Rijeka sits at the head of Kvarner Bay on Croatia’s northern Adriatic, shaped by its long role as a port city at the crossroads of empires.

Mishima is a city in eastern Shizuoka Prefecture, located at the northern end of the Izu Peninsula near the foot of Mount Fuji. The city is closely connected with the abundant spring water that flows from the mountain through its urban landscape. Rivers, canals, ponds, and walking paths give Mishima a distinctive relationship with water, while its location provides access to both the Izu Peninsula and the Mount Fuji area.

Mikulov, located in the heart of South Moravia in the Czech Republic, is a picturesque town known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and exceptional wine culture. Dominating the skyline is Mikulov Castle, an elegant Baroque structure that has been a cultural landmark since the 13th century. Visitors can explore the castle’s historical exhibitions, including a fascinating display on the region’s winemaking traditions.

Joplin, Missouri, sits in the southwestern corner of the state within the Ozarks region, where rolling woodland, limestone formations, and waterways surround a city shaped by mining, transportation, and Route 66. Its downtown combines historic buildings, murals, independent businesses, restaurants, and cultural venues, while the Murphysburg Historic District preserves some of the community’s older residential architecture.

Mount Hood National Forest covers a large area of the Cascade Range east of Portland, centered on Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest peak. The forest contains volcanic mountains, deep river valleys, alpine meadows, dense conifer forests, and numerous lakes and streams. Mount Hood itself dominates the landscape, rising above surrounding foothills and visible from many parts of the region.