Piraeus, Greece

Don't dismiss scenes like this as ordinary. Repairing the nets on fishing boats has been going on in Piraeus's harbor for at least 2,500 years. How many cities have industries that have lasted that long?  Every morning, the Saronic Gulf beckons; every evening the catch is served in harborside tavernas. [2006]

Malacca, Malaysia

If history is gone, you can always bring it back. That's what happened in Malacca several years ago when the famous fort built by the Portuguese was reconstructed riverside. Too puny to be the real thing, don't you think? So, it must be a scale model. Nevertheless, when you see a fort, ask yourself: Why was this a strategic location at one time? [2011]

Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico

Tlaquepaque is a town of ceramicists, potters, and sculptors. It is where the artistic talent of Guadalajara congregates, giving its streets a lively and inviting personality. Alas, gringos, the pueblo's streets are probably no livelier than usual today. Cinco de mayo is not an important holiday on this side of Mexico. [2007]

Kaohsiung, Taiwan

By wearing those face masks, they hope not to spread disease. That's very important right now because the first case of the H7N9 virus was detected in Taiwan last week. So far it's been transmitted only from bird to human, but everyone fears a mutation that will transmit from person to person. [2011]

Portsmouth, England, UK

The exterior wall of an apartment building in Southsea has become a work of mural art thanks to the skills of Apollo, the sun god. When he breaks through the clouds, shadows wend and wipe their way across the world's walls, including some where you are. [2011]

Istanbul, Turkey

The al sancak has been a tool of nation-building since the Republic of Turkey came into existence in the 1920s. Here's the surprise: Atatürk used the Ottoman flag as the standard for his new republic. Throughout history, though, new religions have prospered by appropriating the symbols of old religions. In Turkey, Atatürk made nationalism the new religion. [2010]

Rome, Italy

Before there were four seasons, there were two: summer and winter. May Day was the gateway to summer, a cross-quarter holiday presided over by Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers. The gateway here is Rome's ancient St. Paul's Gate. It leads to the basilica which was built over the grave of St. Paul. [2006]