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Traveling by train in Japan is one of the wonders of our modern world, whether that's whizzing through the countryside on the Shinkansen at up to 320 kilometers per hour (200 mph), relaxing on a comfortable regional express train (known as Limited Express trains in Japan) or enjoying a peek into Japanese culture on a 'Joyful Train' day-trip excursion. http://dlvr.it/SrcKY3

He'd spent years backpacking around the world, and Japanese traveler Daisuke Kajiyama was finally ready to return home to pursue his long-held dream of opening up a guesthouse. http://dlvr.it/SrZfCV

South Africa's most popular destination has the scenery, the wine and the adventure. Cape Town also has a turbulent past that, amid the problems of today, make it the multicutural city it is today, bursting with the spirit, flavors and hope of the locals striving to create a better future. http://dlvr.it/SrZRPq

Anthony Bourdain loved haggis. But even the late, great American chef, writer and television host recognized that Scotland's national dish, with its "sinister sheep parts" wrapped in a shroud of mystery and half-invented history, could be a hard sell. http://dlvr.it/SrZ57w

In Qatar, a country where the subway has a business class compartment and Friday brunch is a competitive sport, opulence is a mere baseline. http://dlvr.it/SrYmFX

House-cured meat and handmade pasta, a three-course American menu where French techniques shine and a seasonally inspired eight-course tasting menu are among the offerings from the nominees for one of the culinary world's highest honors -- the James Beard Awards. http://dlvr.it/SrXdb3