1. Coast redwoods don’t get as wide as their cousins the giant sequoia, but 26-foot diameters can hardly be considered second rate.
Photo: M. D. Vaden of Oregon

2. Where redwoods leave the sequoias behind is height. These are the tallest trees on the planet, with the highest so far measured reaching 379.1 feet. That’s over 70 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty, taking into account pedestal and foundation.
Photo: lunaport

3. And, stats aside, they’re just awesome to look at.
Photo: mason bryant

4. “Cathedral trees” sprout from a shared base, like these in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.
Photo: rachel_thecat

5. The canopy of a redwood grove, out of sight of both earth and sky, has been described as an “unexplored ecosystem.”
Photo: *~Dawn~*

6. The locations of the most serious trees and groves are kept secret, to protect both the redwoods and inexperienced hikers who might otherwise seek them out. This is one such tree, Screaming Titans, in the Grove of Titans, Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park.
Photo: H Dragon

7. A stitch job from the Grove of Titans.
Photo: H Dragon

8. Dwarfed by nature.
Photo: Shayan (USA)

9. A stout trunk from Jedediah Smith.
Photo: joannapoe

10. We treat our redwoods better today than they did in the 1930s. Still, if you ever wanted to drive through a tree, here ya go.
Photos: lostintheredwoods (left), nagobe (right)

11. A shot aptly titled, “give up, we have you surrounded.”
Photo: adrian207

12. There’s no doubt that trees bigger than today’s record holders were logged over the last century+. It’s not clear whether this was a coast redwood or giant sequoia, only that it was ginormous (note the team of horses on top).
Photo: David C. Foster

1. Watching the vivid fiery colors of fall doesn’t always mean journeying all the way up to New England. For me, grabbing a camera and just walking out the front door meant walking right into a vibrant wave of color.

2. As autumn comes, gearing us up for winter, the bright red berries begin to shrivel and fall.

3. It always blows my mind how regal-looking trees adorned with vibrant orange leaves….

4. ….can lose their beauty within a matter of days.

5. Trees with turning leaves always look magical in large numbers, so with camera in tow I headed out to the modest-sized park next to the neighborhood high school.

6. At the park, I could observe how others were enjoying the season…from casual strolls….

7. ….to taking their dogs for brisk evening walks.

8. As the sun begins to set (one of the best times for snapping photos), this Braeburn apple-colored tree with its perfect mix of greens and reds casts long, elegant shadows.

9. Just steps from the Braeburn apple-colored tree, I stumbled across this classic snapshot of autumn — a set of three trees, each representing the various stages and shades of color as the leaves change.

10. Though spring remains my favorite season because it signifies rebirth and new life, I pay due homage to autumn for the spectacular displays that signify a different journey — one of transition, getting us all ready for the dark troughs of winter.

11. In the lowlight of sunset, my husband took this covert silhouette shot while I was temporarily engrossed in a nearby soccer game.

12. I wonder how trees begin to shed their bright leaves. Like a man slowly going bald, does the process start from the top as seen on this orange-tinted tree?

13. While many travel photographers may not readily admit it, we’re all suckers for sunset shots, and that evening, the clouds swirling above brought on their own swatches of vivid hues.

14. The prismatic sky and colorful trees all working in concert produced a dreamlike effect around the entire neighborhood.

15. By the time the sun was gone and trees stood eerily against a darkening sky, my respect for autumn was rejuvenated.

1. I moved to Berlin almost exactly a year ago. After spending the summer of 2008 working here (on the HG2 Berlin guidebook), I fell head over heels and knew I had to make the move. Given my partner and I had a 9-month-old baby the obvious area to live was Prenzlauerberg — a former Eastern part of the city whose burgeoning population of young families has prompted the nickname Pram-zlauerberg. One year on and I’m still inspired daily by Pberg’s wide, leafy boulevards, multi-layered history, and laid-back vibe. (Image: Zionkirchplatz, Prenzlauerberg)

2. The relaxed feel of Berlin in general has a lot to do with the fact that there’s ‘only’ 3.7 million people here (urban population). Sounds a lot, but compared with London’s 8 million or Paris’s 10 million, it pales, Combined with the large vacant spaces created by WW2 the relative lack of people creates a rare and luxurious feeling of space usually missing from other major cities. Add cheap (but rising) prices, a limited local economy, and a significant creative community and you have one of the last truly ‘bohemian’ capitals in Western Europe.

3. Despite the chilled nature of our ‘hood, it’s only a stroll (or bike ride, usually since Berlin is very ‘geared up’ for cycling) into the hustle and bustle of Mitte, the most central area of Berlin. The spiritual heart of Mitte is Alexanderplatz, a former cattle market that now hosts the towering Fernsehturm, the heavily daubed Fountain of Friendship between Peoples, and a wealth of socialist architecture. Modern constructions notwithstanding, it’s like a brief trip into the heart of the GDR. Radiating from this central timewarp are some of Berlin’s trendiest venues, a dense network of bars, shops, boutiques, cafes, and nightclubs.

4. Despite the ongoing commercialization of Mitte and subsequent bustle, there are still many tranquil areas where you can get a taste of an older, gentler Berlin. The streets around Auguststrasse are full of art galleries and close by is the Scheunenviertel, once home to a thriving Jewish community, now a thriving warren of interesting buildings, shops, and cafes.

5. Oranienburgerstrasse offers the stunning golden dome of the New Synagogue (Neue Synagoge), originally built to accompany the growing Jewish population in Berlin. During the famous Nazi pogrom known as ‘Kristallnacht’, the synagogue was burned, and then heavily bombed in WW2. Rebuilding began when the wall came down in 1989 and it is open once more to the public today mainly as a museum.

6. Hackescher Markt hosts a small market on Saturday mornings and is usually pretty busy thanks to the nearby train station, which was known in GDR times as Marx-Engels-Platz. It’s worth taking a peek inside the station at the gorgeous interior decoration.

7. Around the corner from Hackescher Markt you’ll find the winding river Spree and its impressive Museumsinsel — Museum Island — a UNESCO World Heritage site that hosts several world-class museums including the Bode (pictured here), New Museum, Old National Gallery, and the Pergamon (see next picture).

8. The Pergamon houses some stunning reconstructed buildings such as the Pergamon Altar, the Market Gate of Miletus, and the Ishtar Gate, all consisting of parts transported from the original excavation sites. The Pergamon is visited by almost 1 million people per year, making it the most-seen art museum in Germany.

9. Two good things about walking or cycling around Berlin is: a) the lack of steep hills, and b) the abundance of street food. Depending on the season you’ll find anything from roasted chestnuts to salty pretzels – and of course wurst, in abundance. Inhaling currywurst as you walk is a popular past-time here in Berlin.

