October 22, 2024  by

Sao Paolo’s Got the Dough, Not the Looks

Sao Paolo is not an ugly city. But honestly, it’s also not the prettiest city in South America. It’s not repulsive, but it won’t win any beauty pageants either.

As the country’s financial powerhouse, it’s got the dough, but not the looks. 😝 The city’s a forest of high-rises that are about as exciting as a spreadsheet. Brazil’s natural beauty? Yeah, that’s somewhere else in the country.

The city is filled with countless high-rises and I would say 98% of them does not have any character or creative merit. The buildings are cookie-cutter, cement buildings that does not have any architectural value whatsoever.

But hey, Sao Paolo’s got a great airport to send you off to those gorgeous beaches, rainforests, and mountains just a stone’s throw away from Sao Paolo.

Somewhere even within driving distance from the city.

Sao Paolo has two great things going for it- the Ibarapuera Park (their equivalence of Central Park), and Liberdade neighborhood (the country’s Japan Town).

If you’re on your way to Iguazu, Brasilia, Florianopolis, or Rio, a day in Sao Paolo is enough. But Rio is infinitely a better destination.

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October 21, 2024  by

Brazil is Turning Japanese

You won’t believe this, but Brazil has more Japanese folks than any country in the world (outside of Japan)!

It all started back in the 1900s when coffee plantations needed labor and Brazil said, ‘Konnichiwa, come on over!’

Fast forward, São Paulo’s Liberdade neighborhood is like Japan’s coolest cousin – authentic Japanese grub, markets, gadgets, and style. No wonder Brazilians love Asians; they’re like honorary sushi connoisseurs!

Post-WWII, more Japanese arrived, cementing Brazil’s status as Japan’s favorite expat spot. Today, Liberdade’s Japan Town is the place to be for all things Japanese – and Brazilians are happy to oblige.

 

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October 18, 2024  by

Rio de Janeiro: South America’s Jewel

In my opinion, Rio de Janeiro stands out as the most beautiful city in South and Central America, distinguished by its majestic mountains, scenic coastline, and charming islands set against turquoise waters.

The city’s streets showcase majestic trees with orchids flourishing on their trunks, accompanied by artistic mosaic-paved walkways. Its pleasant weather, beautiful people, and exceptional cuisine make it a magnet for tourists.

Rio is very tourist friendly – you dont need a car because they have a very efficient Uber and taxi system, train, and everything is walkable.

Prices are fairly inexpensive compared to the US (but definitely more expensive than Asia and most of South America). On average, a meal would run you from $10-16. Cocktails are inexpensive and service at restaurants are great.

If you’re shopping for clothes or accessories, this is not the place for that. Their malls are modern and beautiful, however, it is very expensive. The locals love American-made products hence everything is 20% more expensive than the US.

As far as safety, locals are generally kind, hospitable and friendly (and absolutely gorgeous too). Petty crimes do happen, so stay within the touristy areas and use common sense.

 

most businesses accept credit credit cards, including all the cabanas/bars on the beach.

Most people do not speak English so make sure you download a translation app.

It is easy to make friends here because the locals are very genuine, friendly and hospitable.




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October 15, 2024  by

Secrets of Rio

Saara market in Brazil is the ultimate shopping playground – from frilly lingerie to funky lawn ornaments, everything’s half-priced! It’s like playing a game of ‘how much can I get for my money?’

Tourists generally do not come to this area. This is where the locals shop. Even my bougie Brazilian friends have never stepped foot here.

We discovered this place through a new friend we met at the beach. She said that we can get souvenirs here at half the price. And she was absolutely right.

Whether you plan to shop or not, it is still an interesting place to visit. They also have very interesting old architecture within the area and it is nice to people watch.

When traveling, I often drive, rent a car, or hire a driver.

We took an Uber the other day and met Leonardo. We received a professional and positive vibe from him so we asked him how much he would charge to drive us around the city for four hours. He told us it’s $80 for four hours. That is such an amazing deal.

We gave Leonardo a list of places that we wanted to see that afternoon. Although he does not speak English, we managed through a translation app.

I love talking to locals because I get to know them better. I am honestly more interested about the living situation of the people rather than the city’s history from 500 years ago.

Leonardo is married with two kids (Sorry girls and gays). He works out five times a week and has a 10% body fat (yes I asked these questions 😂). He is 35 years old and has been an Uber driver for a while. His wife is a party decorator and also loves her job. They have two very beautiful kids. (Again, sadly 😂)

When I visit, I am very fascinated with how the locals live. I also ask about the minimum wage in each country and what they do for fun on their days off.

Most of all, I ask for their favorite restaurant is and then I take them there.

For me, this is the best way to experience the city and get to know the people.


 

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October 12, 2024  by

Be Warned of “Free Wifi”

FREE WIFI! Many airports, hotels or restaurants Wi-Fi ask you for your email to register.

DO NOT GIVE THEM your correct email because they sell your email to companies. This is how they make money. This is why you get random emails from companies you never purchased products from.

I learned this the hard way when I went to a restaurant in Germany during one of my trips. I got back to LA and received nonstop emails from German companies. A TON. This happens everywhere including the US and Asia.

They sell your email to different companies. Even if you unsubscribe, they will still keep selling your email information. It was a nightmare for me. For over a year, my inbox was inundated by random German emails selling anywhere from candy, porn, to crypto.

Even if you provide the Wi-Fi company with an incorrect email, you can still access Wi-Fi. Because 95% of the time, they do not verify.

