do, I will not stop recording.

My YouTube Channel

Tags backpacker, backpacking, solo travel, travel, video, youtube

General Voyage Journal

Backpacking: It’s a Lifestyle

Post author By Anthony Perez
Post date February 27, 2014
No Comments on Backpacking: It’s a Lifestyle

Backpacking is a term mainly associated with travel, whether it be hiking or travel short and long term domestic or abroad. It is a lengthy sized backpack with many strategic pockets and compartments that sits right on your back wherever you go. If done so correctly and appropriately, you can practically live out of this backpack. You can fit about a weeks worth of clothing, electronics and accessories, toiletries, documents, finances and more (hopefully not the same weight as you or heavier). You may see these backpacks across major travel destinations across the globe in airports and city streets.

Prior to my days as a backpacker, all I knew of was suitcases within my desires as a vacationer. As my lust for travel grew more and more, I found myself desiring nomadic styled traveling wanting to go from one place to the next instead of the usual “comfort” stay ‘on the beach’ or ‘in the hotel’ trips I took all my life. I realized that my first “nomadic” styled trip around the island of Jamaica with a suitcase wasn’t doing me any justice. ESPECIALLY, in Jamaica! I never really understood the concept of walking around with a large backpack as well as the term “backpacking” and its concept very well until after I read online threads and viewed Instagram photos. Eventually I realized that a trip to Belize and Guatemala couldn’t be done smoothly rolling around and hauling a suitcase and book bag so eventually I purchased my first rucksack.

Ready to backpack through Belize and Guatemala

My first two backpacking experiences successfully took place through those two countries in Central America as well as in Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, Canada. Considering my growing nomadic symptoms of travel, I realized something:

Backpacking is not just a way to travel, It’s a lifestyle

Backpacking is by far a way of life and enriches the possibilities of exploring places you want to see and more, meet new people you naturally connect with, and enjoy experiences of a lifetime. Although I do not have those freedoms and privileges quite yet of traveling destination to destination on my own time without putting in for “time off”, Just the simple fact that I can pack more than a dozen of necessities into one bag and in return see the world is the most amazing thing in imagination. It is this feeling within my constant wanderlust that makes me realize that all of this is a beautiful lifestyle and or realm I am hugely a part of.

As a backpacker, you can easily pick up and go at your own pace, learn to appreciate more with less, and best of all, escape the comforts of home and make the world your home.

Tags abroad, alone, backpacker, backpacking, solo travel, travel, traveling, traveling alone

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