Best Cruises for Families: Vacationing with Kids! 

BY  Barsha May 27, 2025

Few Roman emblems are more recognizable and evocative than that of the gladiator.  These violent men—half athlete, half captive, half myth—held Roman crowds for centuries in bloody battles that were spectacle as much as they were a matter of conquest.  But who were the gladiators in Rome, in reality? What motivated thousands of onlookers to celebrate their fate in the arena? And where can you still sense the beat of their legacy today?  Further, Rome, the capital of Italy, is about to host the 2025 World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) summit. Also, the historical places to visit in Rome play a vital role in maintaining Italy’s position as the number one travel destination in the world.  If you are not in the know, Italy has just won the laurel of the top luxury tourism destination for 2025 at the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Latin America.  So, in this Tour and Travel Guide, we will find out the gladiators of Rome and how they can be the highlight for your next vacation to Rome.  At the same time, we will talk about the historical places of Rome and why they make the city the most preferred destination in the world.  From Funerary Rites To Public Spectacle: The Gladiators Of Rome And Their Timeless Appeal The origin of the gladiators in Rome is very much intertwined with sacrifice and ritual in the natural world.  Ancient accounts indicate that gladiatorial fighting was once performed in remembrance of the dead, particularly renowned figures from society.  These events later became popular for entertaining or intimidating the masses.  By the Roman Republic, games of gladiators already were a political weapon: a show of grandeur and munificence employed to win the favor of the masses.  The Colosseum: Heart Of The Arena The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheater, was the spectacular arena for the events. Finished in 80 AD by Emperor Titus, it could accommodate as many as 50,000 spectators and saw colossal games which lasted for 100 successive days at times.  Gladiators drew swords here, man-eating animals from Africa and Asia were brought out, and emperors gained or lost the people's favor in the arena of blood.  So, the Colosseum, an icon of ancient Roman civilization, is more than just an architectural marvel. The use of concrete and innovative techniques in the Colosseum was unique.  However, the more unique aspect of the place is how it witnessed and has carried the history of the gladiators of Rome and a particular way of Roman living over the years.  In other words, the next time you visit the Colosseum, one of the best things to do in Rome, you will have a new perspective as a traveler.  And yet, glorious as the Colosseum stands, its actual history truly comes alive only when viewed in context—through the unseen narratives of the Ludus Magnus (the main gladiator school), the pre-fight rituals, and the political maneuvering behind each bout.  Want to Experience The Legacy Of Gladiators In Rome Like Never Before?  If you're planning a visit to Rome, seeing the Colosseum is a must, but walking around its outer walls is just scratching the surface.  For a deeper, more immersive journey into the world of ancient warriors, book a Colosseum-focused city tour with Golf Cart Tours.  Their small-group, open-air tours are led by expert guides who blend storytelling, history, and modern comfort.  No exhausting uphill hikes or crowded buses. Just an engaging, up-close experience that brings Rome’s gladiatorial past to life.  Your guide will take you beyond the arena to the key sites tied to the games, including Janiculum Hill, Capitoline Hill, and the Forum, sharing insights you won’t find in guidebooks. The best part? The Golf Cart Tours team knows how to make history unforgettable—even for kids and families. You’ll leave not just with photos, but with stories. Life, Death, And The Role Of The Gladiators In Rome  Most of the gladiators, though, were captive males, captives of war, or convicted criminals to be killed in the arena. Yet, not all. Free men also came into the profession of their own free will, attracted by the prospect of fame, wealth, or even salvation.  These volunteers, known as Auctorati, were typically contracted for several years, with service agreements that would make them both legendary and infamous.  In the schools of training (Ludi), gladiators became the machines to kill. They were divided into specialized classes according to combat style and weaponry: Retiarii (net and trident) Murmillones (sword and buckler) Secutores Thraeces, and others.  Despite their cruelty, gladiators were popular. They had girlfriends, they had fans, and they even had political power.  Gladiators' faces were found in mosaics, in graffiti, and even on coins. Some, such as Spartacus or Flamma, even became legends.  The Historical Places In Rome Are Much Beyond The Arena The gladiators themselves are no more, but their legend still towers over the Eternal City.  Each cobblestone street and crumbling ruin holds a tale, and some of the biggest are the ones where the gladiators fought, breathed, and died under the bellow of 50,000 Roman throats.  However, the historical attractions in Rome are beyond the arena. Here are the other crown jewels.  1. Sistine Chapel: The House Of The Last Judgment  The Sistine Chapel in Rome features "The Last Judgment," a famous artwork by Michelangelo. Furthermore, it has breathtaking frescoes.  2. St. Peter's Basilica: The Most Revered Catholic Church In The World Though located in the Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is one of the iconic religious and historical landmarks in Rome.  Furthermore, it is the most important Catholic church, and it is the burial site of Saint Peter. He was one of the apostles of Jesus Christ, and he was the first pope.  Moreover, the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the church makes it a place of awe and wonder.  3. Piazza Navona You cannot miss a visit to Piazza Navona, which is a public square in Rome. It has palatial buildings and baroque fountains.  So, there is always a lively atmosphere around the square. 

