b'soul-stirring journeysRuwanwelisayaThe serene face of the Buddha sets the Dagoba mood. A massive, white dome looms 300 Anuradhapura, feet high. A wall of life-sized elephant Sri Lanka sculptures guard the sacred stupa or dagoba of Ruwanwelisaya in Anuradhapura, which was Sri Lankas capital city and centre of Buddhist learning for 1,300 years. Today, it is as much a holy site of pilgrimage as it is a place for curious travellers. Several other massive dagobas, some brick red, dot the landscape. The complex also has numerous monuments, ruins, stone pillars, rock-cut pools, magnificent carvings and statues.For utter calm and tranquillity, spend time at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi tree. It is believed to have been planted in the 3rd century AD, from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree from India, under which the Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. Monasterio deAn air of serenity fills the passageways and cloisters of Santa Catalina Convent in theSanta Catalina dehistoric centre of Arequipa, Perus second-largest city. Silencio it says, above the red arch PIHDOET COR: EISDTITOCK.COM/MURMAKOVASSiena leading into the Novice Cloister, where young nuns have taken their vows since the founding Arequipa, Peru of this convent in 1579.Built from porous volcanic sillar, a local white rock, this monastery is divided into cloisters, living quarters, plaza, gallery, and chapel. Orange trees complement the blue walls that greet visitors in some areas, white walls and geraniums light up others, while red walls and arches create an atmosphere of intrigue. Only the voices of local guides interrupt the quietude, as they relate the charming history and legends associated with this fortress-like historicmonument. Santa Catalina is part of the larger UNESCO designated historical centre ofArequipa, which is full of interesting religious structures, many just a short walk away. 14 \x1a HAYES JARVIS TRUE VOYAGES \x1a 15'