A Luxurious Getaway: Top 5-Star Hotels And Resorts In Dubai For An Unforgettable Holiday Experience

BY  Sibashree Sep 11, 2024

Kobuk Valley National Park is surreal! Have you ever thought to meet sand dunes in the Arctic Circle? The unique geology of the park makes it possible. That’s not all! The Great Kobuk sand dunes stand here, along with the remains of the North American continental glaciers.  Three of the sand dunes in this national park are active or alive. The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, Hunt River Dunes, and Little Kobuk Sand Dunes here cover a mesmerizing 20,000 acres of area in the park.   Today, hiking through these dunes is one of the most popular activities in the Kobuk Valley National Park.   While it is visually unusual or unexpected to see sand dunes in an Arctic National Park, you also need to understand that the Arctic region gets very little rainfall every year. So, this is also a desert region.   “Sand dunes in the Arctic landscape are not what you would expect. Since most people associate sand dunes with a hot desert environment, it is a visually unusual thing to see. In fact, what most people don't realize is that the Arctic is also a desert with very low levels of rainfall.”   - Christian, a Kobuk Valley National Park Worker  Having said that, how the sand dunes came to be here, and the experience of exploring them will be a great thing to discuss in this article.   This Is How The Kobuk Valley National Park Became The Land Of Sand Dunes   https://www.instagram.com/p/BWatGdVFuis/ Much of Alaska, including the Kobuk Valley National Park, falls in the Tundra region. Tundra, the coldest of the biomes, gets only around 150 to 250 mm of rainfall and snowfall yearly1. So, the national park has less rainfall than some of the most well-known deserts in the world.   Further, the sand dunes in the Kobuk Valley are as old as the Ice Age. Now, as the mighty glaciers moved forward and made a retreat, the rocks beneath got ground. Now, the blowing wind transported the sand into the empty and ice-free Kobuk Valley. The sand dunes in the park are up to 150 feet high, and they are the biggest, high-altitude, and most importantly, “active sand fields”  in the earth.   In The Land Of The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/BgmZYDdAA_r/ Are you in the Sahara? No, you are around 35 miles above the Arctic Circle and still find the largest active sand dune field in the world. Today, it is a popular backpacking, hiking, and camping destination in the National Park. You must attend the Northwest Arctic Heritage Center to learn more about the outdoor pursuits in the land of sand dunes.  Let’s quickly look at why the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is a preferred destination for camping, hiking, and backpacking.  The sand is steady enough for the landing of an aircraft with wheels.  You can put up your tent on any level surface.  Also, you can hike in any direction.  Further, you can board a float plane and reach the Kobuk River. From there, you can take a backpacking tour for around two miles and reach the dunes.  You must visit the Kotzebue Visitor Center if you have plans to take this backpacking journey to and from the Kobuk River.   There is no marked route for hiking.  In summer, the temperature in the sand dunes can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, fall is the season to see caribou migration here.   However, there’s more to it! Let’s learn about the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes as relics of the Ice Age and how life thrived here.   Great Kobuk Sand Dunes: The Relics Of The Ice Age   https://www.instagram.com/p/BYwfdMYlr-0/ To know about the formation of the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes, we must go back to the Ice Age. Around 28000 years ago, glaciers in the mountains formed. I have already discussed how the glaciers ground the rocks and wind deposited them in the Kobuk Valley.   Further, approximately 14000 years ago, the glaciers made a massive retreat. As a result, there were 200,000 acres of sandy land formation on the river banks. Complex holocene activities and geomorphic preservations keep the sand dune field at the Kobuk Valley National Park active or alive. Along with the Kobuk Valley, small lakes in the park have also accumulated sand over thousands of years.   However, most of the landscape today is occupied by the vegetation of the national park, and the sand dune area consists of only 20,000 acres. The vegetation found here consists of the following varieties.  Wild rye  Grasses  Sedges  Kobuk locoweed  Wildflowers blooming occasionally  These species grow on the shifting sand, and they function as stabilizing agents. You can see shrubs, lichens, mosses, and algae following this vegetation. Finally, there are spruce, birch, and aspen trees covering the landscape.    The slopes of the Kobuk Valley sand dunes are the only place where Kobuk locoweeds grow. These plants belong to the pea family, and they are known for their purple flowers. If you want to see these flowers, you must visit the park in late June and July.   