10. A walk beneath the lime trees that line the grand boulevard Unter Den Linden is mandatory for most tourists, and with good reason. At one end is the demolished Palast der Republik (from the GDR days); at the other, the world famous Brandenburger Tor, which is especially picturesque at night.

11. Equally impressive by night is the Reichstag, the seat of the German government again since Reunification. A tour up to Sir Norman Foster’s glass dome — built to emphasize the ‘transparency’ of democratic government — gives not only insightful views into the German parliament but sweeping views across the city.

12. On the other side of the Brandenburger Tor lies the Holocaust Memorial, a tribute to the “the murdered Jews of Europe.” 2,711 concrete blocks of differing height create an “uneasy” sensation as you explore within them. In the distance you can see the glass dome of the Reichstag.

13. Further along the Spree, in Kreuzberg, you can’t miss the 100-foot-high Molecule Men by artist Jonathan Borofsky.

14. Signatures from David Bowie and Iggy Pop at the famed Hansa Studios in Kreuzberg, where seminal albums like “Heroes” and “The Idiot” were recorded (amogst other albums by U2 and Depeche Mode). Kreuzberg has a rich musical heritage. It was the center of Berlin’s squat / punk scene, and today its mix of Turkish immigrants, hipsters, and punks continue to create a vibrant culture. The local nightlife remains among the city’s best, with veteran alternative / punk venues like SO36 rubbing shoulders with techno spots such as Watergate, Klub der Visionaere, Arena, and many, many more.

15. Though much of Berlin’s turbulent history lives on only as ghosts (there’s not much left from the WW2 / Nazi era save for the odd building and bullet-riddled courtyard) there’s plenty of evidence of the former Communist era. Perhaps the best place to get a sense of life in the GDR is a walk along the grandiloquent Karl-Marx-Allee, lined either side with classic examples of Soviet structures such as the famous Kino International (as seen in the movie “Goodbye Lenin”), where Communist Party leaders once watched films and puffed cigars in the Honecker Lounge out back.

16. Though the wall has been down for 20 years, there are still many psychological divisions between East and West. Many Ossies (East-dwellers) rarely cross the city to ‘Wessie’ areas like Charlottenburg, even though they offer a wealth of history (this was where the swinging ’20s were happening, after all), lots of key attractions (like the Kaiser William Memorial Church, pictured), and some very charming areas, such as Savignyplatz.

17. Charlottenburg is also good for shopping. Kurfürstendamm, known locally as the Ku’damm, is Berlin’s Oxford Street, a wide, long road full of brand stores, car showrooms, hotels, and restaurants. The feeling of upscale wealth around here can be a far cry from other city districts, especially less gentrified areas such as Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain.

18. On Sundays, the famed Mauerpark Flea Market takes place near the former wall. This haven of old vinyl, clothes, funky furnishings, and general tat draws a hip and generally hungover crowd every week. In summer, the adjacent park sees sunbathers, jugglers, and a highly popular public karaoke session.

19.After the market you can buy a ‘wurst’ from one of the many vendors. These mobile sausage sellers (pictured) are especially popular and completely unique to Berlin. Remnants of the wall line Bernauer Strasse, and the excellent Berlin Wall Museum (as well as outdoor exhibitions) can be found around here as well.

20. Nearby Kastanienallee has plenty of funky, independent stores, cheap eateries, and stylish cafes. But I prefer to head back to the ranch, maybe stopping off at my local hangout Wohnzimmer — “The Living Room” — to relax on the GDR-style furnishings and read, chat, or raise a nice cold Pilsner to Berlin. Poor, sexy – and effortlessly inspiring.

1. Bedfordshire, England
Photo: L-plate big cheese

2. Anonymous lonely gravestone
Photo: new chap

3. Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury, MA
Photo: WhitA

4. Jewish Cemetery in Pszczyna, Poland
Photo: Jacek Becela

5. Upper Riccarton, Christchurch, New Zealand
Photo: the evil monkey

6. Monmouth County, NJ
Photo: Sister72

7. Sheffield, England
Photo: polandeze

8. Anonymous frosty cemetery
Photo: thomas.barker

9. Baltimore, MD
Photo: llimllib

10. Bedfordshire, England
Photo: L-plate big cheese

1. Traditional Arab vessels called “dhow” sail across the reef off the eastern coast of Zanzibar.

2. Herds of cattle come to drink from the salty ocean, as fresh water is a scarce commodity on the island.

3. Traditional dhow fishing boats are anchored along the shoreline.

4. The Azanzi Beach Resort is designed to blend into the natural environment, although the structure does remind me a little of the Sydney Opera House.

5. A shop in Stone Town (the old district of the island’s capital) selling old signs and decorated with pictures of former and current presidents and dictators. Obama is a popular icon in Zanzibar; his picture can be found everywhere in the city.

6. The meat market is a crowded place with a powerful smell. Taking pictures in this environment was difficult, and my camera was not always welcomed.

7. A variety of marine animals (including a moray eel) are auctioned off inside the fish market. Notice the variety of hats and caps worn.

8. The High Court of Zanzibar, a beautiful yet dilapidated building (as most here are), is still used for official proceedings.

9. Kids sitting in the doorway of the former residence of the infamous Arab trader known as Tipu Tip.

10. A group of kids help push a wagon stacked with sugarcane through the narrow alleyways of Stone Town.

11. Fishermen unpack their daily catch at Stone Town’s harbour.

12. Fresh fish are for sale at the harbour. Sting ray seems to be a popular alternative.

13. A woman, dressed according to local Muslim custom, sits in front of her home watching people pass by.

14. Slave trade memorial — from 1811 to 1873, a slave market existed in Stone Town. It was the hub of the slave trade for all of East Africa, and more than one million souls were bought and sold during that time.

15. You can see why the dhow is such an iconic feature of Zanzibar.

1. Marrakech is one of Morocco’s oldest and most alluring cities. Despite the constant influx of tourists, the city has maintained an exotic Old World atmosphere — particularly within the ancient medina, where map-toting tourists attempt to navigate the labyrinthine streets and locals go about their daily business as they’ve been doing for centuries.

2. Bikes and cars are common in Marrakech (prepare for a fair bit of pollution) but the donkey is still a ubiquitous form of transport, especially in the dusty medina where it’s used to pull heavy loads through the notoriously narrow streets.

3. Another common sight in the medina are…kids! The family unit is cherished by Moroccans and the streets also serve as a children’s playground, often for boisterous games of soccer such as this.

4. A large part of Marrakech’s exoticism are the abundance of old traditions and customs that are kept alive. Here a vendor sells groceries direct from a handcart.

5. Traditional artisan skills such as weaving, metalwork, pottery, bread baking, and carpentry are all very much alive in Marrakech. In fact the medina has its own “artisan quarter” where you can watch these craftsmen at work.