BY  Barsha Apr 13, 2023

You must have heard about the Blue Sushi Sake Grill - there are so many locations in the United States. But just in case you are new to the United States or have never been to a sushi grill, then this is the sign you really needed. Walk inside any of the Blue Sushi Sake grills, and have a delightful experience. But that’s not the best part about the Blue Sushi Sake Grill! What attracted us the most was their approach to sustainability. With their ‘conscious earth’ campaign and killer tagline, ‘Responsibly caught. Humanly raised. Mindful of earth.’ this sushi chain has honestly been winning hearts, and it was about time we did a story on them. Sooooo, here we go - stay tuned to find out more about this conscious sushi brand! Blue Sushi Sake Grill: All That You Need To Know! Image Source: static1.squarespace.com The Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a great place to have a fun meal, not just because they make great food but also because they work towards making a positive impact on oceans. And that’s attractively ethical for a US-based food brand. So without wasting much time on the irrelevant intricacies, let’s get started with this sushi brand - scroll down to find out! Locations: As we were just saying, there are several Blue Sushi Sake Grill locations across the United States. Today, let’s find out whether there’s a franchise of this brand close to where you are located - here we go! 1. Chicago: Address: 2351 N Lincoln Ave Suite A1-120, Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: (773) 241-7111 Review By Kevin Smith: Great sushi, cocktails, service, and overall experience. Fair prices for excellent and very fresh fish, plus vegan options, make it fun for everyone. The calamari was peppery and a break from the typical. We tried a variety of rolls and loved them all. 2. Naperville: Address: 123 Water St, Naperville, IL 60540 Phone: (630) 305-3099 Review By Shreyas Suresh: Another gem in Downtown Naperville. Good, courteous staff. Nice ambiance. Good selection of Sake, cocktails, and plenty of Veggie options and maki rolls. The only downside is that they don't take reservations, and you have to show up and put down your name if there's a wait. 3. Indianapolis: Address: 2721 E 86th St STE 100, Indianapolis, IN 46240 Phone: (317) 489-3151 Review By Natalie Click: This is literally the best sushi I've ever had. This place was SO amazing. We sat at the bar and got to watch them make rolls. The staff was SO nice. They really were accommodating. Also, the mochi was legit and delicious. 4. Westlake: Address: 2000 Crocker Rd, Westlake, OH 44145 Phone: (440) 328-4500 Review By Troy Barnett: I'm not the biggest fan of sushi, but I'd go back to this place anytime. The food, service, atmosphere, and interior were all top-notch. Oh, and happy hour is all day on Sundays with a massive list of options. 5. Lexington: Address: 105 Summit At Fritz Farm Ste 130, Lexington, KY 40517 Phone: (859) 554-4452 Review By Deva Schell: I don’t even like Brussels sprouts, and those are the best ever. Godzilla bomb was the bomb. Shishito Peppers, we’re also fantastic. They don’t have yum yum, but their mango sauce and spicy mayo mixed made a good substitute. And that’s not all! Let’s check out the other top Blue Sushi Sake Grill locations! Nashville, Omaha, Des Moines, Lincoln, Westwood, Kansas City, Westwood, Louisville, Fort Worth, Dallas, Denver, Birmingham, Austin, and Houston. Menu: Image Source: d1ralsognjng37.cloudfront.net So, now that you have seen all the locations, it is obvious that you want information on the Blue Sushi Sake grill menu! The brand mostly serves a similar menu in all the different locations, and it’s so yum - moreover, the cute tagline ‘where happy oceans and feel good sushi meet’ makes you want to order more! Let’s look at the gastronomic menu of Blue Sushi Sake Grill! Starters: Image Source: i0.wp.com Edamame, Charred Edamame, Miso Soup, Coconut Crab Soup, House Salad, Seaweed Salad, and Cucumber Sunomono. Speciality Nigiri: Image Source: tb-static.uber.com Blue Kani, Cherry Bomb, Itchy Salmon, Itchy Seabass, and ‘Everything Smoked’ Salmon. Speciality Sashimi: Image Source: giorgiotruffleshop.com Truffle Salmon, Ceviche-Style Hirame, Madai Chimichurri, Tuna Tataki, and Yellowtail Serano. Classic Maki (Not Raw): Image Source: www.pressurecookrecipes.com Cali Roll, Crunchy Blue, Crunchy L.A. Just Shrimp Tempura Maki, and Spicy Tako. Classic Maki (Raw): Image Source: images-cdn.welcomesoftware.com Cabo Roll, Negi Yellowtail, Philadelphia, Rainbow Roll, Sake, Spicy Sake, Spicy Tekka, Tekka, and Spider Maki. Vegan Maki: Image Source: i.guim.co.uk Up In Smoke, Avo Kaluna, Cowgirl, Crunchy Cabbage, Eden Roll, Green Goddess, Prince