Maaloula, Syria

Maaloula is one of the most picturesque towns in all of Syria, but it hasn't been spared the brutality of Syria's civil war. For the time being, though, it's back in government hands, and that's a good thing. The town's cultural geography is Christian. Look closely and you will discover a Byzantine-style church topped by a cross. [1993]

Noosa, Queensland, Australia

What does Confucius say to the Australians? (a) "A man of wisdom delights in water." (b) "Water is the driving force of all nature." (c) "No water, no life; no blue, no green." Leonardo daVinci and Sylvia Earle get credit for the last two, so what's your answer again? [2006]

Gloucester Courthouse, Virginia, USA

Just like the first Thanksgiving at Berkeley Plantation, the Virginia county of Gloucester has Berkeley roots as well. The Berkeley family was from Gloucestershire, England. Now, it's the day after Thanksgiving, so let the countdown to Christmas begin! In Gloucester Courthouse, it begins by hoisting holiday banners along Main Street. [2013]

King George, Virginia, USA

What a Turkey! All puffed up with his own importance. Little does he know what's coming. He'll not get a pardon in Virginia. Why? Because he's wearing a pilgrim's hat, thus spreading the nonsense that the first Thanksgiving took place in Massachusetts. Everyone knows it took place in Virginia: at Berkeley Plantation on the James River. [2010]

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA

The Walnut Street Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in '71, and tropical storm Agnes took it out of commission in '72. Young folks learning to drive either loved the bridge or hated it. The metal grate that was its floor presaged Paul Simon's 'Slip Slidin' Away.' Today, only half the bridge is left, and it's a pedestrian crossing. [2014]

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA

Exactly two hundred years ago, the first bridge to arch its way across the wide Susquehanna at Harrisburg began construction. It was a covered bridge and it lasted four score and two years until a flood took it out. The Camelback was an engineering wonder of its day: the river here is almost a mile wide with an island in the middle. [2014]

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA

Harrisburg is capital of the state and the river-crossing capital of the Susquehanna. Before roads and rails used bridges to cross from east shore to west shore, ferries did the job. All pointed west, just like the arrowheads formed by the rising sun peaking through the arches of the old Cumberland Valley Railroad Bridge. [2014]