How to Stay Safe in New Orleans: A Traveler’s Guide

BY  Ankita Nov 30, 2023

Pizza is more than just a food, which resonates with the establishment of so many pizza restaurants around the world. It's a global sensation that has captivated the hearts and appetites of people worldwide. Its journey, from humble beginnings in Naples, Italy, to its widespread acclaim today, represents an extraordinary culinary evolution. In this comprehensive exploration, we will trace the fascinating history of how a pizza restaurant conquered our hearts and appetites. Further, we shall also examine the transformation of this delectable dish from its origins to the modern pizzerias that have made it a beloved icon. Pizza Restaurants In Melbourne Melbourne, renowned for its diverse culinary scene, has a thriving pizza culture. It caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences. The city's pizza establishments reflect its multicultural population. Hence, it offers a variety of pizza styles influenced by Italian, American, and other international cuisines. Melburnians are particularly known for their appreciation of artisanal and gourmet pizzas, often featuring unique and high-quality toppings from local producers. Additionally, Melbourne has a significant presence of pizzerias that cater to specific dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free options, making it an inclusive and accessible choice for all residents and visitors. The city also hosts various pizza festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating the love for pizza and showcasing the culinary creativity of local pizzaiolos. These events allow pizza enthusiasts to explore new flavors and indulge in their favorite slices. Melbourne's love for pizza is an example of its diverse as well as inclusive food scene. Thereby offering a wide array of pizza options that go beyond traditional styles and cater to the ever-evolving tastes of its residents and tourists The Birth Of Pizza The story of pizza originates in Naples, Italy, during the 18th century when it was known as "pizza Margherita." It was a straightforward dish consisting of flatbread topped with tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil. The legend has it that it earned its name in honor of Queen Margherita of Italy, who was enchanted by this delightful amalgamation of flavors and colors. Immigration And The Spread Of Pizza In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, waves of Italian immigrants arrived in the United States, bringing their culinary traditions, including pizza, with them. Pizzaiolos (pizza makers) opened small, neighborhood pizzerias in cities like New York and Chicago, catering primarily to the growing Italian-American community. These early pizzerias served traditional Neapolitan-style pizza. These are characterized by a thin, crispy crust cooked in coal-fired ovens and sold by the slice. The Rise Of Convenience As pizza gained popularity in Australia, it underwent a transformation to meet the demands of a fast-paced society. Pizza restaurants began offering delivery services, revolutionizing the way people enjoyed pizza. The introduction of the pizza box made it even more convenient to order and transport this delicious dish. The ability to savor pizza in the comfort of one's home quickly became a cherished tradition, particularly during gatherings with family and friends. Pizza Chains And Mass Production The 1950s witnessed the emergence of the first pizza chains, such as Domino's and Pizza Hut. These chains revolutionized the pizza-making process, implementing assembly-line techniques and standardized recipes using pre-packaged ingredients. The result was consistent, affordable pizza delivered quickly to homes across the nation. This shift towards mass production played a pivotal role in cementing pizza's status as a staple of American cuisine. Variety And Innovation As pizza continued to evolve, so did its toppings. Pizzerias embraced experimentation with a diverse range of ingredients. Thus leading to the creation of a myriad of pizza styles and flavors. While the classic pepperoni and cheese combination remained a favorite, gourmet options like BBQ chicken, spinach, and feta, or prosciutto and arugula, began to grace menus. Pizza had become a canvas for culinary creativity, catering to a wide range of palates. The Advent Of The Pizzeria The concept of the pizzeria, a sit-down restaurant specializing in pizza, gained prominence in the mid-20th century. These establishments offered a more upscale dining experience, complete with a menu featuring an array of pizza options, appetizers, and desserts. Pizzerias became places where families, friends, and couples could gather for a casual yet enjoyable meal, often accompanied by a bottle of wine or a cold beer. Pizza's Global Appeal Today, pizza is not confined to the United States or Italy; it has spread to every corner of the globe. In nearly every country, you can find pizzerias offering local twists on this international favorite. In Japan, for example, you might encounter pizzas topped with unconventional ingredients like squid and mayo, while in India, a tandoori chicken pizza could tantalize your taste buds. Pizza's adaptability to local tastes and preferences has contributed to its worldwide popularity. The Role Of Social Media The rise of social media has played a substantial role in perpetuating the love affair with pizza. Instagram, in particular, has emerged as a platform for food enthusiasts. They can share their adventures in multiple pizza restaurants, showcasing mouthwatering photos of cheesy slices and perfectly charred crusts. The viral nature of these images has only served to fan the flames of pizza's popularity, cementing its status as a beloved food on a global scale. Pizza's Role In Popular Culture Beyond its culinary significance, pizza has left an indelible mark on popular culture. From iconic pizza-loving characters like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to memorable catchphrases like "Pizza, Pizza!" From the Little Caesars commercials, pizza has become a symbol of fun, indulgence, and togetherness. It often features prominently in movies, television shows, and even music, further solidifying its place in the hearts of people around the world. Conclusion Pizza restaurants have come a long way since their humble beginnings in Naples. From the streets of Italy to the bustling pizzerias of New York and the global phenomenon it is today, pizza has captured the hearts and appetites of people worldwide. Its adaptability, convenience, and sheer deliciousness have made it a timeless favorite. Moreover, it continues to bring people together! Whether it's for a casual weeknight dinner, a special celebration, or a cultural experience in a foreign land. You May Also Like:  Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try Batista Restaurant Las Vegas – Restaurant Info, Ratings & Reviews 8 Best Bachelor Party Destinations To Visit In 2021

