Author: Emily Gautreaux

Ten Best Waterfalls to See In The World

Waterfalls are known for their profound beauty, which makes it understandable why some people would seek out the most beautiful waterfalls they can find.

Leading waterfall expert, Bryan Swan, explains why humans seem to have an innate attraction to these natural landmarks, “When we see and hear moving water like this, we can feel a very real, often profound connection to the raw primal power of nature. In addition to that, man has always had a bit of an obsession with quantification. We always want to measure and compare and catalog things. So naturally, the bigger waterfalls out there like Niagara or Yosemite, which most certainly are among the largest or tallest, have that added reverence that inspires further.

Thankfully,Travel and Leisure put together a guide to finding the best waterfalls out there.

Here are the top ten best waterfalls to see throughout the world:

  1. Angel Falls, Venezuela

One of the tallest waterfalls in the world, Angel Falls stands at 3,212 feet – approximately 15 times higher than Niagara Falls. This landmark was discovered in 1933 by James Crawford Angel and plummets off the Auyán-Tepuí plateau, also known as “Mountain of God of Evil”. About 400 miles southeast of Caracas, the journey to see the falls is a long one, with a crossing through the small village of Canaima, an upstream river tour, and an hour long hike.

2.  Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye, Scotland

Be prepared to feel like you’re walking through a real-life fairytale when you see the Fairy Pools of Scotland. With crystal clear and cobalt pools surrounded by stone and a dreamy waterfall and mountain background, this landmark is located along the River Brittle on the Isle of Skye. Stay a while, and if it’s warm enough, take a quick dip in the pools.

3.  Kuang Si Falls, Laos

Only a 45-minute tuk-tuk ride or short boat trip up the Mekong River, Kuang Si Falls features multiple cascading waterfalls until it reaches the calm turquoise pool at the bottom. If you want to venture to the top of the falls, you can, but be careful – reaching the highest fall can be quite tough.

4.  Ban Gioc-Detian Falls, Vietnam & China

The Ban Gioc-Detian Falls is actually two converging falls, one known as Banyue Falls in Vietnam and the other known as Detian Falls on the Chinese side. Together, these falls make up one of the largest waterfalls in Asia.

5.  Sekumpul Falls, Bali

A series of seven waterfalls, Sekumpul is known for being the most beautiful waterfall in Indonesia. You can reach your destination after a two-hour drive through lush jungle and rice terraces from Ubud.

6.  Victoria Falls, Southern Africa

Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunyan (which translates to “smoke that thunders”), these falls were named after Queen Victoria by David Livingston, a British explorer. Victoria Falls acts as the connector for  Zambia Zimbabwe along the Zambezi River. Although it isn’t the tallest or widest waterfall, it’s considered to be one of the world’s largest waterfalls due to its 350-foot drop that measures 5,700 feet across.

7.  Izvorul Bigăr, Romania

Located in a nature reserve in the southwestern Anina Mountains, Izvorul Bigăr isn’t your typical waterfall. Although it lacks the typical heavy drop, cascading waterfall, you’ll find the beautiful and relaxing site of calm water streaming gently over moss-covered rocks.

8.  Niagara Falls, New York

One of the more well-known waterfall landmarks, Niagara Falls is made up of the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls bordering the U.S. and Canada. You can get up close and personal with a boat tour and walkway (bring a rain jacket because you will get wet) or keep your distance and admire from the balcony.

9.  Dunn’s River Falls, Jamaica

One of the more recognizable landmarks in Jamaica, make sure to see Dunn’s River Falls anytime you’re in Ocho Rios. You can make your way to the top with a 600-foot climb, usually accomplished by a guide-led human chain to make the treck easier.

10. Yosemite Falls, California

A total length of 2,425 feet from the top of the falls to the lower falls, Yosemite Falls is an American-landmark must-see. Consisting of three sections, the upper falls, middle cascade, and the lower falls, you can take an all-day hike on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail, or settle to hike the one-mile trail that takes you to the bask of Lower Yosemite Fall.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

 

Louisiana Special School District Hosts Professional Development

The Louisiana Special School District (SSD) hosted a day of professional development focused on curriculum accessibility and support for students with low-incidence disabilities, like blindness, deafness, autism, and those with limited communication access due to multiple disabilities, brought together about 140 educators from across Louisiana state.