6. Morocco is a Muslim country. Several times a day the familiar sound of the muezzin (call to prayer) sails through the air and devotees swarm to the many mosques (sitting outside if they’re full), or simply kneel and bow their heads towards Mecca wherever they happen to be.

7. A trip to Marrakech is not complete without a visit to the souks. This intimate warren of pathways is comprised of shops often no taller and wider than the people inside them, who hawk everything from silverware to oriental carpets, pointy ‘baboush’ (slippers), replica designer handbags, and love potions. Be prepared for lots of haggling — Monty Python style.

8. The souks are intensely atmospheric. Packed tight with locals and tourists, they’re a whirlwind of motion, smells (good and bad), and patchwork roofs that create compelling chiaroscuros when the sunlight filters through.

9. Though Marrakech doesn’t hold an abundance of cultural highlights compared to other cities, there are several places well worth visiting. One is the beautiful Ben Youssef Medersa — the city’s oldest Koranic school — which was closed down in the ’60s but refurbished and reopened to the public in the ’80s.

10. During the day, Marrakech’s main square, the Djemaa El Fna, is a busy and fairly modern hub for shoppers, traders, and tourist touts (snake charmers, water bearers, acrobatic dancers). Come nighttime the place transforms into the largest open-air barbecue in the world, as the air fills with smoke and locals and visitors sit next to each other to chow down on everything from harira soup to seafood.

11. Sometimes the heat and hassle of the Pink City can get too much. Fortunately, there are a number of easy and accessible escape routes. One of the most popular trips is up to the Atlas Mountains, just an hour or two’s drive from Marrakech. The cool peaks provide beautiful respite from the chaos of the medina, and are full of Berber villages and superb walking routes.

12. And if you thought life in the city was authentic and traditional — life in the mountains is often more so.

13. Non meat-eaters needn’t worry, though — even mountainside cafes have access to vegetables.

14. Another possible day trip from the city is to Essaouira, a small, charming fishing town on the coast. It has good tourist infrastructure, and its distinctive white and blue medina is today a UNESCO heritage site. The seafood here, as you’d expect, is especially tasty.

15. Those looking for a more dramatic adventure can book a safari out to the Sahara. It’s possible to spend the night (or more) in traditional bivouac tents, climb sand dunes, and drive around marveling at the vast expanse of sand and nothingness. Now and again the barren landscape is punctuated by nomadic shepherds like this hardy Berber lady.

16. We also came across these Berber children, who were happy to receive our gifts of jewellery and biscuits in exchange for a photograph. They didn’t pause too long given the encroaching rainstorm.

1. Outside the local news store, this man immerses himself in text.

2. In the Mumbai train station, she finds temporary shelter in the “Ladies Only” section.

3. Done daily outdoors, Mumbai’s laundry is out for public viewing. By day’s end, all has been washed, dried, and cleared, leaving space to start again tomorrow.

4. Our search for tigers in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve was to no avail until we spotted this jeep. We followed it off-road and encountered two tigers and their cubs.

5. At sunrise, the Mumbai flower market overflows with color and scent. When I turned the corner and saw the market for the first time, I found my India.

6. Udaipur — India’s City of Lakes — is magical by boat.

7. Before praying, these gentlemen conversed about local politics. They eagerly invited me to join the conversation.

8. Their eyes invited me to take this photograph. They were more real and profound than any formal invitation.

9. Waiting for the bus, these Hindu women hope to find space aboard. If not, it’ll be a two-hour wait for the next one.

10. Rajasthani women, dressed in the colorful style of the region, support their wares in the scorching sun and find refuge only in each other’s shadow.

11. Three snakes and three charmers in Jaipur.

12. Welcome to the Taj Mahal. Viewed this way, its magnitude and beauty are highlighted by the astounding number of visitors.

13. After driving in the monsoon from Jaipur to Agra, this sunset perspective on the Taj Mahal awaited me from my terrace.

1. Joe Strummer memorial graffiti in Floresta.

2. A tree against a building. Even the most ordinary things can be so beautiful here. Barrio Floresta.

3. When you’re walking down the street, you will constantly be tempted (if you have a sweet tooth) to duck into a confiteria or pasteleria for something sweet. Most of the time, the cakes look better than they are. This is a very good pasteleria in Chacaritas.

4. Paper posters over paper posters ad infinitum. Barrio Flores.

5. A typical view of the subway, this of Linea B, the red line.

6. These dogs were pretty upset with the sound of my friend’s motorcycle, but I couldn’t stop laughing. Photo taken outside the city.

7. A taxi passes by in Velez Sarsfield.

8. This hotel is really close to Cementerio de la Chacaritas and it always catches my eye when I get off the subway in this part of town. Part of the reason for this is probably the fact that the other buildings in the vicinity are much shorter two- and three-story structures.

9. This little parilla on the river is the first taste of bondiola I ever had. Taken on Rio de la Plata at this time last year.

10. Trips co-editor Hal Amen with his wife arm in arm on Rivadavia in Flores.

11. Graffiti makes this train car on Linea B a comet.

12. At Christmastime, people set off fireworks. These were some of my neighbors when I lived in Barrio Once.

1. The peak of Cerro Fitz Roy looms in the distance — the goal of my hike through the Southern Patagonian Ice Field near the border of Argentina and Chile.

2. The Perito Moreno Glacier as viewed from the observation decks in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares near the town of El Calafate, Argentina.

3. A ferry docks prior to making the journey from Argentina to Chile in Southern Patagonia.

4. Traversing the Perito Moreno Glacier feels non-terrestrial in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Argentina.

5. A photographer captures the fading sunset behind Cerro Fitz Roy near El Chalten, Argentina.

6. Sweeping clouds paint violet strokes across the morning sky — one of the many faces of Patagonia.

7. On the fringes of the hiking season in early and late winter, the ridges of Cerro Fitz Roy are covered with snow, making many trails inaccessible. Though challenging, the harsh conditions yield tourist-less hikes and magnificent views like this one taken during a lunch break.

8. Flat Patagonian plains collide with the towering Andes at Parque Nacional Torres del Paine, Chile.

9. Pondering “el fin del mundo.” A solo climb over the Martial Glacier near Ushuaia leaves a view beyond the southernmost tip of South America.

10. Arriving at the summit of another long hike leads to some “time killing” experiments in camera angles while awaiting the sunset. Matrix anyone?

11. Set at the southernmost point of South America, Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego is as eerie as it is magnificent.