Roll, Vegan Hot Popper, Shitake To Me, Thai Hippie, Unami Express, Unami Maki, Vegan Black Dragon, Vegan Hot Night, Vegan South Pacific, Veggie, Vegan Philadelphia, and V.L.T. And there’s more - there’s a bento box option for kids under 12, shared plates, specialty maki, and a yummy section featuring both Sashimi and Nigiri. This saves you so much time! You do not need to google ‘Blue Sushi Sake Grill Austin menu’ or even ‘Blue Sushi Denver’ - it’s all the same, and it’s right here! Blue Sushi Sake Grill And The Chain’s Environmental Impact: The Conscious Earth Campaign Image Source: s.hdnux.com The official website of the Blue Sushi Sake Grill talks at length about its Conscious Earth campaign. According to the brand, they are on a consistent journey to serve delicious sushi without negatively impacting the oceans. This basically means that the brand is making informed decisions related to how they source their meats and seafood. Conscious Earth is not just a program for boosting sustainability - it is also the brand’s commitment to source their seafood responsibly and, at the same time, respect the Earth’s ecosystem by sea and land. To make matters fact-checked, Blue Sushi Sake Grill has their own map with a real-time view of where their fishes are responsibly caught and subsequently raised. The brand also believes in partnering with different organizations that are equally committed to preserving the environment. What more do you need? The Blue Sushi Sake Grill not just serves great food but also happens to be committed to preserving the environment! Bon Appétit! And that’s a wrap on the Blue Sushi Sake Grill - you know about the locations, the menus, the reviews, and their Conscious Earth campaign. Now, without wasting any time, you have to visit this chain restaurant. And if you have already visited this popular sushi chain, then you have to share your experiences with us in the comments below. Read Also: Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter Top 12 dominican restaurants in los angeles | The Ultimate guide Top Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers & Buffalo Wings -Reviews, Pricing & Menu

BY  Abdul Aziz Oct 5, 2023

Going on a hike up the infamous Stairway to Heaven Hawaii on the island of Oahu calls for in-depth preparation on your part. It is one of the most dangerous hiking trails. It is also known as the Haiku Stairs. In this article, you will find information on the hike’s history, current status, alternate routes, incline, security, distance, best weather conditions, helpful gear, and a guide to get there. History Of The Stairway To Heaven Hawaii lifeonearth.com In 1942, contractors for the U.S. Navy began the construction of the Haiku Radio Station. It was a top-secret facility that transmitted radio signals to Navy ships that were operating in the Pacific. To get the right altitude for the antennae, they stretched them across the haiku valley, which is like a natural amphitheater. You might still see the remnants of the wooden ladder beside the new metal steps. The radio station was commissioned in 1943. A stronger transmitter that could relay powerful signals was necessary. This could not be done with the vacuum tube technology used at the time. So they chose to go with an Alexanderson alternator, which uses a huge device that can generate powerful yet low-frequency radio signals. It would need a large antenna. When the Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay was transferred to the Marine Corps around the 1950s, the U.S. Coast Guard used the Haiku Radio Station site for an Omega Navigation System station. In the mid-1950s, the wooden stairs were replaced by sections of metal steps and ramps. The total number of stairs stood at 3,922. The Coast Guard did not stop hikers in the 1970s but had to stop after it featured in the Magnum P.I. movies, which increased the number of visitors. The station as well as the trail have both been closed to the public since 1987. Recent History In 2003, plans were made to reopen the stairs to the public, and the cost incurred to repair the stairs was $87,500. The public access being shut down, residents found themselves surrounded by unknown faces of hikers and tourists and litter all around. In early 2018, the City and County of Honolulu released a statement to not open the stairs to the public, showing liability concerns. Some hikers, however, continued to trespass, which only strengthened the local community’s resolve to keep the structure closed to the public. The Friends of Haiku Stairs, a volunteer group that aims to preserve the trail, pitched that there could be an alternative to a no-trespass, safe public access to the trail without taxpayer costs. The trail now is a