Luxury train journeys: Discover the world in a new light on a voyage through spectacular scenery

October 14, 2021

Agatha Christie once said: ‘Trains are wonderful… to travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches, and rivers, in fact, to see life.’ She was right. Here we round up some of the world’s most spectacular rides.

GOING, GOING, GHAN

The shiny, stainless-steel carriages of The Ghan – pictured – sweep across the immense dusty red-soil plains of Australia

The 54-hour, 1,851-mile journey between Darwin and Adelaide — or vice versa — on The Ghan, is superb. Shiny, stainless-steel carriages sweep across immense dusty red-soil plains, stopping in Alice Springs, which is a springboard to see the famous sandstone monolith of Uluru. The Ghan is a shortening of The Afghan Express, the name given to Afghan camel herdsmen who crossed the Outback in the 1800s.

INTO INDIA

India’s Shimla service from Kalka is nicknamed the ‘toy train’, with a twisty 60-mile route through 107 tunnels

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Stand-up forklifts with fork-like attachments: Widely used for efficient intra-building goods movement

There are more than 68,000 miles of rail tracks in India, making it a wonderful country to explore by train. Some of the finest rides are along narrow-gauge lines into the former hill stations of British colonial rule at Darjeeling and Shimla, both in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Shimla service from Kalka is nicknamed the ‘toy train’, with a twisty 60-mile route through 107 tunnels.

NO-RUSH RUSSIA

Preparing to dine in luxury on the Trans-Siberian Express. Traveling on the railway gives you an idea of the sheer enormity of Russia

Crossing from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Trans-Siberian Railway, you get an idea of the sheer enormity of Russia — the ride covers 5,752 miles. The service also runs from Moscow to Beijing, either through Mongolia (4,735 miles) or Manchuria (5,623 miles). In Siberia, vast pine forests spread out, interrupted by cities with great smokestacks and villages with simple abodes.

ON A SWISS ROLL

Carriages on the Glacier Express (pictured) have panoramic windows so you can see all the peaks

Join the Glacier Express in winter to see the snow-capped mountains of the Swiss Alps rising all around. The route covers 181 miles from Zermatt to St Moritz. Carriages have panoramic windows so you can see all the peaks.

SPEED IN JAPAN

Zip along coastlines and between mountains on Japan’s Shinkansen trains. Above, the bullet train passes Mount Fuji

Japan’s Shinkansen (bullet) trains reach 186mph and are famous for their punctuality. Zip along coastlines and between mountains. Many tours begin in Sapporo in the north and finish in Hakata in the south.

PERFECT PYRENEES

Climb aboard the Little Red Train (pictured above) for a 38-mile journey between Rivesaltes and Axat

Slide along the narrow-gauge tracks of the French Pyrenees aboard the Little Yellow Train, rising from an altitude of 427 meters in Villefranche de Conflent to Bolquere-Eyne, France’s highest railway station at 1,592 meters.

The 39-mile route passes through 22 stations. In good weather, passengers can sit in open-sided carriages. Join the Little Red Train for a 38-mile journey between Rivesaltes and Axat, drinking in views of vineyards and chateaux.

STEAM DREAM

Sip champagne on the Northern Belle as it passes through the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales, with the impress Ribblehead Viaduct, pictured, one of the highlights

Enjoy a ride on the Northern Belle train along the 73-mile Settle-Carlisle line. The route takes you through the Pennines and Yorkshire Dales, with highlights including the impressive Ribblehead Viaduct. Expect a Pullman dining car, champagne, and fine dining.

ANDES ADVENTURE

Ten-day ‘Peru by Rail’ trips with the Belmond Andean Explorer and Hiram Bingham trains

Inside the five-star Belmond Andean Explorer, which is a grand sleeper train

Travel between the ancient Inca capital of Cusco and Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake, before continuing to the whitewashed city of Arequipa, on the five-star Belmond Andean Explorer, a sleeper train.