12. Shipwreck in the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia, Argentina.

1. Palmyra, Syria
This ancient desert oasis of a metropolis, 200km from Damascus, is at least 4,000 years old and can still be visited by camel caravan.
Photo: captain.orange

2. Borobudur, Indonesia
Borobudur was an active Buddhist temple from the 9th to 14th centuries and is located rather precariously between two Javanese volcanoes.
Photo: ctsnow

3. Teotihuacan, Mexico
Sitting less than an hour outside Mexico City, this pre-Aztec pyramid city may have been the most populous in the world during its heyday between A.D. 150 and 450.
Photo: Juls Barrett

4. Göreme, Cappadocia, Turkey
The unique stone formations of this region in central Turkey were made even more picturesque when homes and monasteries (and today hotels) were carved into them beginning around A.D. 300.
Photo: Nir Nussbaum

5. Khara-Khoto, Inner Mongolia
Marco Polo is said to have passed through this Mongol trading outpost before it was sacked by a Ming Dynasty army. Since then, the Gobi has slowly been taking up residence.
Photo: Ed_Stannard

6. Wat Phu, Laos
The lazy riverside town of Champasak is the gateway to these Khmer temple ruins, granted Unesco World Heritage status in 2001.
Photo: Adam Jones, Ph.D.

7. Tikal, Guatemala
Though only questionably qualifying as “lesser-known,” this stop on the Maya Trail did lose out on becoming a “New 7 Wonder of the World” to its cousin farther north, Chichen Itza.
Photo: mtsrs

8. Volubilis, Morocco
The Romans sure got around, leaving behind their characteristic triumphal arches and columned temples in unlikely places — such as a few dozen kilometers outside of Meknes, Morocco.
Photo: ollografik

9. Bagan, Myanmar
This ancient Burmese capital and its 2,217 peaked-dome temples should be better known, but its location within a “rogue state” is holding it back.
Photo: jmhullot

10. Tiwanaku, Bolivia
Tiwanaku (or Tiahuanaco) is still being excavated, as funds become available, but has already revealed countless secrets about a pre-Inca empire that ruled the Altiplano until A.D. 1000.
Photo: victorsounds

11. Mesa Verde National Park, USA
The Anasazi’s cliff-carved city, built in the 11th century, is considered the largest in North America and is the centerpiece of this national park in the Four Corners region.
Photo: ..lauren..

12. El Djem, Tunisia
More evidence of the Roman presence in North Africa comes in the form of this ruined amphitheater — the ancient empire’s third largest.
Photo: skuds

1. Grasping the unthinkable horrors of the S21 prison, where over 17,000 prisoners were interrogated, tortured, and executed during the Khmer Rouge rein — only a handful survived.

2. The impact of our visit to S21 and the “Killing Fields” hangs heavy during a moto-taxi ride through downtown Phnom Penh.

3. Forced off the road by a local bus, we regroup before continuing our journey south to the coast.

4. View from our bungalow porch on the island of Koh Rong Samloem. Pure paradise.

5. Game of frisbee on a remote beach on the island of Koh Rong Samloem.

6. On the road north to Siem Reap and the temples of Angkor, a crowd forms to watch our bikes receive a necessary tuneup.

7. Sun rises over the spectacular temple of Angkor Wat.

8. The forest is quick to reclaim the land, swallowing the Angkor Thom temples.

9. Carvings in the stone at Ta Prohm temple give a glimpse into the past of a once mighty civilization.

10. Watching the sunset from Bakheng Hill caps a surreal day exploring the vast complex of ancient Angkor temples.

11. On the road into eastern Cambodia, unreliable and sporadic gas stations force us to carry fuel reserves in used water bottles.

12. A local guide arrives with the morning’s transportation as we prepare for our trek through the eastern Cambodian jungles.

13. Yes, washing an elephant is a serious ordeal.

14. A local Buddhist monk catches a ride into town.

15. In rural Cambodia, every road leads to a new adventure.

1. Iceland’s main road (the “1″) is around 800 miles long and circles the entire country. Since there is very little traffic on this island of 300,000 souls, not to mention a distinct lack of vegetation and wildlife, much of the time there’s just the country’s majestic nature — lava fields, glaciers, streams, lakes, and huge lichen-covered mountains — for company.

2. If you’re lucky you might even see the famous Northern Lights (aurora borealis). This photo was taken on a trip around the Snaefellsnes glacier, one of the most stunning areas of Iceland and just a 2-3 hour drive out of Reykjavik.

3. Another scene from Snaefellsnes, this time taken during sunset. Due to its low population, much of Iceland is quintessentially rural, though with a crazy volcanic twist that makes the landscapes highly distinctive and memorable. Ever seen sheep or horses grazing peacefully in a lunar-style lava field? You will here…

4. Speaking of horses, the Icelandic breed is world famous. They’re generally small — pony-sized in fact — and have special gaits. Fun fact: laws prevent animals from being imported to Iceland or returning to the country after they’ve been exported.

5. Another very special (and largely under-acknowledged) area in Iceland are the Westfjords. The oldest part of the island geologically, they’ve developed a unique community. Travel up here can be tough due to the deep, winding fjords. On the upside you’ll often feel like you’re driving through a fairy tale.

6. A great time to visit the Westfjords is in April or May when there’s still a good chance of snow on the mountains, but when the roads are generally clear (they can be closed off during winter). Snow-based activities in the area include ice fishing, snowmobiling, and spontaneous snowman making.

7. The Westfjords region has generally been in decline since WWII and the fall-off of the fishing industries. Yet the tourist infrastructure is excellent and though many residents literally abandoned their houses and moved to Reykjavik for work, many others have kept second homes here.

8. In harsher weather you can see and feel how bleak the Westfjords (and other remote parts of Iceland) can be. Yet even foreboding skies, whiplash winds, and driving rain can’t strip the country of its inherent and often unexpected beauty. The dominant forces of nature are felt everywhere.

9. On the other hand, Iceland is an absolute delight in summer. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not cold during spring, summer, or even (sometimes) autumn. In fact, temperatures are generally at European levels, give or take a few degrees. But don’t forget that the farther north you go, the less nighttime you’re going to get. Akureyri (pictured here from across the fjord), is the second largest city after Reykjavik with 10,000 inhabitants. It’s a popular place due to its exquisite setting, nearby whale-watching tours (in Husavik), and proximity to major natural attractions such as Lake Myvatn.

10. The coastline in Iceland’s north is fascinating with its strange mix of luminous green lichen, steep cliffs, and sky-wide vistas. This shot was taken near Husavik, one of the great whale-watching centers of the world. In the background is Lundey Island, home to a multitude of bird life including puffins, black guillemots, fulmars, and arctic terns.

11. Lake Myvatn, an hour or so from Akureyri, is one of Iceland’s most beautiful and mysterious areas. A mesmerizing array of lava lakes, bubbling geothermal areas, and volcanic craters, it’s unlikely you’ll forget a trip here in a hurry. It really is like paying a visit to the moon (well, presumably. And with a bit more water).

