Photo of the Week: Jesuit Church (Cusco, Peru)

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The La Compañía de Jesús (Jesuit) Church rivals the Cusco Cathedral in its beauty, both sitting on the Incan capital's main square. This church which looks superb with its night lighting replaced the reportedly resplendent Incan leader's palace. Both feature Christian and local artworks including the cathedral's quirky Last Supper where the main feast is guinea pig.

Cusco Vacations

Ten Best Railway Journeys of the World

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guest post by Paul of Look Trains

Trains are one of the most romantic ways to travel, because they offer not only comfort and, some of them, even luxury, but also the opportunity to enjoy amazing landscapes as no other means of transportation. Thus, the beauty of the sights, the charm of the restless, diverse train stations and comfort combined make these railways the best in the world.

1. Glacier Express

One of the most appreciated railways in the world and one of the most celebrated trains of all time, is the one connecting the train stations of Zermatt and St. Moritz resorts,. This unforgettable journey through the Swiss Alps ranks first in many people’s preferences. The panoramic windows, which are placed even in the roof and the multitude of modern conveniences, make the trip worth its price.

2. Centovalli

The 105 minutes journey from Domossola, in Italy to Locarno, Switzerland, is justly named Centovalli as the travelers pass through 100 side valleys of a natural splendor. The charm of the little carriages, the spectacular views as well as the picturesque train stations are worth the price of the ticket!

3. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad

This historical line was once used for gold-ore mining and the steam locomotives that were built in the 1920s give an extra charm to this trip. The main attraction of the line is nevertheless the majestic mountain landscape which becomes particularly beautiful in the Animas River gorge area.

4. Indian Pacific

This is the train (top photo) that makes the connection between the western and eastern Australia and is famous for being the railway with the longest straight section of track in the entire world, 478 km across the infertile plain of Bullarbor.

5. Trans-Siberian

The longest railway in the world links Moscow to the Far East Russia and the Sea of Japan. A branch line also takes travelers to China and Mongolia. Today, the new railway called “Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian” is privately owned and offers great comfort to the passengers, which is quite necessary if you think that the entire journey could last for more than a week! Not to worry though, the modern trains include showers with floor heating and many other facilities and there are also long stops in the train stations to make use of ATMs, for example.

6. Eurostar

This is a delightful journey which will benefit travelers with time to spare and a taste for luxury. One of the most amazing train stations in the world, St Pancras, in London, is especially designed to host the high-speed Eurostar. Traveling from London to Paris and Brussels was never more appealing than with this world famous railway.

7. Venice-Simplon Orient Express

Famous all over the world is the historical Orient Express which stopped running in 2009. However, the private Venice Simplon Orient Express took over the original routs – including the famous Paris-Istanbul line, but also acquired the vintage trains, with carriages dating from the 20s. Thus, a journey with the Orient Express remains as enjoyable as it was for decades.

8. The Canadian

The most beautiful way to travel between Toronto and Vancouver is by means of the VIA (Via Rail Canada) railway which allows you to discover the wonderful sights of endlessly green forests, of the colossal snowy mountains and of the comfortable silver carriages that come right from the 50s.

9. New Jalpaiguri-Darjeeling

One of the World Heritage sites, the toy train to Darjeeling offers its travelers amazing views of the Himalayas and of the Kanchenjunga. The beauty of this journey is incontestable, though it is more for the adventurous souls, as India, with its colors, scents and wilderness is not for everybody. Connecting the plain train stations to hill ones, the 88 km long journey will offer you 8 hours of enchantment.

10. Settle and Carlisle

This is most amazing railway in the entire England, especially for those who appreciate the overwhelming beauty of mountain landscapes. At north of Settle there is the Yorkshire Dales National Park; the entire line bursts with life and color, as the trains “attack” Yorkshire’s three peaks: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Leaving from one of the most picturesque train stations in the world, the Victorian Settle Station, this railway will offer travelers the journey of their lives.


Look Travel Network is the practical guide that will inform you on trains and train stations, parks, bridges, airports, fun guide and landmarks . Go and enjoy your trips and journeys.

Photo Credits: Indian Pacific, Glacier Express, Centovalli, Durango, Trans-Siberian, Eurostar, Orient Express, Canadian, Darjeeling, Settle

The Chaos and Serenity of Po Lin Monastery (Hong Kong, China)

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Note: Check out a visit to the Tian Tan Big Buddha for the first part of this journey.

Despite staggering up and down 268 steps in sweltering Hong Kong humidity to enjoy the sight of Tian Tan Big Buddha at close range, a visit to the Wisdom Path is warranted. Separate from the Po Lin Monastery and only a short walk away past a teahouse, the path is marked by 38 wooden poles in the shape of an infinity (∞ - like a sideways eight) symbol. The Chinese characters written at the top of each pole represents the most popular of Buddhist scriptures, the Heart Sutra regarding a path to enlightenment.