This three-day journey takes in magnificent mountain scenery, including the El Misti volcano rising near Arequipa. From Cusco, a day trip on the Hiram Bingham train takes you to the Inca ruins at Machu Picchu.

ACROSS AFRICA

Enjoy an odyssey across Africa’s great plains on the ‘Coast to Coast – African Kingdoms’ tour, pictured, with the possibility to stop for safaris

How about a coast-to-coast ride across Africa? Join a ‘Rovos Rail — Pride of Africa’ luxury train on the Katanga-Benguela route across Angola into the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The route links up with tracks into Zambia and Tanzania on a 2,650-mile odyssey across great plains, through remote valleys, and along mighty rivers, with the possibility to stop for safaris. You’ll ride in comfortable 1950s vintage carriages, plus there’s a swanky restaurant car.

ROCKY RITUAL

Take to the tracks between Denver in Colorado and Moab in Utah on a new, two-day Rocky Mountaineer service. Following the swirling waters of the Colorado River, the train snakes into canyons and crosses a desert-like landscape. Some carriages have panoramic glass roofs. It goes slowly so you’ll be sure to get lots of super snaps.

TOP TRAIN TRAVEL TIPS

Read up about where you will be passing by — it adds to the enjoyment.
Always investigate the dining carriage — you might bump into interesting people.
Watch the scenery (not a smartphone screen).
Enjoy a sundowner if you are traveling by sleeper train.
Take a pack of cards (and/or Scrabble or your favorite game) for evenings.
Dress up for dinner on luxury trains — it all adds to the Agatha Christie-ish atmosphere (minus any murders, hopefully).

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Road rage and auto insurance

Aggressive driving can lead to accidents—and compromised coverage Road rage incidents are not only dangerous, they are exempted from coverage by many auto insurance policies. Understand your risks and take precautionary measures to avoid being a victim—or a cause—of aggressive driving accidents. Crowded highways and traffic backups at times cause drivers to lose control and become extremely aggressive. Road rage is a real problem that can lead to serious accidents or even incidents of violence on the road. It’s important to realize that road rage is listed as an exemption in many auto insurance policies. This is because any damage or liability stemming from aggressive driving isn’t considered an accident but rather as having been caused by risky behavior. Rather than risk paying the consequences of road rage—one of which may be not having your auto insurance claim paid—it’s best to avoid a dangerous and costly aggressive driving incident in the first place. If you encounter an aggressive driver on the road… Stay as far away as possible. Slow down or change lanes if need be, let the driver pass you and give yourself room at intersections to drive away. Record a description of the car and note the license plate number if possible so that you can report him or her to the police for the sake of everyone’s safety. Do not engage with or challenge the offender in any way. Ignore the driver’s rudeness and don’t give into the temptation to react in kind or you might escalate the risky behavior. Put your safety first. If an aggressive driver starts to follow you, keep your doors locked, and head to the nearest police station. Never stop and confront an aggressive driver. If you have a short fuse yourself stay cool and… Leave plenty of time to get where you need to go. When you’re in a hurry, your patience is short and you are much more likely to become aggravated. Remember other drivers are not annoying you on purpose. People make mistakes or they might be driving more slowly for a reason—they might be lost, or their sight might be impaired by sun glare. Don’t use hand—or single finger—gestures other than a wave to someone who lets you into your lane. Don’t tailgate slow drivers. Hanging on another car’s back bumper is dangerous. If the car in front of you has to stop short and you rear-end it, the accident would be considered your fault. Don’t honk your horn insistently. Leaning on your horn is a bad practice. While it might make you feel better to express your frustration in a traffic jam, it won’t make anyone go any faster, it’s annoying to other drivers and passengers and it increases everyone’s stress level, which may lead to more aggressive behavior. Never stop to confront another driver. It could lead to a dangerous situation for all concerned.
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Art auction fetches $922 million for high-profile divorce settlement