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September 12, 2024  by

Balogna, a Surprising Treat!

Bologna has the longest porticoes in the world (or porch). Basically every building in the center of Bologna has this covered pathway. This pathways are great because it makes for a great walking path all year round.


These covered pathways go for over 24 miles around the city. One path goes up to the highest point of the city, and it is a great but tough hike. And we did this hike which went for almost 3 miles. 😂😂😂

My friend Davide said it’s an easy hike- of course it is for a 6 footer, 22 year old. It was humid and we were sweating!!!

However, I am so proud we reached the top- the view was beyond truly spectacular. We saw the sunset from here. Then on our way back, Davide suggested “Let’s hike down now.”

I was like “I already called an uber”  And the Mercedes uber arrived in 5 minutes. That is my kind of hiking. 😂


 

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September 10, 2024  by

Live in a Winery

When you visit Northern Italy, there are so many vineyards that offer accommodations. Sometimes you could rent the entire vineyard for group trips or just one or two rooms within the compound.

This winery has eight villas and a massive house that fits 10 people. We just rented one of the villas that has two bedrooms. It was beyond spacious (about 1,200 square feet)

Surprisingly, it is not that expensive to stay in a winery. Last year, 10 of us rented a villa for $1200 a night. (That’s only $120/person per night). And you can also hire a private chef to visit the Villa, and a spa team for massages.

There are also some bougie villas that rent for $2500 to $4000 per night. A good friend owns one and it is stunning.

This particular villa that we’re staying at is not that expensive. It is located in Vinci, Italy which is not that far from Florence (40 minutes). We are also in near a major town that has a grocery store and restaurants. (Some villas are literally in the middle of nowhere).

However, you will need a car because wineries are normally in the middle of nowhere. Some wineries offer car service but that’s extra.

Car rentals in Italy are inexpensive- they start at about €35 a day. Make sure that you get insurance because Italian drivers are something else.

It is very easy to drive here- but some of roads are winding. There’s also no traffic here. Just need to stick to the speed limit because there are many cameras around. I have gotten half a dozen tickets in Italy in the past 15 years. 😂😂😂 but they are only €80 as opposed to LA, which is like $500 for speeding.

Next time you visit Italy, I hope you consider staying in a winery like this or a private villa. It is such a great experience.

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September 10, 2024  by

Rimini Revealed: A Coastal Gem of History, Culture, and Sun-Kissed Shores

We were supposed to be in Bologna for 4 days but changed plans because I wanted John to experience beaches in Italy. We picked Rimini, just an hour drive from Bologna because it was the closest beach to Bologna.

Stayed in Rimini for 2 days and we both love it here. It is my first time, and Rimini and Riccione are both so charming.

They have tourists here but mostly Italians from other cities. I heard that this is considered a party beach town- but summer vacation is almost over for Italians so what’s left are older couples on vacation. 😂😂
(Where are the hot Italians??? 😡😡😡😂)

Rimini, a charming coastal city in Italy, is famed for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. Located along the Adriatic Sea, it boasts a rich history that dates back to Roman times, with ancient ruins still visible throughout the city. One of the most notable landmarks is the Arch of Augustus, which stands as a testament to Rimini’s historical significance. The city’s bustling promenade is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering visitors a taste of authentic Italian cuisine and local delicacies.

  • Beyond the beach, the nearby hills offer picturesque landscapes and opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking and cycling. Families can enjoy attractions like the Italia in miniatura theme park, showcasing miniature replicas of Italy’s most famous landmarks.

The local culture is vibrant, with seasonal festivals that celebrate everything from food to music, providing a glimpse into the Italian way of life. As the sun sets, Rimini transforms into a lively hub, with beach clubs and bars offering entertainment well into the night. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Rimini offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

I will definitely come back here- I love it! The town is very clean, orderly and somewhat classy, but not overly bougie like Positano or Capri with their mega yachts.

If I were to move to Italy, I wouldn’t mind moving here. They have a decent sized airport here, a nice mall, several McDonalds (Hey, I need my Big Mac once in a while LOL), and hospitals (important when you’re my age 😂). You also have easy access to wineries and beautiful cities like Bologna, Venice and Florence.

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September 4, 2024  by

When In Rome …

I have a private driver in Rome named Chito and he is Filipino. He is really knowledgeable about the city. He used to be a seminarian in the Philippines, so he is familiar with the history of religion.

Everytime my family goes to Rome, we hire him to drive us around to all the major pilgrimage and shopping sights.

He has a van that can accommodate 8 people. I love having a private driver because I can tell him exactly what I want to see. For instance, I was really craving Filipino food, so he took us to one. (John rolled his eyes the entire time).

He is so inexpensive. He only charged me €200 for 5 hours (for up to 8 people). If you sign up to a Viator tour group, they generally charge €130 per person. So it is cheaper to have a private driver if you have more than 2 passengers.

If you ever visit Rome, let me know, and I could give you his information.


 

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September 1, 2024  by

What’s Cooking Good Looking?

When I’m in Europe, sometimes I attend cooking classes. They are really not that expensive and they are fun, you get to meet interesting people, and you get a meal out of it.

I booked this class on Viator and it is for two hours, and they taught us how to make pizza from scratch and tiramisu. After the class, we sat down with other students and they served wine with what we cooked.

All these for only €55. If you think about it, a pizza, wine and dessert in Italy what cost you around €26. So it is definitely worth it because I got to learn a new skill. The food was really amazing.

You can book a similar class on Viator and read reviews about the class. 

 

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