Fairmont, North Dakota, USA

Would it be an exaggeration to say that this is a remnant of Lake Agassiz? Yes. One of North America's largest glacial lakes is now gone, but the finely textured soils of the ancient lake bed are perfect for wheat. Today, the lacustrine plain is drained (or not) by the northward-flow of the Red River. [2007]

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

225 years of statehood is celebrated today in Massachusetts, one of the few states which has had only one capital, Boston, for its entire existence. The Massachusetts State House stands on Beacon Hill and is only ten years younger than the Commonwealth itself. To the Bay State: Happy Birthday! [2010]

Bethlehem, Palestine

St. Jerome (see him?) holds an elevated position in the history of Christianity. His translation of the Bible into Latin was the version used by western Christians everywhere for over 1100 years. It is known as the Vulgate. Most of the work was done in a cave under this courtyard in Bethlehem. [1999]

Bangkok, Thailand

Dinner is served. A lacy network of canals interpenetrates much of Thonburi, the traditional side of Bangkok. Moderization has eliminated the waterways from much of the Chao Prayha's eastern bank, but here to the west, centuries-old practices, including canal-side deliveries, still survive. [2011]

Zagreb, Croatia

It's so distracting, it's eye-catching. And, it's not photoshopped. When public spaces, like Jelačić Square in the center of Zagreb, can make you stop to figure things out, art is functioning at its best even when it's commercial art. The two boys on the drape are advertising Olympus cameras. [2008]

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ideas of medieval glaziers continue to influence modern architects. Stained glass makes downtown office towers a little more like cathedrals. Maybe the skyscrapers deserve their nickname: cathedrals of commerce. [2010]

Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

If these two Québécoises look happy and healthy, it is probably for two reasons: (1) They are as warm as can be in their turtle necks and furs, and (2) they have been relying on balsam of fir from Les Gommes de Sapins du Québec to clear their respiratory tracts. Winter Carnival, Quebec City's signature event, begins today. [2005]