The inland dune field of Kobuk Valley National Park is surrounded by boreal forest.   Humans And Wildlife In The Great Kobuk Sand Dunes  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv0EhpdLsJ5/ It’s amazing to see the Western Arctic Caribou walking through the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes. Fall and spring are the migration seasons for these animals. The north of Brook Range is the caribou herd’s calving ground, and they migrate to and from this place.   As the caribou herds pass through the sand dunes, their footprints remain in the ground for the longest time. According to National Park Service data, around 250,000 caribou pass through this national park annually.   No wonder that the Kobuk Valley National Park is one of the “last great migrations” remaining in the world. The table below gives you a brief idea about the animals and birds in the sand dunes.  Birds Sharp-shinned Hawk Golden Eagle Bald Eagle American Wigeon Northern Pintail Rough-legged Hawk Marsh Hawk Mammals Caribou Wolverine Muskox Snowshoe Hare Moose Gray Wolf Grizzly Bear Beaver Arctic Fox American Pine Marten Amphibians Wood Frog Fish Longnose Sucker Salmon* Northern Pike Alaska Blackfish Alaska Whitefish Humpback Whitefish Alaskan Stickleback Ninespine Stickleback  Human history in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes is at least 8000 years old. They lived by the Kobuk River and were mainly focused on fishing, hunting, and trapping for survival. It is fascinating to visit the thousand-year-old hunting camps on the edges of the sand dunes.  The golden and shifting Great Kobuk Sand Dunes are located a few miles away from the Kobuk River. Further, the sand dunes soar up to 100 miles in the air.   Kobuk Valley National Park Is Also The Land Of Iñupiaq Subsistence  https://www.instagram.com/p/BWdjyOBl_Lw/ Human life, which started in the Great Kobuk Sand Dunes 8000 years ago, is still thriving with the mantra of subsistence. The Iñupiaq people here use the available natural resources to fulfil their physical needs and safeguard their spiritual and cultural requirements.   For example, they depend on caribou and salmon to feed themselves and their dogs. At the same time, caribou skin hide is extensively used to make parka jackets to combat Arctic winter. They also make mukluks or boots using reindeer skin to walk through the snow.   Further, the local people made baskets using birch and willow. Moreover, in darkness, caribou tallow or seal oil were the only ingredients to light up their stone lamps.   Irrespective of the trade with the coastal communities, the “customary, traditional and non-commercial” use of natural resources is still important in the park.   Iñupiat Ilitqusiat And Respecting The Ecosystem   https://www.instagram.com/p/CzjboNfsc4Y/ Aboriginal people in the Kobuk Valley National Park are committed to passing on their values from generation to generation. The Iñupiat Ilitqusiat value asks them to transfer the knowledge and skill of hunting and everything about life.  In addition, this transfer of knowledge helps to make the most of various seasons and subsistence opportunities. For example, the caribou season comes to this park after the salmon season.   Earlier, Noatak Valley was the destination for these people during the caribou season, and even today, some families move to Noatak Valley. Again, summer camping around the Kobuk River is common for fishing, especially catching salmon and whitefish.   Summer is also the season for harvesting berries and wild greens for the local people.  If you want to learn about the local people and their values, you must be respectful and understand their seasonal activities as a part of their subsistence practices.   Overall, the Kobuk Valley National Park is not just a place to see sand dunes and wildlife. It is a tapestry of human lives depending on nature.   Things To Know Before You Visit The Kobuk Valley National Park   For me, the sand dunes and Iñupiaq subsistence practices are the most fascinating things in the Kobuk Valley National Park. However, keep the following information handy if you are to pay a visit anytime soon.   Mode of Transport: Authorized air taxis from Kotzebue or Bettles  Visitor Center: Northwest Arctic Heritage Center  Entrance Fee: Free  Permits Required:  Commercial Use Authorization or CUA for commercial activities, Research Permits, Filming and Photography Permits  Activities to Do: Boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, hiking, flight-seeing and exploring nearby attractions  Best Time to Visit: June to July   Area: 1,750,000 Acres  Established: 2nd December, 1980  Number of Visitors: 17,616 (2023) (National Park Service Data)  Snowfall, downpours, and extreme weather conditions can occur in any season of the year. So, follow the instructions shared at the visitor center and keep your gear ready for survival!  