12. To the east of the Myvatn area lies the formidable Hverfjall. A kilometer in circumference, this looming black volcanic crater was formed around 2,500 years ago.

13. A wider view of Hverfjall takes in grazing horses, parts of Lake Myvatn, a snow-capped glacier, and the region’s famed geothermal resources, which power the Myvatn Nature Baths — or the northern Blue Lagoon as it’s known. This thoroughly modern spa area (see the building with the blue roof) has mineral-rich geothermal water, a cafeteria, three natural steam baths, and a 5000-sq.-meter geothermal bathing pool maintained at a constant temperature of 38-40ºC. Sploosh.

14. You can also see the bizarre formations created by that geothermal activity up close at Hverarönd, a collection of bubbling sulfuric mud, clay springs, and steaming rocks. Remember what I was saying about the lack of darkness in summer? This photo was taken at 11pm.

1. A couple of Nepali girls laugh at the antics of arriving trekkers.

2. Mighty trees cling to the mountainside.

3. A Tamang child sits atop a roof and watches with little interest the flow of life below.

4. Our first glimpse of the awesome Langtang Mountain (7,200 meters or 23,622 feet)

5. These girls epitomize the general response we got: mistrust of outsiders and friendly curiosity.

6. The view from our bed when staying at Kyangin Gompa

7. Sunset over the Langtang Range

8. Grandma takes care of her grandchild while Mom runs the family business, a guesthouse.

9. A view of both the Langtang and Ganesh mountain ranges. And some pretty purple rhododendrons.

10. The Tamangs migrated to Nepal from Tibet and are still practicing the religion of their country of origin.

11. The sun sets over Gosain Kunda, a lake at 4,380 meters (14,370 feet).

12. Three trekkers are dwarfed by the mountains around them as they make their way to Laurebina Pass, the highest point of the trek. It’s all downhill from here.

1. The Door to Hell, Darvaza, Turkmenistan
The collapse of a natural gas cavern in 1971 created this crater in a small Turkmenistan village. Officials made the call to ignite the noxious fumes…which have yet to stop burning.
Photographer: minifastcar33

2. Windfarm, San Gorgonio Pass, California, USA
Modern wind turbines and an eerie moonrise conspire to create this otherworldly scene.
Photographer: Caveman 92223

3. Sedan Crater, Nevada, USA
In the early ’60s, the U.S. government experimented with using nuclear bombs in massive construction works. Among other results was this, one of the world’s largest human-made craters.
Photographer: itjournalist

4. Libyan crop circles
Not all crop circles are made by aliens. These plots in Saharan Libya are created by nothing more mysterious than pivot irrigation.
Photographer: futureatlas.com

5. Burgan Field, Kuwait, 1991
During the Gulf War, parts of Kuwait’s vast Burgan Oil Field were set ablaze.
Photographer: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

6. Coal mines
The process of mining for coal alters the face of the landscape. Garzweiler, Germany (above) and Estercuel, Spain (below) are two of many examples.
Photographer: BK59

Photographer: Jen SFO-BCN

7. Rio Tinto, Spain
Leached iron and other heavy metals (another result of mining) give Spain’s Rio Tinto its name.
Photographer: Serafin-Sanchez

8. Centralia Mine Fire, Pennsylvania, USA
Another ignited mine that just won’t quit, the fire smoldering under Centralia has forced the evacuation of pretty much the entire town.
Photographer: jesiehart

9. Ground Zero, New York City
Photographer: slagheap

10. Oil slicks
It doesn’t take a headline-grabbing oil spill for petroleum to hit the water. Day-to-day extraction and processing operations leak plenty, as shown in these NASA images of Venezuela’s Lake Maracaibo (above) and the Arabian Sea (below).
Photographer: Visible Earth, NASA

Photographer: Visible Earth, NASA

2. Seljalandsfoss, Iceland
This picturesque 60m plunge has appeared on the likes of The Amazing Race. Hikers get a kick out of the trail that leads behind the falls.
Photographer: Daníel Örn

3. Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe
Victoria forms the “largest sheet of falling water in the world.” Its extent is so great that it helps to have a view from the air (below).
Photographer: Sotti

Photographer: Jean-Louis Vandevivère

4. Bridalveil Fall, USA
One of the most photogenic falls in California’s Yosemite National Park, and that’s saying a lot.
Photographer: CLightPictures

5. Kaieteur Falls, Guyana
Though neither the tallest nor the widest, Kaieteur’s combination of height and volume makes it one of the world’s most powerful falls.
Photographer: madmack66

6. Takakkaw Falls, Canada
Takakkaw is one of the star attractions of British Columbia’s Yoho National Park.
Photographer: Michael Rogers

7. Tad Fane, Laos
Twin chutes of water plummet into a jungle gorge just beyond the balconies of the Tad Fane resort.
Photographer: krisprachant

8. Niagara Falls, USA/Canada
Niagara needs no introduction, but just like Victoria, its true scope can only be appreciated from the air (below).
Photographer: outofthebox27

Photographer: gilesclement

9. Barron Falls, Australia
Only a trickle for much of the year, the Barron Falls roar after a hearty rainy-season downpour.
Photographer: Shek Graham

10. Queulat Glacier waterfall, Chile
Sensitive environmentalists, avert your eyes. This one might as well be taken straight from a climate change poster.
Photographer: betoscopio

11. Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
There are 275 separate falls along this 2.7km stretch of the Iguazu River. Yeah, they’re awesome. Check out the panorama (below).
Photographer: Luca Galuzzi

Photographer: Martin St-Amant

12. Yinlianzhuitan waterfall, China
Though not as large as the nearby Huangguoshu waterfall, Yinlianzhuitan makes the list for one reason: this sweet pic.
Photographer: WaitinZ

1. The author sets out on the journey. I wish I could tap this guy on the shoulder and say, “75 km, buddy. Seriously.”

2. Buoys hanging from the trees notify the hikers where to get on and off the beach trail.

3. Sean Aiken snaps a photo of one of the many waterfalls along the coast.

4. At Pachena Lighthouse, a cluster of signs point the distances to various countries around the world.

5. The wreckage of the Varsity, a 1940s fishing vessel, sits rusting in the ocean air.

6. Depending on how close you look, you can find a universe in unexpected places.

7. Sean awaits the ferry at Nitnat Narrows. The crossing is operated by a local First Nations tribe.

8. Sea lions dot the rocks off the coast, barking incessantly. / Photo: Bryan Jackson

9. Along the trail, the constant rain nourishes an innumerable amount of fungi and plantlife.

10. Water doesn’t come easy. All rivers and creeks must be filtered before drinking.

11. If you’re lucky, each night you’ll be greeted with a stunning sunset rarely matched elsewhere. / Photo: Bryan Jackson

12. The author enjoys a campfire and a shot of Fireball whiskey (a crucial addition to any successful wilderness trek).

13. Ben and Sean walk along the rocky shelf at low tide.

14. The stunning beauty of Owen Point resembles a Dr. Seuss storybook.

15. The intrepid hikers pause for a moment of reflection, and a nicely framed photo.

16. Leave nothing but footsteps…take nothing but memories. / Photo: Ben Felch

17. At the end of the trail, our water taxi awaits to whisk us back to the beginning.

1. The small Amazonian town of Parintins is reached from Manaus via a 20-30 hour boat trip…or a one hour plane ride.

2. The population of Parintins is 100,000. During the 3-day Boi Bumbá festival the population doubles as visitors arrive from all over Brazil, creating a colourful mix of local culture and burgeoning tourism.