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!

BY  Nabamita Jul 19, 2022

Question: Which Is The Largest Freshwater Lake In India? Options: A.Chilka Lake ( Surface area  347 sq mi) B.Wular Lake ( Surface area 12 to 73 sq mi ) C.Naini Lake ( Surface area 4.53 sq mi) D.Periyar Lake (Surface area 2,084 sq mi)  Answer: Wular Lake Lake Wular is declared India's largest freshwater lake and Asia's second largest.                                  "Wular Lake is still in floods, The North Wind howling strong;                                 The shore is far away, and you    Must steer your course with care." — Kashmiri poet Mahjoor (1885-1952) Which Is The Largest Natural Freshwater Lake In India? Bandipora, Kashmir, and Wular Lake are formed in the lap of paradise due to tectonic activity. Jhelum River is the lake’s main source of water. At an altitude of 1,580 Km, Lake Wular is 24 Km in length. According to popular belief, the lake is the remains of Satisar Lake.  The lake has willow tree plantations that started in the early 1950s. Since then, Lake Wular has been considered among India's most beautiful sites of natural heritage. History Of Lake Wular Sultan Zainul-Abi-Din gave the order to build the artificial island Zaina Lake in Wular Lake in 1444. Based on folklore, a city ruled by Raja Sudrasen was once on the border of the lake. But as a punishment for his crimes, the lake's water rose and drowned the king, his subject, and the city with him. During winter, when the water level was low, submerged ruins of a temple were seen. This sighting gave fuel to folklore. Zainul-Abi-Din constructed a huge barge in the Lake and built a brick wall that rose to the water level. Wular Lake: History Amongst Nature Lake Wular is among the 49 other wetlands of India; all are a part of the Ramsar Site. Although it falls under “The Conventions of Wetlands,” established by UNESCO in 1971, Lake Wular faces certain environmental threats. They include threats like fertilizer pollution, waterfowl & migratory bird hunting, agriculture, and animal waste. The lake is now half of what it was before. Wular has several fish habitats, including rosy barb, the common carb, mosquito fish, stone roller, and Schizothorax. The fish from Lake Wular comprise the diet of thousands of people living in the area and everywhere in Kashmir. About eight thousand fishermen depend on Lake Wular for their livelihood. 60% of fish in Kashmir comes from the lake itself. People from the nearby villages also harvest the plants like the Nymphoides and the Phragmites for animal fodder. The lake is home to thousands of birds. A few of them are the short-toed eagle, alpine swift, common cuckoo, golden eagle, and the Himalayan monal. Lake Wular Tourism: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India Lake Wular is not only a perfect tourist attraction for Indian tourists but also recognized by International tourists as well. Wular lake plays a very important role in further expanding the tourism of Kashmir. When people ask, “which lake is the largest freshwater lake in India” this is what they refer to. To improve the tourism industry in Kashmir, the government of India came up with interesting watersports on the lake. This project was done in collaboration with J&K and Kashmir Tourism. Sports such as water skiing and boating. The contract for this project was awarded in September 2011.  In 1986, lake Wular was made a part of the Wetland of National importance. This project was carried out under the Wetlands Programme by the Ministry of Environment & Forestry.  The lake was added was included due to its diverse hydrological, biological, and also socio-economic values. According to the Ramsar Convention project, the area surrounding the lake was a garbage dump. The inclusion in the Government project is for management purposes and also intensive conservation. Restoration Of Lake Wular A development project under the National Lake Conservation Programme has been launched to restore the former beauty of the lake. For this, about 2 million trees are to be cut down.  The Ministry of Environment and Forest has already approved a sum of Rs. 4 billion for the restoration project. According to estimates, the work will take about 5 to 10 years. The schedule started in December 2011. The SAVE organization, or South Asian Voluntary Association of Environmentalists, took an interest in this initiative and joined the project. They aim to conserve the ecology and the surrounding nature of Lake Wular. Restoring such an enormous lake, the largest freshwater lake in India in India-controlled Kashmir will be difficult. Due to continuous violent attacks, such projects are difficult to proceed with. Wular Lake: The Biggest Freshwater Lake In India And Its Maintenance Concerns (A Sneak Peek Into The Latest Developments)Keeping the Wular Lake clean has been a concern for the Wular Conservation & Management Authority (WUCMA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Committee. On 3rd August 2024, Atal Dulloo, the state's Chief Secretary, met WUCMA, the JK Pollution Control Committee, and other concerned authorities to keep the lake clean.  