The event, called “Click or Treat: Content Needs Accessibility”, included Halloween-themed activities and was the first event like this to be hosted by the SSD, an organization that hopes to establish itself as a statewide resource for students with low-incidence disabilities. The Louisiana School for the deaf and the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired in Baton Rouge hosted the event.

“By launching this trendsetting professional development opportunity, the SSD wishes to signal that we take very seriously our strategic commitment to creating and sustaining unifying systems of support for all SSD schools and programs. This event is therefore aligned with the SSD’s long term goal of expanding support to students with disabilities across the state through outreach and educational offerings. We are pleased at the level of interest and engagement surrounding this effort and expect to have more such opportunities in the months and years ahead,” said SSD Superintendent Ernest E. Garrett III.

The event lasted a day, and participants were able to attend a range of sessions to help learn new, instructional strategies and experience new technologies to aid in student learning. The session topics covered how educators can engineer their environments for learners who benefit from visual support to how educators can use tactile graphics to support STEM instruction to how schools can create comprehensive plans to help support diverse learners.

Participants of the event were also given information about cost-effective resources available to them year-round through the Louisiana Accessible Education Materials Center. Overseen by the SSD, this statewide resource center provides expertise and tools designed to aid in the advancement of the education of students with low incidence disabilities. It hosts professional development opportunities for educators and members of the community, has a resource library with nearly 3,000 educational materials and assistive devices, and one-on-one training and consultation.

The LA-AEM serves school-aged children with visual impairments and provides specialized paper for Braille and large print users, educational kits and learning tools for the visually impaired, and professional publications and guides for teachers of the visually impaired.

Louisiana Accessible Education Materials Center Director, Robin King, says “LA-AEM is a little-known but invaluable resource for stakeholders across Louisiana. If educators or families need access to devices to enhance listening or to have everyday classroom materials translated to braille, for example, it’s just a phone call away.”

During the regular school-year, LA-AEM is open from seven am until four pm, Monday through Friday. During the summer, LA-AEM is closed on Fridays and open from six am until four thirty pm, Monday through Thursday.

You can request a service from the Louisiana Accessible Education Materials Center here.

For more education related information, click here.

 

Parmesan Herb Crust Baked Salmon

This delicious baked salmon recipe from Add A Pinch is the perfect recipe for entertaining (and it takes less than 30 minutes to make! Perfect to make for a weekly night recipe or for when you have guests over, this dish is sure to come up as a request from family and friends.

The parmesan, garlic, and herb crust brings a new level to the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of the perfectly baked salmon.

Not only is this recipe off the charts amazing, but it also offers a ton of health benefits! Salmon is known for being rich in Omega-3s, which have been proven to reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. On top of that, salmon is filled with high-quality protein, B vitamins, potassium, and may help reduce the risk of heart disease, benefit weight control, and protect brain health.

By incorporating this versatile, delicious, and satisfying fish into your diet a few times a week, you will be able to meet all your nutrition needs, reduce the risk of several diseases, and improve your overall quality of life.

Ingredients

  • 1 whole salmon filet (about 2 pounds)

Parmesan Herb Crust:

  • 3 cloves of finely minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup chopped Parmesan cheese

Instructions

First, preheat oven to 425º Fahrenheit. The, line your rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for an easy cleanup.

Next, place salmon skin side down onto the lined baking sheet. Cover the salmon with another piece of parchment paper. Then bake for 10 minutes. While the salmon is in the oven, combine parsley, parmesan, and garlic in small bowl. Set aside for later.

Remove the salmon from the oven and remove top piece of parchment paper. Top salmon with garlic, parmesan, and parsley mixture.

Return the salmon to oven uncovered and allow to bake until the cheese has melted, the baked salmon flakes easily with a fork, and the salmon registers 135º F when checked with an internal thermometer probe, about 5 minutes. The parmesan cheese should have melted and lightly browned.

Allow the salmon to rest for about 5 minutes to allow for any carryover cooking, then serve the mouthwater goodness.

Pair it with this Garlic Butter Roasted Asparagus recipe, instant pot brown rice, or blistered green beans for a dinner everyone will love!

If you’re impressed with this recipe, make sure to check out these following recipes from Add A Pinch:

●  Southern Salmon Patties Recipe

“Salmon patties, or salmon croquettes as they are sometimes called, make a delicious, quick meal. This is a traditional southern salmon patties recipe.”