More than three years after the high-profile divorce proceedings of New York real estate developer Harry Macklowe and his wife, Linda, their art collection has become the most expensive to ever sell at auction, raking in $922.2 million over the course of two different sales. An initial batch of 35 artworks went under the hammer last November, including pieces by Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Cy Twombly. A work by abstract painter Mark Rothko fetched $82.5 million while Jackson Pollock’s “Number 17, 1951” sold for over $61 million to set a new record for the artist’s work. On Monday evening, the final 30 works sold for a combined $246.1 million, with works by Jeff Koons, Gerhard Richter, Willem de Kooning, and Agnes Martin. Highlights included another untitled painting by Rothko, which sold for $48 million, and a self-portrait by Warhol that fetched $18.7 million. By the end of the night, it was a “white glove sale,” meaning every work had been sold. Cy Twombly’s untitled work from 2007 sold for almost $59 million in the first auction. Credit: Courtesy of Sotheby’s “It’s a collection that has never been moved (or) touched,” said Grégoire Billault, chairman of contemporary art for Sotheby’s, at a press event announcing the two-part auction last September. “Quite often, when we have collections for sale, a lot of it has been sold already, or some (works) are given to museums; others are given to members of the family.” The Macklowe collection soared past the previous record for the highest value of a single art collection — the Peggy and David Rockefeller Collection, which reached a total of $835.1 million at Christie’s in 2018. The Macklowes married in their early 20s in 1959 and had since accrued all of their significant assets together, including a $72 million apartment, a yacht, and multiple commercial properties, according to court documents. They started their art collection shortly after they married. In 2018, during their divorce proceedings, a New York State Supreme Court judge ordered the Macklowes to sell 65 artworks from their collection and split the profits, after the couple’s hired experts provided vastly different appraisals of what some of the artworks were worth. Valuations for Alberto Giacometti’s existential sculpture “La Nez,” for instance, varied by $30 million. The court decision set off a battle between auction houses Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips to bring the collection to market; the appointed art dealer, Michael Findlay, delayed the decision in 2020 due to the pandemic, according to Artnet. The Giacometti sculpture eventually sold for over $78 million, the second-highest price achieved in the first part of the auction. Elsewhere, Warhol’s “Nine Marilyns” — one of the Pop artist’s famed serial screen prints of Marilyn Monroe — had fetched over $47 million and a Picasso sculpture honoring French poet Apollinaire made over $26 million. At a virtual press event announcing the sale in September, Sotheby’s CEO Charles Stewart had called the Macklowe Collection “one of the most significant and museum-quality collections of modern and contemporary art ever to come to market.” And what he predicted came true. He added: “This sale will… make history as one of the defining moments in the art market.” Read more at cnn.com
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The Complete Handbook On Water Line Renewal

