March 2020

According to some sources, the first version of Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral (the subject of our January mystery photo), located in Granada, Nicaragua, was built almost 500 years ago, in 1525. Despite its having suffered fires twice by 1578 (the original building included a straw roof), it became known as La Iglesia Bonita (The Beautiful Church). It wasn't until 1751 that the structure was rebuilt with more durable materials: stone and and brick.

Image

Dear Globetrotter:

The topic “I Adore Ecuador” was contributed by Marcia Brandes of Atlanta, Georgia, and it inspired numerous essays. ITN staff did the judging, and the clear winner was the essay by ROBERT GANDT, earning him a 2-year extension to his subscription to ITN (or he can pass his prize along to a friend). Coming in at second place was the work of JULIE YUAN-MIU, who gets a 1-year extension.

India is the world’s largest producer of mangoes, its national fruit.