●  Orange Baked Salmon Recipe

“This orange salmon recipe makes a delicious, quick and easy weeknight meal perfect for family suppers or when entertaining!”

●  Salmon Dip Recipe

“Salmon Dip makes a delicious dip recipe to serve when entertaining. Made with salmon, cream cheese, and spices, it is a favorite!”

●  Salmon Eggs Benedict

“Get this elegant recipe for Salmon Eggs Benedict that is perfect for entertaining. This Salmon Eggs Benedict is Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, but packed with great flavor!”

●  Teriyaki  Baked Salmon Recipe

“This oven baked Teriyaki Salmon is so delicious and ready in minutes! With its tasty homemade teriyaki glaze, it’s always a favorite salmon recipe!”

For more delicious recipes, click here.

Six Budget Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts

Going on vacation can be really fun, but also really stressful. Booking the perfect hotel, finding activities to do, and where to eat can easily start racking up a pretty high price. So what do you do? Luckily, resorts are an option nearly everywhere you go. Resorts usually have everything a vacationer wants – a hotel, pool, restaurants, shopping, even sports all within walking distance. Unfortunately, that’s often every bit as pricey as it sounds. Finding all-inclusive resorts in a budget friendly price range can seem nearly impossible, but fear not!

Here are 6 all-inclusive resorts from a list Trips to Discovertogether of awesome all-inclusive resortsthat are easy on the budget!

●    Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A popular destination for honeymoons, Majestic Colonial in one of three upscale sister properties on Bavaro Beach, It has 658 suites (some with ocean views!), jetted tubs, marble floors, six delicious restaurants, live piano in the lobby, and free access to a discotheque. It’s really as awesome as it sounds.

●    ClubHotel Riu Negril, Jamaica

This beachfront resort resides in Jamaica, and comes with two huge swimming pools, shaded loungers to hang out poolside, and five restaurants. While there, make sure to check out the Renova Spa to reach ultimate relaxation status. Fan of watersports? They have activities like diving, windsurfing, and kayaking just for you!

●    Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, St. Lucia

Say yes to this resort, with a gorgeous mile-long beach, furnished balconies, ocean views, five swimming pools, a water park, and six restaurants. You’ll have so much fun, you’ll never want to leave. Want privacy? Reserve the Harmony wing for your own pool, hammocks, and oceanfront spa, Kai Mer.

●    Solmar Resort, Los Cabos, Mexico

Although a little smaller than other resorts in the area, Solmar packs a lot while taking it easy on the wallet. Only a few minutes from downtown and the marina, you’ll have easy access to attractions and excursions. Each spacious room come with balconies and a water view, kitchenettes, and flat screen TVs.

●    Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort & Villas, Farallón, Panama

Looking for a different experience? Then this is the resort for you! Royal Decameron is set on a secluded, golden beach that’s surrounded by rich gardens. You’ll see breathtaking views and have free access to snorkel gear, paddleboards, windsurfers, and kayaks. You can also check out their 18-hole golf course or one of their eight pools. Whatever you do, it’s sure to be fun.

●    Iberostar Anthelia, Tenerife, Spain

This budget-friendly resort is the deal of a lifetime! Participate in boat excursions from Puerto Colon harbor, hang out in one of their saltwater pools, indulge in the Finnish sauna, or reach ultimate relaxation status with their Thai spa treatments. All of their rooms come with either a sea or garden view and the bathrooms each have rainfall showers. You’ll have your fair pick of food, ranging from delicious BBQ to a buffet at Zeus restaurant.

For more travel related news and information, click here.

 

 

5 Gumbo Festivals in Louisiana You Won’t Want To Miss

Gumbo and Louisiana have gone together since the beginning of time, it seems. So, it’s only natural that the great state of Louisiana be home to several Gumbo Festivals!

Gumbo, a southern Louisiana classic, is a thick stew-like soup filled with meat or seafood, okra, and Creole and Cajun seasonings. This dish dates back as far as the beginning of the 19th century, but it’s unsure where it originated. Some say it’s roots belong to the Choctaw, others claim it’s a West African dish, and others credit the French. Regardless, this dish is a treasured part of Louisiana history.

Every October and November, hundreds of thousands of Louisianians participate in making and tasting gumbo, coming together as a community to celebrate the rich and unique culture that has been cultivated over time. It’s festivals like these that make Louisiana such a unique state, and there’s nowhere else in the world you could find such trademark gumbo in such delicious capacities than at one of these festivals.