Replacing a water line is often an essential task for many property owners. Recognizing the indicators of water line issues and knowing the advantages of enlisting a plumbing professional can guide you in making an informed choice for your residence. Water line replacement entails renewing the pipelines that deliver water to a structure or neighborhood. This procedure is vital in maintaining the purity and dependability of the water source and might become necessary for various reasons, including the line’s age, deterioration, leakage, or updated standards. Carrying out this task can be intricate and demands the skills of experts to guarantee a seamless transition and the utmost performance of the upgraded system. So, What Exactly is a Main Water Line? The main water line is the primary conduit responsible for channeling water from the city’s supply to your household. This pipeline provides the water essential for daily chores like cooking, cleaning, and bathing. Grasping the fundamentals of your primary water line and its operation is pivotal for the uninterrupted and efficient water flow in your home. Typically, the main water line is crafted from materials such as copper, galvanized metal, or plastic. It stretches from the road to your water meter and subsequently into your dwelling. These lines vary in dimensions, from smaller ones catering to individual homes to expansive mains serving entire locales. The pipe, typically situated several feet beneath the surface, links directly to both your water meter and the main shut-off valve. Knowing its location is crucial, allowing for prompt water cessation during leaks or other urgent situations. Understanding Water Line Anatomy A water line is a vital part of any plumbing infrastructure, directing water from the primary source into different sections of a residential or commercial property. Familiarity with its components is key for its upkeep and intervention. PRIMARY CONDUIT This conduit, often referred to as the supply pipe, is the principal artery of the main water line. It directs fresh water either from city utilities or a private well into the premises. Once inside, this water is then routed to various installations like sinks, toilets, and showers. The significance of the primary conduit lies in its role of ensuring uninterrupted water flow, pivotal for everyday tasks. MAIN CONTROL VALVE The main control valve, integral to the water line, provides the ability to regulate water flow into a structure. Essentially, it can be toggled open or closed, permitting or halting water passage. Positioned close to where the primary water line enters the building, this valve is crucial for situations like sudden leaks, pipe ruptures, or other unexpected water issues. In the event of a malfunction, this valve can be swiftly closed, ceasing water influx and averting further complications. Typically accessed by plumbing professionals or maintenance crews for water system repairs, it’s vital for property owners and occupants to be acquainted with the valve’s location, ensuring prompt response during emergencies. WATER USAGE MONITOR The water usage monitor, commonly referred to as the water meter, is a vital part of the primary water line, tasked with quantifying the water consumed within a structure. Typically found close to the entry point of the main water conduit, its primary function is to assess the volume of water flowing through, documenting the quantities in either cubic feet or gallons. The readings from this monitor then serve as a basis for the utility company to generate the monthly water bill. This monitor not only plays a pivotal role in ensuring accurate billing but also acts as an alert system for potential plumbing issues. A sudden surge in water consumption often flags potential leaks or other complications in the system. CONTAMINATION GUARD The contamination guard, or backflow preventer, is a critical safety apparatus that ensures tainted water doesn’t reverse into the central water system. Integrated into the primary water line, its duty is to guarantee that once-utilized water, perhaps from irrigation or industrial tasks, doesn’t reintegrate with the public water source, thereby avoiding potential contamination. Functioning much like a one-way valve, the contamination guard ensures water courses only forward, barring any reverse flow. Its primary objective is to shield the community from potential health risks by averting any compromise to the potable water source. PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE A pressure control valve, often referred to as the pressure-reducing valve, is an integral part of the primary water system, entrusted with managing and stabilizing the water’s pressure. Its core function is to calibrate the water pressure, ensuring it’s conducive for the internal plumbing fixtures and pipework. Excessive water pressure can wreak havoc on the plumbing system, potentially resulting in leakages and other complications. This valve is typically positioned close to where the main water line enters the building, calibrated to maintain a specified pressure level, for instance, 50 or 60 pounds per square inch (psi). By moderating the water flow and curbing the pressure, it safeguards the building’s plumbing infrastructure and assures a consistent water supply. What triggers the malfunctioning of a water line? Several elements can contribute to the malfunctioning of a water line, ranging from improper installation, and corrosive action, to invasive tree roots. Being proactive in mitigating these risks, like seeking expert intervention for repairs and consistently surveying the line for any wear and tear, is paramount. FLAWED SET-UP A poorly executed setup of the primary water conduits can spell significant trouble for the building’s water framework. Flawed setups can precipitate issues such as water leakages and inconsistent water pressure, which can compromise the entirety of the building’s plumbing. In scenarios where the piping isn’t meticulously laid out, vulnerabilities to leakages become heightened, potentially ushering in water wastage and structural damage. Further complications from flawed installations could manifest as suboptimal water pressure, hampering the functionality of essential fixtures like showers, taps, and toilets. Unsecured pipework is susceptible to damages, culminating in potential replacements and consequent expenses. Engaging a qualified, seasoned plumber to ensure the meticulous installation of the main water conduits is pivotal. METAL DEGRADATION The bane of many water systems, metal >>Read more
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What is a war crime and could Putin be prosecuted over Ukraine?

