Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Quebec's own Bonhomme made a friendly appearance in the middle of summer earlier in the year. Now, on this first day of winter, he welcomes his season: the season of short days, long shadows, deep snows, bobsled races, and, of course, the Winter Carnival, where he will serve as Master of Ceremonies. It starts on February 8, 2019. [2018]

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

These folks are Chinese, a minority in a land of Malays. Evidence: traditional Chinese characters on the sign. If you are still in doubt, sound out "Xiang Yees." Yes, the object of the transliteration seems to be English rather than Malay! As for restoran, it's a Malay word borrowed from English. [2011]

Siem Reap, Cambodia

In Cambodia, many young Buddhists choose to be monks for a short time, and they are often among those who visit the temple of Angkor Wat as true pilgrims rather than faux pilgrims (i.e., tourists). They are easily identified by their humility: shaved heads, simple saffron robes, bare feet, begging bowls. [2016]

Trenton, New Jersey, USA

Only three states ratified the new U.S. Constitution the same year it was written. New Jersey was the third, which it did on this date in 1787. Three years later, Trenton became the official state capital. The capitol building itself has served for over 200 years. Recognize the dome (restored as of 1999) as it appeared in 1937 on the postcard below? [2018]

Punda, Willemstad, Curaçao

Here in the capital city, the name of the country is on display and cloaked in the national flag: Notice the colors and the two stars on the first of the 'open Cs'? Better yet, notice the real stars of the pride-catching sculpture: the two jongelingen conversing on the other one of the 'open Cs'? But the conversations are on their mobiles, not with each other! [2017]

Kralendijk, Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands

How do those mangrove branches know enough to grow toward the sun? Innate intelligence called phototropism. How do those mangrove roots know enough to grow into the mud? Innate intelligence called geotropism. But what is responsible for such innate intelligence? A hormone called auxin. If you had no brains, your hormones might take over, too! [2017]

Oranjestad, Aruba

Game board or relief for the bored?
"A striking chord!" or "Good Lord!"
Looking for fame or architectural shame?
Oh-so lame or entirely new frame?
Tic-tac-toe or or just pixels aglow?
Package sans bow or morceaux de gâteau?
As for the palms: They, too, have their qualms.
[2017]