Rivers are crucial sources of freshwater, essential for drinking, irrigation, and sustaining ecosystems. They facilitate trade as natural transport routes, generate renewable energy through hydropower, and support recreation.
Banks of the Nile at Cairo, Francis Frithca. 1857
printed 1870 | MMA 1973.608.1.26
The Nile River is the longest river in Africa—and the world—stretching approximately 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles) from its sources in East Africa to its delta in the Mediterranean Sea. Flowing through eleven countries, including Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia, the Nile has been a vital source of water, transportation, and fertile land for thousands of years. Its annual floods once nourished the soil, making large-scale agriculture possible and supporting the rise of some of the world’s earliest and most influential civilizations. Today, the river remains essential to the livelihoods of millions across the region.
The ancient civilizations of Egypt and the Near East have long fascinated the West. Early travelers brought back stories of exotic lands, which gave rise to myths about buried cities and monuments. In the 19th century, during European colonial expansion, scientific study began to replace romantic speculation. Western museums played a key role, organizing expeditions that shifted from random collecting to systematic excavation and preservation. Both the discoveries and the artifacts captivated a public eager for exploration.Egypt and the Ancient Near East
Spicy Beef/lamb sausage cooked with onion, tomato and jalapenos topped with Tahini sauce
Grilled ground meat mix (beef/lamb
Cairo Restaurant & Cafe
10832 Katella Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840, USA
The Amazon River, a true titan among waterways, is more than just the largest river by discharge volume and the most extensive river system on Earth; it's a pulsing artery of life, weaving a captivating romance through the heart of South America. Its vast basin, a sprawling embrace of approximately 7 million square kilometers (2.7 million square miles), cradles an unparalleled natural beauty. Here, within its verdant arms, lies a realm of exceptional biodiversity, where countless species dance in a delicate, vibrant ballet of existence. The river itself, with its mysterious depths and ever-flowing currents, breathes life into the dense, emerald rainforest that fringes its banks, creating a world of breathtaking wonder and untamed passion. It's a place where every rustle of leaves, every exotic call, every drop of water tells a timeless love story between the river and the wild, thriving life it sustains.
The Classic Bauru Sandwich
It begins with a crusty French roll, its tender crumb meticulously scooped out to create a perfect vessel. Into this hollow sanctuary goes a generous layer of thinly sliced roast beef, each piece promising savory depth. Next, the star of the show: cheese, not merely melted, but transformed in a bain-marie into a glorious, gooey cascade, ready to envelop every other ingredient. Bright, freshly sliced tomatoes add a burst of acidity and juicy freshness, perfectly complemented by the crisp, tangy bite of pickled cucumbers. A final whisper of salt and fragrant oregano completes this symphony of flavors, creating a warm, hearty, and undeniably delicious masterpiece that's much more than just a sandwich—it's a taste of Brazilian heritage.
The Dnieper River is one of Europe’s major rivers, stretching about 1,400 miles through Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine before emptying into the Black Sea. It is Ukraine’s longest river and a vital waterway for transportation, agriculture, and hydroelectric power. The Dnieper has shaped the region’s history, serving as a trade route in ancient times and playing strategic roles in various conflicts. It flows through major cities like Kyiv and Dnipro, providing water and recreation. The river is also culturally significant, featuring in Slavic folklore and literature. Despite environmental challenges, it remains central to the ecological and economic life of Ukraine.
A flavor explosion, a delightful dance of textures and tastes all nestled within that hearty Russian bread! Imagine sinking your teeth through the substantial, dark crust, past the zesty crunch of pickles and onions, into the savory embrace of assorted salami and creamy cheese, all brightened by crisp salad leaves and juicy tomatoes, and finally, brought together by that mysterious, crave-worthy Russian sauce – it's not just a sandwich, it's a ticket to a delicious, deli-inspired adventure!