3. Everybody in the town gets involved in the event in some way – even if they have to be at work.

4. A pre-party in the main square soon draws out the town’s most enthusiastic dancers.

5. A tropical lunchtime downpour does nothing to dampen spirits.

6. By the afternoon downtown Parintins is ablaze with colour, music, food, and dancing.

7. Street dancers leap to the sounds of a live band in Parintins as the town gets ready for a weekend of huge celebrations.

8. The festival’s roots go back around a hundred years. The blue team (the upper-class Caprichosos) fight against the red team (the working-class Garantidos). Parintins is the only place in the world where the Coca Cola sign is blue, a direct result of the sensitive division of the town’s color-driven rivalry.

9. Each team has 2-3 hours per night to outdo their opponent in terms of exuberant costumes, retelling of folkloric legends centered around a bull (boi), and, of course, beautiful singers and dancers. The “bombodrome” is open to tour groups before the event begins. Here you can get an insight into the madness to come as you walk amidst giant colourful trees and flamboyant, outsized creatures.

10. The stadium (”bombodrome”) is packed out by 8pm. Finally, a year’s buildup of tension, secrecy, and passionate rivalry is unleashed.

11. Many of the costumes and designs are so wildly imaginative they take many months to make and are different each year. This giant female face emerged from a traditional Amazonian house whose walls were made up of costumed people that dispersed fluidly in a show of virtuoso choreography.

12. Just when you think things can’t get more outrageous, a giant green man appears, almost as tall as the stadium, sprouting a slightly smaller baby-creature from above his head. You don’t need shamanic hallucinogenics to have a trippy time in the Amazon.

13. And what should leap from the green baby-creature when it reaches the ground? Why, a beautiful woman dressed in vivid animal feathers of course.

14. After a stunning performance from Caprichoso, the red team (Garantido) rolls out giant puppets to intimidate their opponents, impress the judges, and drive their supporters wild.

15. One of the final Garantido beauties shows her stunning snow-white plumage to the crowd. While Boi Bumbá isn’t widely known internationally, it’s the second largest festival after Rio Carnival, and is every bit as wild.

1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The largest salt flat in the world reflects the sky during the wet season (above). In the dry winter months, it becomes a mosaic of salt tiles (below).
Photographer: Luca Galuzzi

Photographer: Sergio Pessolano

2. Antarctica
Icebergs drift in dark Antarctic waters.
Photographer: winkyintheuk

3. The Richat Structure, near Ouadane, Mauritania
A circular feature, 50 km across, in the middle of the otherwise featureless Mauritanian Sahara. Picture courtesy of NASA.
Photographer: trodel_wiki

4. Alvord Playa, southeastern Oregon, USA
You might not expect to find a desert in the Pacific Northwest, but this dry lake bed averages only 180 mm of rain a year.
Photographer: rasone

5. Cappadocia, Turkey
Fairy chimneys dominate the landscape between Cavusin and Zelve.
Photographer: Timothy Neesam

6. Socotra Island, Yemen
Socotra’s isolation in the Indian Ocean has given rise to plant life you won’t see anywhere else. Behold the dragon’s blood tree.
Photographer: Sotti

7. Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA
Best known as the staging grounds for Burning Man, the Black Rock Desert is also home to alien features such as the Fly Geyser.
Photographer: Stephen Oachs

8. Black and White Deserts, Egypt
Egypt’s deserts come in many colors, including Black (above) and White (below).
Photographer: Gekko82

Photographer: tronics

9. Kauai, Hawaii
Seaside lava ledges make for otherworldly experiences on this often-overlooked Hawaiian island.
Photographer: PatrickSmithPhotography

10. Namib Desert, Namibia
Sand rarely gets as red as it does in the deserts of Namibia.
Photographer: Brian Preen

11. Torres del Paine, Chile
The most alien of the 8 Natural Wonders of Chile, Torres del Paine’s mountain spires cut into the blue sky.
Photographer: winkyintheuk

12. Dead Sea, Israel/Jordan
Lowest point on Earth, deepest salt lake in the world, saltier than the ocean…the list of the Dead Sea’s bizarreness is a long one.
Photographer: Pennina Neumann

13. Strokkur Geyser, southwestern Iceland
Visitors to the Strokkur Geyser are rewarded with this display every five minutes or so.
Photographer: exfordy

14. Lake Turkana, Kenya
Lake Turkana lies in Africa’s Great Rift Valley. Its salty waters comprise the world’s largest desert lake.
Photographer: Yannick Garcin

15. Four Corners region, USA
The Colorado Plateau gets funky at the Arizona-Utah border. That’s where you’ll find Vermilion Cliffs National Monument (above) and Monument Valley (below).
Photographer: gregmote

Photographer: Wolfgang Staudt

16. Chocolate Hills, Bohol, Philippines
Over 1,700 naturally formed mounds (covered with chocolate brown grass in the dry season) dot the center of the island of Bohol.
Photographer: Lemuel Montejo

17. The Sahara
The world’s largest hot desert is as big as the entire U.S. Get stranded out here and you’ll wish you really were on an alien world.
Photographer: Jay Brezinsky

“Tunisian Sahara: Desert Stop!”
Photographer: andzer

1. The sun rises over the River Negro, the largest left tributary of the Amazon and the largest Blackwater river in the world.

2. An overcast sky greets us as we prepare to leave our eco lodge and embark on a river trip

3. A traditional Amazon home. A family of eleven non-indigenous Amazonians live here. There’s no electricity and cashew and Brazil nut trees grow in the back garden.

4. A man moors his boat to the porch, where the family’s clothes dry in the sun. Boats are the only real form of transport here in the Amazon and it’s essential to maintain them well.

5. Making tapioca – also known as cassava or manioc. The extracted starch is ground to a powder then sieved and finally cooked in a huge wok. Though fairly tasteless on its own, adding butter or flaked coconut creates a tasty snack.

6. A twelve year old boy shows off his catch – a huge blowfish almost as big as himself.

7. A tribal music ritual. Though watching this kind of traditional dance could be considered a tourist spectacle this is, paradoxically, often the only way such customs are kept alive.