disputed one with all its beauty and thrill. However, it has not stopped the locals, hikers, and travelers from stealing past the guards posted at the bottom of the stairs. This hike is a strong dose of adventure, climbing nearly 4,000 steps along an 18-inch wide staircase to reach an elevation of more than 2,000 ft. Incidents squarespace-cdn.com The hiking trail is not a site for any major injuries or accidental Stairway to Heaven Hawaii deaths on the stairs. There have only been minor incidences in the last decade. However, between 2021 and 2022, there have been more number of injuries and rescues of hikers trying to get to the top of the stairs. The rescues have mostly taken place for hikers going through the Moanalua Ridge, which is the longer and more difficult of the trails. Many hikers are rescued “near the Haiku Stairs” and not the Hawaii Stairway to Heaven itself. In 2014, 6 people were arrested, and 135 were quoted to have climbed the stairs. According to the City Prosecutor's Office, a criminal trespass in the second degree carries a $1000 fine. The Stairway To Heaven Hike Hawaii: My Experience The Stairway To Heaven hike on Oahu, Hawaii, is possibly the biggest attraction on the entire island. A grueling number of 3,922 stairs go up to the imposing mountain ridge. Most of the time, the incline is vertical, with only a handrail to save you from falling into the valley below. It sounds dramatic, but it is what it is. But it isn’t too dangerous if you are prepared for it. Distance: 2 miles or 3 km round trip Elevation Gain: 2,630 feet or 800m Duration: 2-3 hrs up, 1-2 hrs down We started out by being dropped off in the neighborhood at 2 am in the morning. It was a clear night with just a few light clouds hovering over the mountains. As soon as we got out of our car, a resident came rushing out of his front yard, yelling at us. Thus, startled by the old man, we hurried away to the “main entrance” to get our eyes fried with a beaming flashlight. The Trail We silently went off in the opposite direction toward an alternate entry point, keeping in mind that the old man quite possibly called the guard or the police to warn them about us. We were thrilled by the idea of being caught and afraid of being caught, actually. Walking through the neighborhood as quietly as possible, the barking of dogs totally blew our cover, making our presence known. We ran down the street to a small alley that led up to the hill. We had to cross over the barbed wire fence, which was close to a residential area. It is understandable why the residents are so annoyed with trespassers. From here, we had to steal past the knee-high undergrowth as quietly as we could go. We were nervous when approaching the guard, understanding that we had trespassed multiple sites that were strictly no-go. As we approached the red car of the guard, we found that no guard was around. We walked past it and towards the stairs. As we ascended the stairs, we finally felt relieved to think that the police or guards didn’t go after the trespassers on the stairs. On The Stairs change.org We felt much safer, and we could now enjoy our 3 a.m. hike along the Stairway to Heaven. In 2015, a storm damaged many parts of the stairs to the point where they could not support use. It is not dangerous per se, but it makes your ascension more thrilling. A few of the steps were loose, and we had to keep that in mind while treading on each of them. We did not have headlamps. We followed the full moon up the narrow and damp stairway. I managed to keep looking back to see the highway, which kept getting smaller as we went higher in order to reach platform one. Grasping the slippery railing tightly, we made our way to the second platform, where an abandoned cabin lay with old machinery inside. It looked straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie. Another two hours went by, and we almost reached the summit. The final section of the hike consists of boards instead of stairs, which make it a catwalk at 2000 ft. in the air on top of a sharp ridge. At The Top squarespace-cdn.com At the summit, we found an old cabin with huge antennae on top. We moved around the space on top among the clouds. We then returned to the bunker to wait for the spectacular sunset this place always has. Putting on a fresh pair of dry shirts and jackets made the experience much more comfortable while at the summit. The sky became a pale blue and then shades of purple. With that, the sun came tearing through the haze. It shone yellow and gold over the Haiku Hawaii Valley. Many others witnessed the sunrise along with us, who began their descent once the spectacle of the sunrise was over. One of the trails downward is the Moanalua trial, which is a 6-mile route, but