BY  Shahnawaz Dec 13, 2023

For the vast majority of people in Australia, their wedding day is a pretty big deal, and it is something that they have been thinking about for most of their life. Due to its importance, it is a day that needs an incredible amount of planning, and many would-be brides start planning the moment that their partner proposes to them. This is an incredibly important day for both the bride and groom, but it is equally important for all of the guests that you are going to invite to celebrate your big day. If you have been lucky enough to have been proposed to quite recently, then you should know that planning should start straight away. Starting Off With The Wedding Plan… One of the first things that you have to make sure that you get right is finding the right venue, and lucky for you, there are a number of quality wedding venues in Northern Beaches. Don’t try to do everything by yourself and so turn to your family members and friends to help you plan out everything. It is going to be a very exciting time, but it is also going to be stressful as well, and so the following are just some of the top tips that will help you to plan your wedding & honeymoon.Why Is It Important To Plan Your Wedding And Honeymoon? They say, “failing to plan is a plan of failing,” which is quite right. Especially when it comes to the most important event of your life - the wedding. It doesn’t matter how long you have been planning your wedding and honeymoon- it always falls short. Thus, the best thing to do is to plan early. Exactly like your wedding, the honeymoon is another important phase. It helps to set the tone for the new life that’s coming forward. These are the first personal moments between a couple, which should never be wasted. And to ensure your honeymoon is a big success, planning is very essential. Tips To Plan Your Honeymoon And Wedding EfficientlyThere can never be the “right” way of planning your wedding and honeymoon in Northern Beaches. These are some of the special days in life, and they must be unique, just like your relationship. So, here are a few tips to strategize about your big day: Begin making plans today - If you and your partner have decided on a date and it’s at least one year away, then you might think that there is lots of time, so there is no need to worry. This is a mistake that many couples make, and they go on to regret it when they have nothing decided upon and the wedding is just around the corner. Start planning today, and you get to take advantage of booking it early and maybe getting yourself some much-needed discounts. Many venues get booked up rather quickly so don’t make the mistake. Plan the wedding together - Some brides are guilty of taking on the reins of responsibility and running with them without asking their other half about their opinions. This can make the other person feel very left out and so the day isn’t as special to them as it should be. Talk together and make sure that all wedding plans are made together, and that includes the destination for your honeymoon. Disagreements are very common while planning such an important thing in life. Embrace it, move on, and settle on a common choice. That’s the key to happiness as you embark on a new journey of life.  Go see the venue yourself - You should never look at any wedding venue based on what you have heard or what you see on their website. Many in the hospitality industry use photographs from when it was first done up and maybe the pictures that you’re looking at are from 10 to 15 years ago. Go see the venue in person, and then you know exactly what you are getting into. However, this is something you should do in advance. Because if you don’t like the venue, you can simply skip it and move on to a better one! Discover Your Vision – Ever since we were kids, we have been planning our wedding. As we continue to age, the plans improve and new elements are added. But the vision remains the same. We plan to marry in this particular month or in this particular location. Make sure you discover your unique vision and stick to it.  Doing so eventually makes you prepare for several backup plans in case something goes wrong. And the same is true for honeymoon, too. Remember the first place that comes to your mind when you think of this romantic journey! Stick to it and plan a proper budget for that.  Don’t Forget To Capture These Memories – Most people are after this- we are so busy capturing memories that we forget to create one. Don’t let that happen. You are out there with a person you have chosen as your life partner- make the most of your time.  