8. A young member of an indigenous tribe refuses to smile for the camera during the music ritual.

9. The younger kids down in the tribal village were much more forthcoming…

10. A night-time trek through the jungle. Our guides picked this flammable resin from a plant and used it both as a makeshift torch and a method of warding off evil spirits.

11. This cheeky monkey, just several months old, is being held in a sanctuary near Manaus. Her mother died soon after she was born and she is now cared for by a keeper (pictured).

12. Tourists feed and swim with botos – river dolphins that have a distinctive pink hue. Botos have traditionally been imbued with supernatural powers in Amazonian culture. This particular location serves as a therapy center for local handicapped children.

2.Bits of glacier dotting the mountains. Photo by fddi1.

3.Birthplace of the watershed. Photo by fddi1.

4.The path to Hidden Lake at Logan Pass. Photo by fddi1.

5.Bear in early summer. Feature photo and photo above by Gregg Treinish.

6.Sunset over Glacier National Park. Photo by backpackphotography.

7.A cloudy day at Glacier. Photo by mtsrs.

8.A mountain goat lingering in the shadows. Photo by Gregg Treinish.

9.A lone house in the wilderness. Photo by .Bala.

10.Bluebird day at Glacier. Photo by celebdu.

11.Upper headwaters in Glacier. Photo by celebdu.

12.Lake Josephine. Photo by Navin75.

13.Grinnell Lake. Photo by Navin75.

1. “While traveling South East Asia things can get pretty hectic. Touts will hassle you, the traffic will test your nerves and the noise can drive you crazy. In Thailand’s far south on the Malaysian border the small island of Ko Lipe will take you away from it all, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy the serenity.” – Dave Bouskill

2. “The beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica. You have to pay to enter the park, so it stays much cleaner than the public beaches in Manuel Antonio. The day I was there, it was closed when I arrived in the morning, but by the afternoon they had opened it with free entry, but by that time people had left, so the park was really empty and it was like our own private beach!” – Powered by Tofu
Photographer: thombo2

3. “I would have to say this photo captures my idea of travel therapy. This was on a hike that I’d wanted to do for a few years but could never work out the logistics to do it. It required 20 miles of kayaking on two different lakes, a 2 mile land portage and a 5 mile hike with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. I eventually found someone crazy enough to do it with me and the weather turned out to be absolutely amazing. Ross Lake is one of the most beautiful places I’ve seen and the view from Desolation Peak is worth every sweat drop of effort getting there.” – Asa

4. “The most perfect day I’ve ever had was in Bourgas, Bulgaria, and I spent a large portion of the day at the beach there…good food, gorgeous day, just wonderful.” – Emilie S
Photographer: Boby Dimitrov

5. “After cycling 4000 km and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro there is no better place to relax than Nungwi, Zanzibar. Turquoise waters, fresh seafood and sandy beaches that reach far out to sea at low tide will wash your blues away and rejuvenate you for the road ahead. Here is my photo of zen.”
- Dave and Deb

6. “I want to escape somewhere where there is nothing to do but look at the sky, the water, and sleep. A beach is great, but being in the mountains in a cabin with a breeze and a beautiful sunset would be awesome too.” – MRS.MOMMYY
Photographer: annia316

7. “I find Bali very therapeutic. It can be very hectic & the traffic is sometimes horrendous (especially around the main tourist areas) but there’s something about the charm and grace of the Balinese, the enchanting scenery and temples, and the amazing spas (the concept was probably invented there!) that I find absolutely soothing. Sinking my feet into the cool sand of Jimbaran or Seminyak with a cold beer and a lobster platter while watching the sunset is my idea of bliss!” – Keith Jenkins

1. Preikestolen, Norway
Photographer: claudiomoderini

2. Gozo Cliffs, Malta
Photographer: ino paap

3. Mystery spot: Let us know in the comments below where this photograph was taken. To the first person that gets it right we’ll send a new Laken water bottle.
Photographer: ?–contact us

4. The Eiger, Switzerland
Photographer: Ai@ce

5. Gordon’s Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa
Photographer: danflo

6. Half Dome, Yosemite National Park, USA
Photographer: jurvetson

7. Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA
Photographer: Mister M•

8. White Mountains, New Hampshire, USA
Photographer: BurningQuestion

9. The Cliffs of Moher, Ireland
Photographer: w00kie

10. Kjerag, Lysefjorden, Norway
Photographer: hakonthingstad

11. Mont Margeriaz, Rhone-Alpes, France
Photographer: *pascal*

12. Zion National Park, USA
Photographer: pawpaw67

13. Pikes Peak, Colorado, USA
Photographer: ishrona

1. “I live in Texas, so on vacation we go to the beach. We have had lots of fun at Corpus Christi and Galveston. Although Galveston was hit by a hurricane and it has not been built back yet. We love to camp out at night and during the day go to the beaches. The kids love this and it is like two vacations in one. Camping and the beach.” – Carlene
Photographer: eschipul

2. “We love Panama City Beach FL. Thanks for the giveaway!” – kim v
Photographer: SugarCreekPhoto

3. “My family loves to go to the Jersey shore, we go to the beach and realx, then walk the board eat and have fun!” – susan
Photographer: joiseyshowaa

4. “My family’s favorite destination is Cape Cod. Quite uncrowded once you get to the Outer Cape, wonderful beaches bay-side and sound-side, beautiful nature, lots of family-friendly places, lots of quiet. It is absolutely dreamy.” – Elena
Photographer: twoblueday

5. “We love to visit Holland, Michigan just about every year. The beaches are beautiful and there is so much to see and do and so many friendly people! Thanks for the contest!” – Hillary Fairchild
Photographer: msprague

6. “Pella Iowa, during the tulip festival is adorable. Cute town, great bakeries, and even a windmill.” – Kelly Ann T.
Photographer: cwwycoff1

7. “It has to be Sanibel Island, Florida. We LOVE it there.” – Carol
“WOW someone else had my destination too. I love Sanibel Island too the shells are fabulous! I try to get there once a year.” – chris swan
Photographer: Christina Welsh (Rin)

8. “My favorite vacation is going to the West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton, Canada) for the day. It’s the water park or the amusement park or just exploring the oh so many shops and maybe just maybe dropping some coin on the way. And you guessed it, for us the only affordable vacation we get most of the time. Every couple of years we do splurge, unfortunately not this year. Cheers.” – Marion Greenwood
Photographer: fdecomite

9. “An often-overlooked (and incredibly cheap) vacation destination within the US is Hermann, Missouri (http://www.hermannmissouri.com/). The locals are friendly, the buildings are German, and the wineries are fantastic. Be sure to stop in to Adam Puchta Winery and try the Norton (grape not available anywhere else!) and the Vignoles. It’s a little out of the way, but really, all good wineries are!” – Colin Wright
Photographer: johnnyalive

10. “My family’s favorite vacation is a trip to the beach, and our favorite beach is on Coronado Island near San Diego. The Hotel del Coronado adds old world charm, and the beach itself is fantastic. Definitely a winner in our books.” – Renee G
Photographer: Pez

11. “We love going to Reno!” – Mishia
Photographer: Zack Sheppard

12. “Our family’s favorite destination so far has been Washington DC–all the sights and history is incredible and it is so green!” – Carol S
Photographer: dbking

1. These women carry haystacks in the hot sun for miles to their home so their cattle can graze.

2. The Nagash Lodge in Weliso glows at night. Their pool and showers are fed from the abundant, natural hot-spring waters in the area.