Wular Lake has always been important in the tourism landscape of Baramulla and Kashmir at large.So, maintaining its cleanliness is crucial to boost tourist footfall in the area. The main agenda of the meeting was to ensure:1. Cleanliness of the lake2. Take strict measures against encroachers 3. Facilitate the ongoing beautification work of the lake4. Development of the surrounding area for tourism with Wular Lake at the coreEarlier this year, the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced the adoption of 30 villages around India’s largest freshwater lake. Saderkoot, Garoora, and Payeen are the first three villages to run the pilot project on solid waste management around the lake. Currently, the lake gathers the wastage of the Jhelum River and the lake’s surrounding villages. Solid waste management is crucial to keep the lake clean, maintain hygiene, and maintain tourism activities in the area.   Places To See Near Wular Lake: The Largest Freshwater Lake In India  Wular Lake, India's largest freshwater lake, has many nearby tourist attractions. The lakes within 50 Km of the lake will soothe your eyes and offer you moments of tranquility.  The nearby Krishnasar and Vishansar lakes have mystical charm. Further, the Vishankar Lake is the source of the Neelum River. Krishnasar Lake is more popular as a fishing spot, and anglers visit here for trout.  Other lakes near Wular are: Alpather Lake Gangabal Lake Gadsar Lake Mansabal Lake Further, if you are an adventurous soul, you can visit Apharwat Peak, just around 20 Km away from Wular Lake. It is a popular skiing destination.  The best time to visit Wular Lake is June to April. So, plan your trip accordingly!  Lake Wular is not only the largest freshwater lake in India but also the second largest in Asia.  Lake Wular is also home to thousands of birds, fish, and underwater plants. The natural beauty of Lake Wular, along with the surrounding beauty of Kashmir, is what makes it a tourist attraction. Did You Know About The Top 10 Largest Lake In India? With Wular Lake being the largest freshwater lake in India, it’s time to know about the top 10 largest lakes in India.  Vembanad Lake in Kerala Chilika Lake in Odisha. Shivsagar Lake in Maharashtra. Pangong Tso Lake in Ladakh. Pulicat Lake in Andhra Pradesh. Loktak Lake in Manipur. Nagarjuna Sagar Lake in Andhra Pradesh. Kolleru Lake in Andhra Pradesh. Maharana Pratap Sagar in Himachal Pradesh Wular Lake in Jammu Kashmir All these lakes are prominent tourist attractions and contribute to the local lives, economy, sustainability and environment.  Things You Didn't Know About India’s Largest Lake | Fun Facts Wular Lake, the biggest freshwater lake in India was known as  Mahapadmasar in ancient times. Some people even call it Ullola as it has very high waves.  Further, it is the natural heritage of Kashmir. It has been a witness to the cultural evolution of Kashmir and development of Kashmir through centuries.  Largest Freshwater Lake In India FAQs Here are some popular queries about the largest freshwater lake in India. Let’s find the right answers to these questions.  What Is The Second Largest Freshwater Lake In India? Loktak Lake in the Bishnupur District of Manipur is the second largest freshwater lake in India. Its surface area keeps varying from 250 to 500 square kms. Further, this is an important lake for human lives and the ecosystem growing around it. Did you know that  Loktak Lake is the primary source of water for the nearby 55 villages?  What Is The Biggest Lake In India? Vembanad Lake in Kerala is the largest lake in India. Many people know Vembanad Lake by the name of Kochi Lake.  The lake has a length of 96.5 Kilometers and at the widest point, it is 14 Kms wide. Overall, it spans an area of 2033 square kilometers and a diverse ecosystem has grown up around it.  So, you will find various species of birds and fish around the lake. Moreover, today, Vembanad Lake is a popular tourist destination when it comes to Kerala tourism.  It is a brackish water lake and some other important brackish water lakes in India are Chilika Lake in Odisha and Sambhar Salt Lake. Sambhar Salt Lake is also the largest inland saline lake of India. Which Is The Biggest Sweet Water Lake In India? The biggest sweet water lake in India is Wular Lake in Jammu Kashmir. Further, Manipur’s Loktak Lake and Meghalaya’s Barapani Lake are some other choices if you want to name some freshwater lakes of India.  Read Also: Exploring The Unexplored: Which Is The Best Time To Visit Darjeeling? Top 5 Best Tourist Places In Coimbatore – Travel Guide Best Places For River Rafting In India