Louisiana Travel put together a list of five gumbo festivals every Louisianian should taste!

Louisiana Gumbo Festival

Located in Chackbay, the “Gumbo Capital of Louisiana”, this festival has been an on-going October fest for more than 45 years. With volunteers cooking over 500 gallons of gumbo, jambalaya, and other Cajun specialites, you can get your fill of this Louisiana classic and then grab a partner and dance to the live music that’s there every day.

Bridge City Gumbo Festival

Having grown into one of the New Orleans area’s premiere food events, this festival in Bridge City brings in over 60,000 attendees every October. See the intense competition between who makes the best gumbo and enjoy a weekend filled with delicious food (and get to meet some of the best chefs in New Orleans!).

World Championship Gumbo Cookoff

In this two- day festival in New Iberia, over 100 teams of gumbo professionals cook up their best gumbo recipes from scratch in hopes of winning ultimate gumbo champion. What’s unique about this festival is that everything from the roux to the rice is prepared on site and fresh to the taste.

South Louisiana Blackpot Festival & Cookoff

Check out Lafayette’s cajun roots at the Blackpot festival. Although it’s one of the newer gumbo festivals, it’s also the biggest, with gravy, gumbo, cracklins, jambalaya, and dessert competitions, a massive music selection with square dance groups and string bands, and see some of the best bands in the world like The Pine Leaf Boys and Cedric Watson. You can even camp out on site to make sure you don’t miss any of the good stuff!

Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival

The only festival in November, the month of perfect gumbo weather, this free festival satisfies every diet, with Creole, Cajun, and vegan gumbo. So grab a bowl and sit back to listen to some of New Orleans’ best brass bands.

So for a true Louisiana experience, make sure to hit one of these fall festivals (and your sweet spot),eat more gumbo than you’ve ever dreamed, and experience Louisiana at its greatest!

For more Louisiana related articles, click here.

“Extension Academy” Pilot Programs in Louisiana High Schools

An alternative graduation model, called the “Extension Academy”, will allow specific students to participate in a fifth year of high school so they can earn career skills and gain credits toward a degree as well as increase their chances of being successful after graduation. Louisiana Believes states the priority deadline for school year 2020-2021 is November 20.

In 2018, around 15,000 Louisiana students who graduated on a TOPS University Diploma pathway weren’t eligible for a TOPS scholarship for higher education, and about 3,200 students who graduated with a Jump Start TOPS Tech Career Diploma weren’t eligible for TOPS Tech scholarships to pursue further training and weren’t on track to earn industry-based credentials. The Extension Academy pilot programs are tailored to support students who are set to graduate from high school, but haven’t earned the Taylor Opportunity for Students (TOPS) scholarships in order to fund their post-graduation education or acquire post-secondary credentials.

Over the course of a three year pilot, Louisiana schools that are interested in bringing this pathway to their students must outline how they plan to provide these students a debt-free one-year opportunity to “achieve significant progress toward a state-recognized associate’s degree through accelerated dual enrollment college experiences, complete a registered pre-apprenticeship, and/or earn an advanced industry-based credential.” Included in their pitch, they are required to detail the different types of support and post-secondary transitional coaching they will have available to the participating students as they complete the pathway.

About the opportunity, superintendent John White says, “”The question we used to ask ourselves was how high we could raise our graduation rate and how low we could push our dropout rate. Now we are compelled to ask what happens to our graduates, and whether they risk dropping out of work and the economy even after they graduate from high school. If this is the case, even with a small number of students, we must rise to meet this new dropout challenge. We encourage our school systems, as well as our higher education, business and community partners, to develop small-scale models for study and potential replication in the future, and to consider the potential impact their involvement could have on young people at a critical point in their lives.”

After the application deadline, the selected pilot locations will be presented to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for their approval during the joint meeting with the Louisiana Board of Regents this upcoming winter.

The approved Extension Academy plan will bring together 29 different area schools and other local partners to provide students with hands-on opportunities in an effort to build better workplace skills, training in construction crafts, graphic design skills, and increase familiarity with video editing and software development. The accredited higher education partner, which will provide accelerated dual enrollment college experiences, will be Southern New Hampshire University.

Today, there are 18 students participating in the pathway, and each student has a uniquely individualized plan for this 3 year experience.

For more education related information, click here.