Around the world in one week: New York City

So far this Geography Awareness Week (November 16-22, 2008) we have tested our knowledge of Hungary and Croatia, then stepped back in time to Hungary prior to 1918 and to the former Austria-Hungary. These areas were each home to various branches of my family at one point in time.

Now we "jump across the pond" (as they say) and bring our focus to New York City where many of my Hungarian and Croatian immigrant ancestors made their new homes. (You might be interested to know that New York City has ten official "sister cities", one of which is Budapest, Hungary.)

The Big Apple is one of the most famous cities in the world. Chances are that you've visited at least once in your life. But how much do you know about the city's geography?

Here are your geography challenges of the day:

New York City quiz

New York City boroughs and waterways quiz

New York City landmarks and neighborhoods quiz

I hope you have enjoyed this little focus on the world this week here at 100 Years in America, and I hope you'll take continue with this week's focus and venture out further into the world of geography.

The New York City skyline image is a view of Midtown Manhattan at night.

Around the world in one week: going back in time

Today our focus on geography for Geography Awareness Week (November 16-22, 2008) takes us back in time. A family historian can never be content with current maps of places of interest. Cities, counties and countries change over time and understanding places in the past requires a look at maps and images of former days.

The country of Hungary, on which you were quizzed on Monday, has changed much over the years. Try your hand at identifying its counties in an earlier time:

Quiz on the counties of Hungary until 1919

The former Austria-Hungary encompassed many modern countries, including Hungary and Croatia. If you have a little knowledge of this historic area, try your hand at the following:

Quiz on the nations of the former Austria-Hungary

If you've been trying out this week's quizzes and are feeling a little, let's say "geographically challenged", please know that you are not alone. We all need a refresher course every once and awhile to reacquaint ourselves with the amazing planet that we live on.

Stay tuned for additional challenges to your geographic knowledge about the world during this Geography Awareness Week 2008.

Image: Coat of Arms of Austria-Hungary, 1915.

Around the world in one week: second stop Croatia

As we continue to celebrate Geography Awareness Week (November 16-22, 2008) 100 Years in America moves on from Hungary to nearby Croatia: Republika Hrvatska.

Although its borders were only recently defined, the country of Croatia has a long history. Try your hand at a few quizzes to test your knowledge of some of its cities, counties, regions and national parks.


Croatian geography quiz

Cities of Croatia quiz

Counties of Croatia quiz

Need a little more study on the geography of Croatia? Try this Croatian geography website to get started.

Stay tuned for additional challenges to your geographic knowledge about the world during this Geography Awareness Week 2008.

Croatian flag image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Around the world in one week: first stop Hungary

In honor of this Geography Awareness Week (November 16-22, 2008) 100 Years in America challenges you to expand your knowledge of the world. As you may know, I am a fan of many of the world's countries and cultures, but this week I plan to highlight the areas of the world most near and dear to the heart of 100 Years in America.

Beginning today, November 17, let's focus on Hungary. Today is the feast day of my patron saint: Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Szent Erzsébet in Hungarian. (Since there is not yet a St. Lisa, she is my "name saint" of choice!)

What better day to refresh our knowledge of the geography of the country of Hungary?

Landlocked in the middle of central Europe, the modern borders of the country were established shortly after World War I. Think you know a little bit about Hungary? Try your hand at the following quizzes to gauge your knowledge:

Cities of Hungary quiz

Counties of Hungary quiz

Budapest quiz

Not yet ready for a test but want to expand your knowledge? Visit this Hungary geography webpage to get started.

Stay tuned this week to 100 Years in America for more challenges to your geographic knowledge about the world during this Geography Awareness Week 2008.

Painting depicting The Charity of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary by 19th-century artist Edmund Blair Leighton.

Remembering the departed on All Souls' Day

On the heels of All Saints' Day (celebrated yesterday with fanfare in many parts of the world) is the feast of All Souls', a day to honor all those who have died.


On this day Catholics in Croatia, along with others throughout the world, remember and pray for their departed loved ones, visiting cemeteries and lighting candles in their honor.

This tradition is carried out in Croatian cemeteries both large and small. Mirogoj, the beautiful and often visited cemetery in Zagreb, is known for the spectacular pilgrimage that brings many onto its grounds each November 2. In the evening Mirogoj will be glowing with thousands of candles lit by loved ones remembering their departed.

My ancestors are buried in smaller cemeteries in the northern villages of Croatia, and since I won't be able to visit their graves this Dan mrtvih (All Souls' Day), I remember them here and share with you some images of the Međimurje region, where many of them are laid to rest.



A blessed All Saints' Day (Dan svih svetih) and All Souls' Day (Dan mrtvih) to you!

Image and video thanks to Turistička zajednica Međimurske županije (Međimurje Tourist Board).