Matt Ozug

From left, students Erin Addison, Evan Addison and Andrew Arevalo of the Steel City Academy look over a planning map of Gary, Ind. Courtesy of Bill Healy hide caption

Caminantes walk back toward Venezuela on the road between Bogotá and Socorro, Colombia. Thousands cross the border each day. Many head back to their home country after failing to find work or shelter. Ryan Kellman/NPR hide caption

Roger Tofte in front of his first creation, the Castle, at the Enchanted Forest in Turner, Ore. Samir S. Patel/Atlas Obscura hide caption

Joshua Tree National Park lies about two hours south of Los Angeles. Samir S. Patel/Atlas Obscura hide caption

Chef James Syhabout says that, as he was writing the Hawker Fare cookbook, certain recipes became time machines, reminding him of who was in the room when it was made, and the surrounding colors and smells in the atmosphere. Eric Wolfinger/HaperCollins Publishers hide caption

Chef Erin French, who is self-taught, opened the Lost Kitchen in her hometown of Freedom, Maine. This year, when the restaurant began taking reservations on April 1, it sold out all seatings for the entire year within hours. Courtesy of Nicole Franzen hide caption

Ken Rapopo throws a pigeon in the air during a practice flight. This male pigeon will fly about 2 miles back to the winner's circle to find its female partner. Rapopo reports the bird's movements by walkie-talkie until it disappears from view. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Dr. Sandeep Nanwani checks Madame Wiwik's coordination and reflexes. She's in her late 60s and recently had a stroke. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

Paulus stands in the shell of the Yasmin church. He hopes to one day be able to practice his religion in safety. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption

A man gazes out at the water during a four-hour journey from Bali to Lombok. The public ferries are a key link for a nation spanning some 17,000 islands. Claire Harbage/NPR hide caption