Griffin, Georgia, USA

The town clock fixes the founding of Griffin in place and time. The year 1840 (look closely!) marks the town's beginning. Atlanta was founded about the same time. One went on to become the center of a humongous metropolitan area. The other now finds itself on the periphery of that metro. Center vs. periphery: What makes the difference? [2014]

Yangmingshan National Park, Taiwan

Nature moves water downhill. The commonality tries to stop it, or at least use it, as it flows to the sea. Here it's fresh water. When it hits the sea, it won't be. [2012]

Aleppo, Syria

He should find a ready market for his rolls (not bagels) on the streets of Aleppo. Flour, salt, yeast, and water are the simple ingredients, plus sesame seeds. It's about the cheapest breakfast you can buy. [1995]

Haridwar, India

There is nothing more refreshing than a cucumber when you are trying to get through the hottest time of the day.  These have been peeled, so it's important to keep them moist.  See the water?  Buy one and you can expect the sweetest cuke you've ever tasted. [2011]

Tlaquepaque, Jalisco, Mexico

Mr. Shepherd has been hired to protect the income divide between rich and poor in Mexico. May the rich forever be on the inside and the poor forever on the outs. [2008]

Rancho Cucamonga, California, USA

He shares the slope with a shadowy serpent which seems to have followed him up the hill.  Do you see the slithers?  It's easier if you've ever spent a sunny day studying the stepped pyramids at Chichen Itza. Looks like both he and the snake are getting their morning exercise. [2013]

Pepperell, Massachusetts, USA

"When, in some obscure country town, the farmers come together to a special town-meeting, to express their opinion on some subject which is vexing the land, that, I think, is the true Congress, and the most respectable one that is ever assembled in the United States." So sayeth Thoreau. [1993]