you can miss out on the views. It also helps you avoid the guards if that is your main issue, but it is 3 to 4 times longer than other routes. The hike down was a treat for photographers. We were in no rush, so we got down at our own pace, taking in the views and shots for our socials. It feels amazing to have ascended in the dark and then descending in broad daylight. It took less than 2 hours to reach the bottom. We saw the guard’s red car where it was in the morning, but this time, we took the risk and did not avoid it. The Guard Below .journeyera.com Meeting guard, he joked, saying, “I’ve called the cops, they must not have come,” as he began laughing to himself. His sense of humor eased our anxiety. He gave us the look of get-out-of-here-before-you-get-caught, and we crept away on queue. The situation has become much more serious in the recent past, so the guards may not be as friendly as they were. Be careful if you go in 2023. At the final gate, we saw no signs of police or angry residents. We were free! We could not believe we had just hiked the Stairway to Heaven Hawaii! This is truly a place for one and all. It looks like the real version of Jurassic Park. It is dreamy as well as eerie. You can totally attempt this hike if you visit Oahu. Try to have someone who has visited before guide you through this hike if you visit here for the first time. Alternate Route thatadventurelife.com The alternate route is the Moanalua Trail. The route is 9.3 miles in length. It gets you all muddy and is not the easier option, either. It can help you avoid the guards at the beginning of the trail. But it is not hassle-free. It all depends on when you go and how well-prepared you are for any kind of situation. Things To Pack For The Stairway To Heaven Oahu Hawaii Hike Going unprepared for the hike is one of the biggest mistakes you will make. You must have the basics and stay prepared for bad weather. Here is a list of essentials you must consider among everything else. Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is the rain jacket of your dreams. They are super light. They will fold into the tiniest ball and save you from the harshest storm. Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For better ankle support on that 400-step long hike, waterproofing and toughened exterior are necessary for your boots. These Solomons can easily be your best buddy. Black Diamond Head Torch: In case you return incredibly late from your hike and it gets dark, a headlamp will help you as nothing else will. Keep this one handy for sure. Darn Tough Socks: These will be the most comfortable hiking socks you will own. They don’t wear out easily, either. They have a lifetime warranty. You simply send them with any sign of wear and tear, and they will replace it without further questions. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some common questions people ask about this hike, take a peek: 1. How Did The Stairway Come About?   The stairs were originally built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy as a top-secret facility to transmit radio signals to ships that were sailing in the Pacific Ocean. The stairs went public, deeming it fit until 1987, when it became dangerous due to disrepair. Residents of Oahu have fond memories of hiking up the stairway to heaven legally a long time ago.The city of Honolulu reportedly spent almost a million dollars in renovating the stairs and considered re-opening the stairs to the public in 2002. Resident complaints and safety concerns halted the re-opening, and the stairs have stayed closed ever since. 2. What Are Some Of The Other Places To Visit In Oahu? You could take a helicopter flight tour without the doors. The view from above will blow you away. A shark cage tour can ensure you don’t talk about thrilling adventures for another year or so. It will give the adrenaline rush like no other. Ecofriendly dolphin and snorkel tours are also available. Wrapping Up The Stairway to Heaven Hawaii trail is dangerous when seen from below. It is only when you undertake the hike (with proper planning and preparedness, of course) that you understand it is not as daunting as it looked. All you need is a thirst for thrill and sharp wit that comes in handy when you go face to face with adversity. There is also the added fear of strict laws around the hike, which will keep you on your toes. Let us know if you visit this amazing trail. And if you have questions or thoughts to share, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you! Read Also: Portals To The Unknown: Exploring Natural Gravity Vortex! The Perfect Getaway: Discovering The Closest Beach To Disney World! Walking On Sunshine: Exploring The Magic Of Vietnam’s Golden Hand Bridge!