A Russian soldier has admitted to killing an unarmed civilian in the first war crimes trial to be held in Ukraine since the conflict began. Ukraine says it has identified more than 10,000 possible war crimes, but the Russian government denies the allegations. The International Criminal Court has also sent a team of investigators and forensics experts to the country. What is a war crime? It may not seem like it, but “even war has rules”, as the International Committee of the Red Cross puts it. These are contained in treaties called the Geneva Conventions and a string of other international laws and agreements. Civilians cannot be deliberately attacked – nor can the infrastructure that is vital to their survival. Some weapons are banned because of the indiscriminate or appalling suffering they cause – such as anti-personnel landmines and chemical or biological weapons. The sick and wounded must be cared for – including injured soldiers, who have rights as prisoners of war. Serious offenses such as murder, rape, or mass persecution of a group are known as “crimes against humanity” or, in some circumstances, “genocide”. What did the Russian soldier do? The 21-year-old Russian tank commander Vadim Shishimarin admitted to shooting 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in the head, a few days after the invasion began. Prosecutors said Shishimarin had been ordered to kill the unarmed civilian. He is being tried in a Kyiv district court and faces life in jail. “By this first trial, we are sending a clear signal that every perpetrator, every person who ordered or assisted in the commission of crimes in Ukraine shall not avoid responsibility,” Ukraine’s chief prosecutor Iryna Venediktova tweeted. She previously said her office was preparing cases against 41 Russian soldiers for offenses including killing civilians, rape, bombing civilian infrastructure, and looting. What other allegations of war crimes have there been in Ukraine? US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have both accused Russia of carrying out war crimes in Ukraine. Investigators and journalists found what appeared to be evidence of the deliberate killing of civilians in Bucha, a town on the outskirts of Kyiv, and other nearby areas. Ukrainian forces said they found mass graves and evidence that civilians had been killed after their feet and hands were bound. In March, a Russian strike on a theatre in Mariupol appeared to be the first confirmed location of a mass killing. The word “children” was written in giant letters outside the building. Ukraine previously called Russia’s airstrike on Mariupol’s hospital a war crime. Many experts argue the invasion itself is a crime under the concept of “aggressive warfare”. How can suspected war criminals be prosecuted? There have been a series of one-off courts since World War Two – including the tribunal investigating war crimes during the break-up of Yugoslavia. A body was also set up to prosecute those responsible for the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Today, the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) both have roles upholding the rules of war. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules on disputes between states, but cannot prosecute individuals. Ukraine has begun a case against Russia. If the ICJ ruled against Russia, the UN Security Council (UNSC) would be responsible for enforcing that. But Russia – one of the council’s five permanent members – could veto any proposal to sanction it. The International Criminal Court (ICC) investigates and prosecutes individual war criminals who are not before the courts of individual states. It’s the permanent modern successor to Nuremberg, which prosecuted key Nazi leaders in 1945. Nuremberg cemented the principle that nations could set up special courts to uphold international law. Can the ICC prosecute offences in Ukraine? The ICC’s chief prosecutor, British lawyer Karim Khan QC, believes there is a reasonable basis to believe war crimes have been carried out in Ukraine. Investigators will look at past and present allegations – going back as far as 2013, before Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. If there’s evidence, the prosecutor will ask ICC judges to issue arrest warrants to bring individuals to trial in The Hague. However the court doesn’t have its own police force so relies on individual states to arrest suspects – and since Russia is not a member of the court it is unlikely to extradite any suspects. Could President Putin, generals, or other leaders be prosecuted? It’s far easier to pin a war crime on the soldier who commits it, than on the leader who ordered it. Hugh Williamson of Human Rights Watch – an organization with expertise in gathering evidence of war crimes in conflicts – agrees there is evidence of summary executions and other grave abuses by Russian forces. He says establishing the “chain of command” is very important for any future trials – including whether a leader authorized an atrocity – or turned a blind eye to it. The ICC can also prosecute the offense of “waging aggressive war”. This is the crime of an unjustified invasion or conflict, beyond justifiable military action in self-defense. It originated at Nuremberg after the judge sent by Moscow convinced the Allies that Nazi leaders should face justice for “crimes against peace”. However, Professor Philippe Sands QC, an expert on international law at University College London, says the ICC couldn’t prosecute Russia’s leaders for this because the country isn’t a signatory to the court. In theory, the UN Security Council could ask the ICC to investigate this offense. But again, Russia could veto this. Prof Sands wants world leaders to set up a one-off tribunal to prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine. Read more at bbc.com
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How to rent a boat in Lefkada, Greece

