Jerusalem, Israel

The architecture tells you it's a mosque. The name – YMCA – tells you it's something different. The location – West Jerusalem –  suggests yet another conclusion. Jerusalem's Y, opened in 1933, is a Christian institution in a Jewish city built to look like an Islamic masjid. Long live coexistence. [1996]

Marrakech, Morocco

The ancient minaret of the Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech towers over the medina, or old city. Minarets are the towers from which the calls to prayer are issued five times a day in the Islamic realm. Tradition holds that palm trees served as the first minarets. [2010]

Jericho, Palestine

Who was Yasser Arafat? (a) a freedom fighter, (b) a terrorist, (c) a peace maker, (d) a murderer, (e) all of the above, (f) none of the above, (g) any of the above. Discuss. [1997]

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Welcome to Kensington Market in Toronto, where you can buy anything the world has to offer. But here is the official interpretation: The globe represents Canada's immigrants and the comfy kitchen chair symbolizes home. Canada makes immigrants feel at home. [2010]

Brussels, Belgium

Recycling isn't just for plastic bottles. Buildings are recycled, too. This one is a converted guild house on Brussels' central market (called the Grand Place or Grote Markt, depending on which side of the language divide you find yourself). In 1852, Victor Hugo lived here; today it is a place to buy something for which Brussels is famous, lace. [1984]

Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, USA

Lincoln's theme? Unification. He held the nation together in the 19th century, when the Union prevailed over the north-south divide. And in the 20th century, the Lincoln Highway did the same thing: It prevailed over the east-west divide by uniting Atlantic and Pacific, the first motorable road to do so. Then, we get to the Lincoln penny, another unifier. [2005]

Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico

All over Mexico, in 3-dimensional statues and 2-dimensional murals, you find Miguel Hidalgo. He was executed in 1811 at the beginning of Mexico's struggle for independence, but Father Hidalgo created the intellectual climate that sustained the rebellion and made him the father of the nation. He is often seen holding a broken chain as a symbol of freedom. [2007]