Go on picturesque beaches, romantic dinners, and exotic getaways. Take millions of pictures together- but most importantly, learn to live in the moment, too. Nothing truely matches the feeling of coming home to tons of your special memories. For the wedding party, hire a professional photographer to get away with the work yourself.  Parting Thoughts Your wedding is the most special thing that can ever happen to you. Hence, ensure that you do not waste it just like that. These are some excellent tips that will help you to plan the best wedding & honeymoon ever. Never lose sight of the fact that this is for both of you, but remember that you will have guests also.  With this, we put this article to an end. If your big day is approaching, make sure to implement these tips to have a successful wedding day. Thank you for reading till the end. Communicate your thoughts in the comment box below.  Read Also: Top 12 National Parks In Florida That You Must Visit In 2023 10 Best Fishing Charters In Florida To Visit Top 8+ Splash Pad Near Me In Florida

BY  Barsha Feb 2, 2023

Are you craving some Filipino food? If you currently sitting in Las Vegas craving some Filipino food? Are you confused with all the results you received from your ‘Filipino food near me’ search? Guess what? You have arrived at the right destination - without wasting any time, scroll down and check out all the best Filipino restaurants in Las Vegas! Filipino Food Near Me In Las Vegas - Best Food For You So have you already started looking up results for the ‘Filipino food near me’ search query? Wait, stop! Why go on any search engine and get confused - you know you will be spoilt for choice and end up not going to a Filipino restaurant at all. That’s what we inevitably end up doing. But we have done some intensive research on your behalf and come up with the best Filipino places located in the United States. Scroll down to read about these places! 1.Toto’s Grill: Do you love street food? How about Filipino street foods and some BBQ? Are you looking up ‘Filipino fast food near me?’ Then you must check out Toto’s Grill - the place is crazy! Tasty BBQ and Filipino street food is all you need. Nice lunch! It's been a couple of years since the last time we visited Vegas, and we always make it a point to visit this shopping center. We tried a little bit of everything including the lumpia, the BBQ, and the fried siomai. The lumpia had a good amount of filling in it without being too soggy. The BBQ was some of the best we've ever had because it was definitely more meat and less fat. The siomai was tasty! The owner was friendly as well. We're glad we found this place! Review By Carissa Concepcion: 2. Fiesta Filipina Cuisine: So here you are looking up ‘Filipino food near me.’ Wait, have you considered going to Fiesta Filipina Cuisine? The restaurant has a cosy, traditional setting and is well known for their quick-serve dishes such as Caldereta, Lumpia, and Pancit. I really enjoyed eating the homestyle food here. It's cafeteria style service, where you tell them what kind of food/specials you want, and they prepare it for you on plates/bowls. There weren't any signs as to what each dish was, but you can point to what you want. The food was delicious and very flavorful, but it can be a bit confusing if it's your first time ordering here. Review By Sandy C: 3. Itoy Sariling Atin: If you love buffet and Filipino foods then you don’t need to waste time on confusing search queries like ‘best Filipino food near me.’ Instead, why don’t you check out Itoy Sariling Atin? They serve great food - and they have crazy guest reviews! We love good guest reviews! Best Philippino place in town friendly polite family run place, down home comfort food, and some exotic dishes too. Very large portions at a reasonable price. I eat there at least once a week and have never been treated with anything but respect regardless of my ethnicity. The food is always fresh and delicious pay no attention to trolls. Review By George Swails: 4. Nanay Gloria's Filipino Restaurant: While doing a quick ‘Filipino food near me’ search at Vegas, we randomly stumbled upon this informal establishment serving a crazy all-you-can-eat buffet! And that too a buffet of traditional Filipino menu, cooked at home! Yes, this is why you must head over to Nanay Gloria's Filipino Restaurant. Very excellent place for Filipino food while in Vegas. Well organized. And the option to do a buffet as well is just outstanding. Plenty of seating with a mix of tables and booths, available self serve cups with ice cold lemon water for customers is a big plus. TVs for entertainment as you eat. I likes how the food tray selection area has bright light bulbs over each food tray to illuminate each selection better. Review By Garie Pamintuan: 5. Max's Restaurant, Cuisine of the Philippines, Las Vegas: One of our favorite Filipino restaurants in Las Vegas is ‘Max's Restaurant, Cuisine of the Philippines, Las Vegas!’ They serve fried chicken with an unique banana ketchup and we simply love the dish! I'm not Filipino but I love this place! A buddy of mine took us here, and he said it was all authentic Filipino food. Everything cooked perfectly, well seasoned, I really liked the beef soup and the garlic rice. I even tried the pork intestines for the first time and it was good! Crispy and chewy with a vinegar sauce. We'll be back for sure. Review By Steve Strom: 6. Kapuso Kapamilya: Are you already sick and tired of typing ‘Filipino restaurants near me’ on Google only to be disappointed? You are in Vegas, after all - you want to eat Filipino foods. That does sound great. But how about a karaoke bar to make things fun? Head over to Kapuso Kapamilya! I have never had "real" ramen before so this was exciting. I ended up going with my daughter and had a great meal. The server was very helpful in explaining what each item was and what a lot of people like. I ordered based on her recommendation and was happy with the result. We will for sure be going back to try something else new on the menu! Review By John Cerul: 7. Kusina Ni Lorraine: Are you a fan of traditional cooking and Filipino food? Do you love buffets? Then stop your ‘Filipino restaurant near me’ search and simpy head over to Kusina Ni Lorraine! A no-frills restaurant known for their crazy buffets, you must check this place out. Love this place! One of my favorite buffets in Vegas. Dont order to go its all about the sit in all you can eat buffet. If you dont have time to sit in and want to buy your to go orders elsewhere seafood city is down the street. This is for those who want to munch down alot of food and go back for more. If your ordering to go your doin it wrong! Review By Jerek Deeter: 8. Grill City The restaurant is situated near Maryland Pkwy in Las Vegas and boasts food of diverse types like fast food, barbeque, and Philippines. They have both the option of dining in along with online orders. They also have seatings accessible for wheelchair adjustment. This is another eatery that has Filipino food near me! On Tripadvisor, the ratings given on the restaurant is 4 out of 5 based on 20 reviews where people are satisfied with the food and the value. The services need to further grow. Always come here when we visit Vegas. I love Filipino street food and they do it well. Reminds me of the street vendors in Cebu. Place is amazing. I highly recommend the BBQ sticks.. My favorite for sure. Several fish options (wife loves it) as well. Review By Anthony r: 9. L&L Hawaiian Barbeque The eatery will take you to Hawaii where you eat the food that has diverse flavors along with warm service by the staff. The people working in the restaurant are quite helpful and cheerful making your experience worthwhile. According to the review on Yelp.com, their speciality is the Hawaiian plate lunch which has aloha-infused hot entree, creamy macaroni salad and rice. The rating is 4 out of 5 based on 163 reviews. Great friendly service. Quick service. The food is good and the price is right. Good spot to dine in or takeout. I'll definitely eat there again! Review By Becky Z. 10. Pepita’s Kitchen The Pepita’s Kitchen is another amazing joint for Filipino food where you can have authentic experience of hand rolls and sashimi. Filipino food is incomplete without rice in their food. People enjoy chilled seafood along with crisp nori, Japanese beer and other delicious food items. Who knew lechon and truffle fried rice would go together?! It was so freakin' delicious. They give so much rice and meat along with crispy lechon skin!!! It's great to have this deliciousness whether you're hungover or sober. We take a cab here each time we're in town. So worth it! Review By Mariel V. And It’s A Wrap: Bon Appetit! So now you know which are the best Filipino restaurants to try out in Las Vegas. You don’t need to type ‘Filipino food near me’ and figure out which one too go - instead save this article and give in to your cravings. These places are the absolutely amazing - Bon Appétit! Have fun digging into so much Filipino food - feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Read Also: 12 Best Places For Halal Food Near Me In Sydney Best Asian Restaurants In Florida – A Must Visit For Food Lovers Top 10 Restaurants In Lagrange Ga – Restaurant Guide For Your Trip