Lefkada is a beautiful island in Greece that’s perfect for a summer getaway. If you’re planning on spending some time there, you might want to consider renting a boat so that you can explore the coastline at your own pace. What to do in Lefkada? There are plenty of things to do in Lefkada, Greece. Renting a boat is a great way to see the island and experience all it has to offer. There are many companies that offer boat rentals, so be sure to do your research before you book. Once you have your boat, there are plenty of places to explore. Visit the beaches, go for a swim, or just relax and take in the scenery. Lefkada is a beautiful place and renting a boat is a great way to see it all. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to go about renting a boat in Lefkada. Selecting the right boat There are a few things to consider when renting a boat in Lefkada, Greece. First, decide what size boat you need. If you’re planning on fishing or doing watersports, you’ll need a larger boat than if you’re just going to cruise around the island. Next, think about what activities you want to do on the boat. If you’re just looking to relax and sunbathe, you won’t need a boat with a lot of amenities. However, if you’re planning on fishing or waterskiing, you’ll need a boat that’s equipped for those activities. Finally, consider your budget. Boat rental prices can vary greatly depending on the size and type of boat you rent. Be sure to get an estimate from the rental company before booking your boat. Where to rent a boat in Lefkada? Choosing a boat rental agency or person you can trust is important! On the other hand, you don’t want the price tag to be inflated by grubby middlemen. So, what to choose and where to rent in this case? Sailo is the solution! Sailo is a boat rental and yacht charters database of verified boat representatives with over 30,000 boats to choose from! You can think of them as the Airbnb of boats. Each boat rental has detailed information about it, as well as honest customer reviews. Ask your questions directly to the representative to ensure the boat you choose is perfectly suited to your adventures. Just got easier to plan your bespoke honeymoon, family day on the water, or even your sinfully epic bachelor(ette) party! You can browse hundreds of options in your desired location online, find one you like, and message the owner! Online registration is possible. As soon as you arrive at the dock, you’re ready to set sail. How to captain a boat? Are you looking to charter a yacht or rent a boat this summer in Greece? If you’re considering Lefkada as your destination, you’ll want to know how to captain a boat. Here are a few tips to help you get started. Before you set sail, be sure to check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. Choose a safe harbor to start and end your journey, and be aware of any currents or shoals in the area. When you’re ready to depart, cast off the lines and raise the anchor. Once you’re underway, keep a lookout for other vessels and obstacles in the water. Be sure to stay on course and within your depth limits. When you’re ready to dock, lower the sails and approach the pier slowly. Once you’re securely moored, tie up the lines and enjoy your time on the water! Tips for a fun and safe boating experience Assuming you would like tips for renting a boat in Lefkada, Greece: Do your research – it is important to know what kind of boat you would like to rent as well as the company you want to rent from. There are many reputable companies that offer boat rentals, so be sure to read reviews and compare prices before making a decision. Make sure you are familiar with boating safety – this is especially important if you are not an experienced boater. Be sure to review basic safety procedures and know how to operate the boat before setting out on your trip. Plan your itinerary in advance – while it can be tempting to just set sail and explore, it is always a good idea to have a plan in place. It will help you make you avoid getting lost or ending up in areas that are not safe for swimming or anchoring. Bring along everything you need – from snacks and drinks to sunscreen and swimsuits, and be sure to pack everything you need for a day on the water. This will help you stay comfortable and safe while enjoying your time on the boat. Conclusion If you’re looking for a breathtaking way to explore the Greek islands, renting a boat in Lefkada is a great option. With its clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, Lefkada is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. And what better way to see it than from your own private boat? Whether you’re an experienced sailor or you’ve never set foot on a boat before, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. You can rent a small boat for just a few hours, or charter a larger yacht for an extended stay. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience exploring the stunning island of Lefkada by boat.
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