Toronto, Ontario, Canada

People of Toronto: Toronto crossed the line in 2016 when the Census proclaimed it a majority minority city. For the first time, those of European descent were found to constitute less than half the population. But even those of Euro descent come in dozens and dozens of ethnicities. [2013]

Antwerp, Belgium

Known as the Pagodepoort, Antwerp's ceremonial gateway to Chinatown is one of only a select few in Europe. Probably the best known is in London. Today, Antwerp's Chinatown has become more of an Asiatown, with eateries and businesses representing at least half a dozen Asian countries. [2015]

London, England, UK

Finding maps on the landscape can become an obsession. You might even find one on an umbrella. Do you recognize the aspirant people who would like this part of an island in the Indian Ocean (Sri Lanka) to become their sovereign state? These are the Tamils, a nation without a state, and on their umbrella is a map of Tamil Eelam. [2009]

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

These folks are Chinese, a minority in a land of Malays. Evidence: traditional Chinese characters on the sign. If you are still in doubt, sound out "Xiang Yees." Yes, the object of the transliteration seems to be English rather than Malay! As for restoran, it's a Malay word borrowed from English. [2011]

New York, New York, USA

Thirty-second Street has been blocked off for the Koreatown Festival; a stage has been erected; and a fashion strut is in progress. Later will come the K-pop, but the initiating event of the day's entertainment is a very international fashion show that gives young models experience in walking the runway. [2018]

New York, New York, USA

Food plays an important role in maintaining the ethnic identity of Koreans in the United States. During the annual Koreatown festivities, it is celebrated in traditional style, probably aiming to entice all New Yorkers into the Korean restaurants along 32nd Street. [2018]

New York, New York, USA

Well over a hundred thousand Koreans live in New York City, and every year they celebrate their cultural identity with a parade down Broadway. But, it seems like they celebrate a little bit of their American identity, too. Just look at those two flags raised high by a single hand! Proud to be Korean! Proud to be American! [2018]

Two Rivers, Wisconsin, USA

The Ethnic Festival in Two Rivers is now in its 27th year, and the theme has never been more relevant. The city at the confluence of the East Twin and West Twin, however, may have a different definition of ethnic diversity than its peers in New Jersey or California. Whatever the specifics, however, let's all Celebrate Diversity in whatever form it takes. [1995]

Oranjestad, Aruba

Taoist Tai Chi Societies have become avenues for spreading one element of Chinese culture around the world: a balance and movement regimen that strengthens both body and mind. The roots of Tai Chi go back to the 4th century B.C. and the teachings of the Chinese 'Grand Master' Lao-Tsu. Recognize yin and yang? [2017]

Navarre, Florida, USA

Because they pop up everywhere today, most Americans probably think that all Indians carved totem poles for their villages. In fact, however, these monumental sculptures are a contribution of the tribes of the Pacific realm stretching from northern California to Alaska (far from panhandle Florida!). Totem poles served as aides memoires and assists in story-telling. [2017]

Miccosukee Indian Village, Florida, USA

What's life in the Everglades like? Just ask the Miccosukee Indians. Today, they open up their shimmering home to visitors by offering air boat rides through rivers of grass. [1993]

Otrobanda, Willemstad, Curaçao

Ferries are such throw-backs in time. Most have been replaced by bridges or causeways, but not here on the channel that separates Punda from Otrobanda. Two bridges actually cross the strait (called a bay by locals), but a ferry is still necessary. Formulate a hypotheses on why that would be, then visit Willemstad and test it. [2017]

Belize City, Belize

Amish? No! Mennonite. Although his head covering and beard, plus the colors of his garb, point to Amish heritage, he is one of the 'Russian Mennonites' who came to Belize via a circuitous route through Manitoba and Mexico. The Mennonites of Belize number over 10,000 and are known for their agricultural and mechanical skills. [2015]

Panama City, Panama

Only 'Lavanderia' suggests Latin America. The store's name is in English, and the currency is the U.S. dollar. Add to that the extra-tropical snowmen and a Chinese version of the Gregorian calendar. Welcome to the El Dorado neighborhood's Chinese laundry. The original Chinese immigrants came to build the sea-to-sea rail lines that predated the canal. [2017]

St. Louis, Missouri, USA

The U.S. Supreme Court has made some bad decisions over the years, but the Dred Scott decision in 1857 was the absolute worst. Wouldn't those nine Justices be surprised to know that their names are buried in footnotes, while Dred Scott, and his wife Harriet, have a place of honor in America's heart and heartland: something to remember on MLK Day. [2015]

Singapore, Republic of Singapore

Under British rule Singapore was a cultural mosaic: a neighborhood for Chinese (Chinatown), for Indians (Little India), for Malays and Arabs (Kampung Glam). Their architectural cores remain even though their ethnic namesakes have dispersed widely around the city. What ethnic neighborhood is this? (Hint: It's been glamorized for tourists.) [2016]

Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

"We are a nation of many colors," and "Somos una Nacion de muchos colores." That is something we all need to remember over the next four years. [2016]

Singapore, Republic of Singapore

It's only August, but Chinatown is getting ready for the mid-autumn festival, which starts in two weeks! Lanterns (yes, this is a lantern!) are sprouting up all along New Bridge Road setting the stage for a "street light up" that will bring traditional Chinese culture to life. As for autumn: yet another exogenous culture trait brought to Singapore by the Chinese. [2016]

Rosenheim, Germany

Döner mean "to turn," as meat turns on a vertical spit while cooking and searing. The original spits were swords. To Germany came the Turks, and with them came the döner kebap. Now, it's the preferred fast food all over Germany. [1994]

Norfolk, Virginia, USA

Shortly after Norfolk celebrated its 300th birthday, the Republic of China (Taiwan) was invited to turn the harborside molasses tank into a Chinese pagoda, an extreme example of adaptive re-use. What did the holding tank look like twenty-four years ago? That's a question that can be answered by re-photography. [2016]