Bran, Romania

He may be trying to protect himself from ghosts. That is how Halloween masques originated. And, there was always a debate about how much costumery you needed to do the job. In this case, though, the disguise has nothing to do with All Hallows Eve. He is in Bran, Romania, in a region known as Transylvania. Now, you know the rest of the story. [2014]

Peru, Indiana, USA

Mr. Weenie wants you to stop for a bite to eat. Just follow the yellow arrow. Maybe this is what you get when you cross Blake with a sausage: yet another species of roadside giants. Think his cap is just a little too small? [2018]

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Here's another anachronistic roadside giant. But, this one is a catfish. His job is to tempt us into stopping for one of the signature foods of communities up and down the Mississippi River. In him resides the spirit of place! Or, should that be the spirit of taste? [1998]

Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA

Roadside giants, all employed by nearby restaurants, used to dominate the landscapes of commerce. Now, most have disappeared, including Peter Pan. As a landmark, nothing has replaced him. He was a part of Virginia Beach history for so long, it is a shame he wasn't given rest in a museum. But, that would be so unlike Virginia Beach. [1987]

Amarillo, Texas, USA

Roadside giants used to dominate the landscape of Route 66. Now, most are gone. But, the Big Texan remains. He is proud to anchor the best little steak house in Texas, where the hearty can wolf down a 4.5 pound steak and get it for free. [2018]

Las Vegas, New Mexico, USA

Here is Blake, Trudeau's American cousin, dressed in his own national colors, of course. Many, many of his large, extended family have departed this world, so we are lucky that a few are left to remind us of the early years of roadside salesmanship. [2017]

Granby, Quebec, Canada

On La Rue Principale stands Trudeau: ever inviting, ever hungry, ever young. He's been there since the mid-20th century, and his long life has earned him a place in the pantheon of folk heroes who come to us from the world of business. Need affirmation of his standing? Take a walk in the local cemetery. [2009]

Tbilisi, Georgia

In the past, the Mtkvari River served as a semi-encompassing moat around the castle. Today, it's a recreational resource for the men of Tbilisi who enjoy fishing from its banks. There they are, constantly confronted by icons of Georgian independence: King Gorgasali and the Georgian Orthodox Church. [2015]

Tbilisi, Georgia

Although he lived in the 5th century, shortly after his people became follower of Jesus, King Gorgasali still reigns in Georgia. From his hilltop perch, he keeps watch over a strategic bend in the Mtkvari River. Today, a glance at his equestrian statue must also include a view of the Metekh Church: a reminder of the unifying power of Christianity. [2015]

Tbilisi, Georgia

The Zion Cathedral dominates the landscape of old Tbilisi. It anchors the Georgian Orthodox Church, which was founded by the "first called" of Jesus' disciples. Both you and these roof-top men know his name. What is it? [2015]

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]

Yerevan, Armenia

When you spy a blue kiwi in Yerevan's Sculpture Park, you have to remind yourself that you're in Armenia, not New Zealand, Remember: Globalization = Armenian park + New Zealand icon + American sculptor. The sculptor is famous for animal menageries, such as the one along Broadway a few years ago. OK, you can stop smiling now. [2015]

Sofia, Bulgaria

Young Bulgarians, friends and competitors: On the mark. Ready. Set. Go. Skateboards, today. Tomorrow? Leaders of their country (in one way or another). Here they learned to fall and get back up again. It is a skill every leader needs. And, every leader needs friends and competitors, too. [2010]

Riga, Latvia

What does his posture say? 'Proud to pose, but don't mess with me.' That is also what his country's posture said in the sesquidecade following the restoration of independence from the Soviet Union. In the background is the Latvian National Opera House, once again an anchor of nationhood. [2003]

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

La Ville de Quebec is Canada's last walled city, but the walls seen here were not built by the French. The British refortified them after gaining control in 1759, and then rebuilt them after their Atlantic colonies gained independence and were seen as a threat to the remainder of British North America. Porte St. Jean was re-built yet again in 1939. [2018]

Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem's Jaffa Gate is one of seven gates that give access to the walled city. An additional one has been sealed off for centuries. The road from here led to Jaffa, Jerusalem's seaport. Although there is automobile access into the old city, driving is not recommended, and many people portage their luggage in and out. [2010]

Brussels, Belgium

Most European cities have completely lost their gates (and defensive walls). In Brussels, there is only one left: Porte de Hal, seen here from what would have been outside the walled city. It was built to withstand attack, which meant it was solid enough to later serve as a prison. In fact, that is what saved it. Every city needs prison space. [2015]

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The gundi is a native of desert edges in North Africa. Cute rodents, aren't they? Cute, but known for something not so cute: Toxoplasma gondi, a disease agent that is widespread but masked in people with a healthy immune system. Gundis excel at what they're doing here, which means they are not an endangered species! [2015]

Beemerville, New Jersey, USA

Sika deer: stag and hind. They are overabundant in Japan (sika means 'deer' in Japanese) but almost gone from Korea. In the U.S., they thrive on Virginia's Assateague Island (and the nearby Eastern Shore) where they were introduced in the 1920s. Want to see one in captivity? Try Space Farms in northern Jersey. Stag and hind? Guess what: They are really elk! [2018]

Gulf Breeze, Florida, USA

From where she is sitting, she probably can't see a fence in any direction. Some zoos are better than others at providing their honored guests with expansive habitats that don't seem so confining. One lucky gorilla she is: not just because of the digs but because there is not a poacher in sight. [2018]

Long Beach, Mississippi, USA

Collards are a staple of traditional southern cuisine in the United States. They are delicious when cooked with a little fatback. Actually, anyone who moves to the south is not likely to acquire a taste for collard greens. But, if you tell the locals you don't like them, here's their response: 'You just don't know how to cook them." Ditto okra. [2014]

Dearborn, Michigan, USA

Christopher Columbus made landfall in the Americas on this day in 1492. Or, was it Cristoforo Colombo who made landfall? Or, was it Cristóbal Colón? Or, Cristòffa Cómbo? Anyway, if you have the day off today, say thanks to Chris. Then, look at the date again. Should the 8th day of October really be called Columbus Day? [2008]

New York, New York, USA

What are the world's most important currencies? In order: the dollar, the euro, the yen, and the pound sterling. Can you match them up with their home countries and symbols? You might be surprised to find that the next two are the Canadian dollar and the Swiss franc. [2018]

Flint, Michigan, USA

Under a parking lot canopy, she sells small salvage that cyclists might need. Yes, that's right: Here in the birthplace of General Motors, she is dealing with cyclists. And, she is probably vexed by that mural, or maybe hoping that people notice how much city space cars consume, especially when compared to bikes. Nevertheless, I must say: Go MSU! [2018]

Ürgüp, Cappadocia, Turkey

Carpets are one of the foundation stones of Turkish folk culture. The tradition came to Anatolia from Central Asia, where weaving was essential to life on the steppes. Originally, all materials and colors were natural, and the designs were handed down across the generations. [2000]

Bath, England, UK

Mr. G is playing the role of good citizen by running in the Bath Half-Marathon to make money for his favorite charity, which seems to be a school. What is going to get him through? Lots of caffeine. [2015]

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Angkor Wat, in addition to being a World Heritage Site visited by hoards of tourists, is also a Buddhist monastery. The management challenge is keeping the day-trippers from conflicting with the resident monks who prefer a milieu that is more prayerful than playful. [2016]

Jerusalem, Israel

His church, the Syriac Orthodox Church, holds title to a small chapel in the Holy Sepulchre of Jesus. His church is one of the eastern churches, one whose liturgical language is Syriac (a version of Aramaic), which is the language Jesus and the Disciples spoke. So, this monk may be reciting to himself the Lord's Prayer just as it rolled off Jesus' lips: in Sryriac. [2000]

Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Geographers call this a sea stack. It is an erosional remnant that marks the end of the peninsula we know as Baja California. Geographers also call this a map. In your mind, rotate the sea stack 180 degrees and you will see the outline of Baja California itself. Can you find this spec of coastal geography in a wide-angle shot? [2016]