Der Ezor, Syria

Shabab by the pond making memories that will last them a lifetime. The days in the early 1990s must now be among their most pleasant memories. By their mid-20s, the so-called Arab Spring hit Syria and was brutally repressed by the regime. What followed was a civil war involving ISIS. Let's hope this group of young men (i.e., shabab) survived. [1993]

Punda, Willemstad, Curaçao

A couple enjoys the spirit of taste on the island of Curacao. But they are not getting the full-bodied taste of the island. That comes only when you add Brion Curacao beer. (See the rondelle?) Or maybe not. It seems that Curaco's signature beer is brewed on the island of Barbados. [2017]

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

How many uses can you think of for a lamp post? (1) Providing illumination, obviously. (2) Holding up pole banners. (3) Anchoring bike racks. But, certainly, the list does not stop there. How might you apply these concepts to a lamp post? Aesthetic enrichment, audio entertainment, advice dispensation, attention catching, aides memories. [2018]

Dublin, Ireland

Right in the heart of Dublin, on O'Connell Street, is the heart of Irish literary culture. James Joyce is Ireland's most famous author, and his novel Ulysses is regarded as one of the canon tomes of the 20th century. Its setting: Dublin, of course. [2003]

Portsmouth, England, UK

Does America have the will to learn from the rest of the world? Every restaurant and coffee shop needs a few tables outside. If the sidewalks are not wide enough, take a few feet from the motorways! In fact, take another foot so there is space for bike racks. But, you know Americans: They are hot-house tomatoes. [2011]

Bucharest, Romania

All of sudden, on this hot summer day, are you ready for "the pause that refreshes"? In the capitalist world, which has included Romania since 1989, the power of suggestion is everywhere. Even more suggestive might be the power of neon. But that would be so retro. Both the "pause" slogan and the neon sign go back to the 1920s. [2014]
 

Alexandria, Louisiana, USA

The Neon Era began in the 1920s and lasted into the 1960s. Only a few of the era's classic neon signs have survived, largely because they accentuate both a sense of place and a slice of time. Thanks Bentley Hotel for prioritizing historical accentuation. [2022]