3. Lake Tana, the largest in Ethiopia, is the source of the Blue Nile. Water plunges as the river descends through the country on its journey to the Sudan and finally Egypt, where it converges with the Nile.

4. This little boy is exhausted from climbing up Wonchi Crater barefoot. He knows he can get money from the rare tourists that visit by guiding them around the area. If he’s lucky, the other guides will pool their earnings.

5. This fallen obelisk in Axum is one of many that were built as early as the 6th century, probably to indicate a burial site. The details of the construction of this massive structure are still a mystery.

6. Our family’s nanny, Etsada, prepares berbere, a main ingredient in Ethiopian cooking. She cuts peppers and leaves them to dry so they can be crushed into powder.

7. A hand-carved statue of Tekle Hiamanot, a holy father turned martyr who legend says lost his right leg for praying on it for 22 years. He then prayed for 7 more on one leg and converted the locals to Christianity.

8. These are ceremonial crowns and processional crosses used by priests for Mass and festivals such as Timket. The crowns date back centuries, belonging to old monarchs.

9. This man notches wood to use for construction in the village of Kosyee.

10. A local shepherd agrees to pose for me as I ask, “Photo lansa?” He was raised at the local church from the age of 5 following the death of his parents.

11. The landscape of Ethiopia is a lush paradise at the end of the rainy season. Yellow flowers, called Meskels, bloom during the festival of the same name in September, and are used in ceremonies. Storage huts are nestled in this field, stocked with tef — wheat grains — that are the primary ingredient for injera, a spongy, sour bread that’s a staple of Ethiopian cuisine.

12. Villagers that live on the way to Wonchi Crater. They yell “Ferenji! Ferenji!” as I pass, which means “foreigner.”

13. This 16th-century castle was built by the Portuguese who settled during the peak of competition over Indian Ocean trade routes. They helped the Ethiopians defend against Muslim expansion in the area and maintain the region’s Christianity.

14. I hear the friction of sticks as this shemany — cloth weaver — produces a traditional Ethiopian textile called tshama. His work is done on a handmade loom as he moves his arms and legs up and down like a puppet on a string.

15. One of the many native monkeys that characterize and make their home at Negash Lodge. This little fellow finds no banana inside the peel and isn’t afraid to mock me.

1. Atop Gokyo Ri (17,575ft/5357m), a trekking peak in the Khumbu Himalaya. On the summit, we were rewarded with stellar views of Cho Oyu, the eighth highest mountain in the world, as well as these frozen prayer flags. Deciding to do an unconventional Nepal trek was one of the most rewarding choices I made during my academic semester there back in 2006. Photographer: Alan

2. Zazen on Mt. Rishiri, Hokkaido. Photographer: Matador’s own Tim Patterson!

3. A man walks alone along a ridge beneath Batian, Mount Kenya’s highest peak (17057 ft). Photographer: Jonny

4. Trekking in Pisac, Peru. Photographer: Lola Akinmade (No, of course she wasn’t eligible to win, but we had to include this great shot anyway!)

5. Six days walking to Annapurna base camp in Nepal only to have the view covered by low level clouds. Once they started clearing though the views were unforgetable. And well woth a picture of course. Photographer: Matt Scott

6. Forget favorite mountain, this has to be one of my favorite spots on the planet: period. Khopara ridge is within a day or two’s trek of the popular Annapurna circuit in Nepal, but only sees 10s of visitors a year. A single rocky trekker’s hut graces the top of the ridge, and lets you sit and contemplate life high above the clouds. Photographer: Andris Bjornson

1. In the ancient city of Bagan, formerly known as Pagan, you will still see oxcarts and horse carts as ordinary transportation. A family pays their respects to the young novice in training as they pass by one of the many hundreds of grand temples and pagodas.

2. This golden cave near Pindaya, Burma, contains over 8,000 images of Buddha in all shapes and sizes. Some of the older statues and images in the cave have inscriptions dating to the late 1700s.

3. Around Inle Lake, you will see the unique Intha Fishermen who balance one foot on the tip of their narrow boat and oar with the other ankle. The golden weir on the boat is the fishing net.

4. Two Intha Fishermen head out from the wharf where we spent a few ends of days — a good time to fish.

5. This man has most likely been forced out of his village to work as hard labor. The more bags of charcoal he can carry off the boat, the more he will earn.

6. Two sisters bathe around 8 a.m. in the large lake near Pindaya across from golden temple spires. They are unashamed to perform their daily ritual as we observe nearby.

7. Our small group attracts many children who offer us fragrant flower necklaces and magic lava rocks. Most people in Burma use thanaka — a paste made from tree bark — to paint their faces and protect them from the sun.

8. Playful novices look forward to a few minutes away from their rigorous training in the monasteries. Their red robes stand out from the old white-washed temple.

9. An 84-year-old nun smokes a cheroot — an herbal tobacco cigarette.

10. In Mt. Popa, Burma, capersome monkeys outnumber the population and live amongst the villagers. They love to perch on monuments and colorful facades for some good portraits!

11. The ruins of Bagan cover an area of 16 square miles. The majority of its buildings were built in the eleventh to thirteenth centuries when Bagan was the capital of the First Burmese Empire. Standing atop one of the thousand temples, a Bagan sunset is an awesomely beautiful and iconic landscape.

12. A timely snapshot of a single monk and cyclist crossing the U-Bein Bridge at sunset while a lone boatman returns to the shore of Taungthaman Lake.

13. Herdsmen, field workers, and families use baskets across their shoulders and on their heads to carry crops, kindling wood, and even their babies. Many smoke cheroot cigars to relax.

14. All young Buddhist boys live at least 6 weeks a year in the monastery during their childhood — many will spend their entire lives. It appears these boys are sharing common stories.

15. Burma’s U-Bein Bridge is the longest teak bridge in the world built from unwanted teak columns from the old palace during the move to Mandalay. Everyday at sunset, monks, cyclists, villagers, and oxen parade across like shadow puppet theatre.