The walk leads up a slight rocky slope weaving in a symbolic figure-8 past the various posts. Numerous folks bump into each other as eyes look skyward soaking in the scripts at the top of the poles rather than watching their path. From the peak of the tiny slope, hiking paths snake off in various directions including the sapping walk up Lantau Peak or Sunset Peak, the 70 kilometre Lantau Trail and shorter paths of a few kilometres to several other monasteries (Kwun Yum and Tsu Hing to name two) or the coastline of Lantau Island. I’ve never had a chance to undertake any of these other walks apart from a short stroll away from the main monastery area.

The main gate beautifully frames the Big Buddha and is carved in Chinese calligraphy. The other side of the delicate gate is Po Lin Monastery, an impressive collection of halls, temples, gates, gardens and shops that bustles with people. It lacks the quiet and tranquil feeling that other Buddhist temples carry.

The Main Shrine Hall is a riot of bright colours dripping in reds, golds and oranges. Three modestly sized seated golden Buddhas sit at its centre representing the past, present and future.

Incense burns continuously from a small urn outside the main hall while some escape from the crowds are possible in the gardens that include a peaceful lotus pond and an orchid garden.

The monastery’s kitchen past the main shrine is packed with diners having purchased coupons for lunch. While the hall is chaotic and noisy with chatter, the vegetarian meals are filling and nourishing and include soups, rice, vegetables and deep-fried treats.

Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are a worthy day trip from the hectic centre of Hong Kong, especially when coupled with the spectacular Ngong Ping cablecar ride. Avoid weekends as it gets ridiculously busy and also the audio-visual themed shows that are right next to the unloading area of the cablecar. Try to get away from the temple complex and walk a short distance along the paths with wonderful sweeping hills to feel a little of the serenity that the monastery must have had before overrun with visitors.

Hong Kong Vacations

Photo of the Week: Humble Farming (India)

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I love the colours and simplicity of this humble farming cottage in Rajastan in north west India.

Top Five Sights in Cape Town (South Africa)

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guest post by Amy Baker

Located on the very tip of the African continent, at the point where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans collide, is the beautiful city of Cape Town. Tourists and locals are treated to breathtaking views of land and sea at every turn and beaches so perfect they will spoil other countries offerings in a heartbeat. Expect to dine upon the freshest seafood served as standard at the best Cape Town restaurants washed down with a bottle of the regions finest. Here is a list of the Top Five activities during your time in town.

1. Table Mountain

No matter where you are staying, there is no doubt that you will be able to see this imposing mountain from your Cape Town hotels. Table Mountain is part of the beautiful Table Mountain National Park and if you are into hiking, caving or rock climbing – there are an abundance of great sites to visit. The unusual flat plateau stretches for 3km from side to side with Devil’s Peak to the east and Lion’s Head to the west. Expect to be rewarded with views that you will never forget. If the idea of hiking brings you out in a cold sweat before the walking has even begun we suggest hopping in a cable car that will have you at the top in only 6 minutes.

2. Diving with Great White Sharks

It may sound like something from your worst nightmares but cage diving with Great White Sharks is fast becoming Cape Town’s most popular tourist activity. Once aboard your boat of choice you will be whisked off to nearby Dyer Island which, due to various geographical reasons and the 40,000 strong seal colony, is a popular spot for these beasts of the sea. Once you have braved the cold to hop in to the cage, it will only be minutes before coming face to face with this terrifying ocean predator.

3. Tour the beaches

Whether you prefer secluded coves or long, sandy beaches, Cape Town has it all. Top up your tan, enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic or rub shoulders with the who’s who of Cape Town at trendy hangout, Clifton Beach. Some of the best accommodation in Cape Town offers spectacular ocean views and means you will only be a hop, skip and a jump from the water. If you don’t fancy tackling the surf then you can always swing by False Bay where you can take a dip in the tidal pool.

4. Robben Island

For nearly 400 years, Robben Island was where political opponents, social outcasts and undesirables were exiled. Nelson Mandela spent over two decades incarcerated on Robben Island as the island's most famous prisoner (photo of his cell). You can take a fascinating tour, conducted by ex-political prisoners and learn all about the prison’s history. This spot is a chilling reminder of the price that newly democratic South Africa has paid for their freedom.

5. Take a wine tour

Just a 45-minute drive out of Cape Town is the Stellenbosch wine region, home of much loved tipples Saxenburg and Delheim. This historical university town is home to the countries first wine route which was founded in 1971. You can easily spend a lazy day navigating between wineries and purchasing souvenirs along the way.

With the incomparable Table Mountain at the heart of the city, wonderful surrounding vistas, relaxing beaches, fascinating wildlife and scenic drives, Cape Town deserves its billing as one of the world's premier cities to visit.

Photo Credits: shark, vineyard, cell