Changhua, Taiwan

All over the world, people love to wave and say hello. But, today we wave and say good-bye. Another year has passed. May the future smile on us all. [2012]

Pohang, South Korea

The Homigot Lighthouse has been seized by one of the "hands of harmony." If the sky cooperates, that same hand can also catch the rising sun. This week, Homigot is the venue for the Sunrise Festival. As the eastern-most point of land in South Korea, it is perfect for the task. [2012]

Pohang, South Korea

Here's the other hand, firmly planted on Korean soil. Do you see the offshore hand in the distance? Is this a subtle way of laying claim to naming rights over the East Sea, a way of showing how natural it is to embrace those waters? Or is it, as the sculpture's name implies, simply the hands of harmony? [2012]

Pohang, South Korea

"If I drown, please report that I drowned in the East Sea and not the Sea of Japan!" The hand is a cry for help: help in re-setting the name of these waters off the eastern shore of the Korean peninsula. Koreans prefer the name East Sea. But, where's the other hand? [2012]

Marrakech, Morocco

Star anise is easily identified. What else do you see? Flower tea? Breath freshener? Toothpicks? Exfoliates? Lipstick? Something 'unmentionable in polite company'? By the way, none of them are in the row of cones. [2005]

Douglas, Isle of Man

Victoria Street leads right down to the harbor in Douglas. One element of the built environment feels right at home on Victoria Street. Is it the RBS Building or the town clock? The latter, of course.  It just reeks of Victorian era design. As for the Royal Bank of Scotland: closed today.  As in Great Britain, it's Boxing Day on the Isle of Man. [2011]

Bethlehem, Palestine

Luke tells us the story of Jesus' birth: Joseph and Mary, who was great with child, went up out of Galilee into Judea and unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem. While they were there, she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Merry Christmas! [1996]