The Moscow Deli, Coast Mesa, CA
Fragment of a shirt, Late 18th century, Ukrainian
Medium: Silk, linen, metal | MMA 2009.300.2713
This object comes from the collection of Natalia de Shabelsky (1841-1905). Shabelsky was a Russian noblewoman dedicated to preserving the disappearing folk art traditions of her homeland.
She traveled extensively throughout Great Russia, collecting many exquisite examples of textile art created by the wealthy peasant class. From the 1870s until her move to France in 1902, Shabelsky gathered a large collection of intricately embroidered hand-woven household textiles and opulent festival garments featuring rich decoration and elaborate motifs.
The Brooklyn Museum holds many of these fine examples, including most of the garments. Other portions of Shabelsky's collection can be found at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the Cleveland Art Museum, and the Russian Museum of Ethnography in St. Petersburg.
"Rounding a Bend" on the Mississippi, Frances Flora Bond Palmer, 1866, MMA 63.550.47
The Mississippi River is one of the most significant rivers in the United States, running for approximately 3,730 kilometers (2,320 miles). It has played a pivotal role in the country's history, serving as a major trade route, inspiring literature and music, and shaping the development of cities such as New Orleans and St. Louis.
The Muffuletta Sandwich is a true New Orleans classic.
Perfected by its originators at Central Grocery. Served on a hearty 9-inch round Sicilian sesame loaf that remains perfectly crusty, this sandwich is packed with flavor. It’s layered with ham, salami, mortadella, Swiss, provolone, and topped off with their signature marinated olive salad—a tangy mix of Kalamata and green olives, along with an array of pickled vegetables. Every bite is a delicious testament to its Crescent City roots.
The Mekong River is a major waterway in Southeast Asia, stretching over 4,900 kilometers from China to Vietnam. It flows through six countries and supports more than 60 million people who rely on it for fishing, farming, and transport. Rich in biodiversity, the river is home to rare species like the Irrawaddy dolphin and giant catfish.
The Mekong’s seasonal floods nourish farmland, especially in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, a key rice-growing region. Culturally and economically vital, the river also faces threats from dam construction, climate change, and pollution. Regional efforts aim to manage these challenges and protect the Mekong’s future as a lifeline for millions.
It starts with a crispy, airy French baguette and is typically filled with savory ingredients like pork, pâté, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, cilantro, and chili peppers. The sandwich reflects Vietnam’s colonial history, where French bread met local flavors. Bánh mì can feature a variety of proteins such as grilled pork, chicken, tofu, or cold cuts. Balanced with fresh herbs and tangy pickles, it offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes—crunchy, soft, salty, sweet, and spicy—in every bite. It’s street food with global appeal.
THH Sandwiches 15972 S Euclid St # A
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
The Volga River is the longest river in Europe, stretching about 2,300 miles through central Russia before emptying into the Caspian Sea. It has played a vital role in Russian history, culture, and economy for centuries. Often referred to as “Mother Volga,” it flows through major cities like Volgograd, Kazan, and Nizhny Novgorod. The river supports agriculture, industry, and transportation, and is a key source of hydroelectric power. It also holds spiritual and cultural significance, inspiring countless works of Russian art, literature, and music. The Volga River basin is home to nearly half of Russia’s population.
Forget diplomatic relations; the real international exchange is happening at The Moscow Deli in Costa Mesa. Their signature sandwich brings together the best of Russian heartiness with a distinctly American deli flair. We're talking substantial Russian Bread cradling rich Moscow Ham, perfectly complemented by the unexpected yet delightful pairing of crisp coleslaw, piquant onions, and gooey cheese. And holding it all together? That mysterious, delectable Russian Sauce. It's a flavor summit meeting in every bite – no visa required.
The Moscow Deli, Coast Mesa, CA
Four Icons from a Pair of Doors (Panels), possibly part of a Polyptych: John the Theologian and Prochoros, the Baptism (Epiphany), Harrowing of Hell (Anastasis), and Saint Nicholas | The MET
This object originates from the collection of Natalia de Shabelsky (1841–1905), a Russian noblewoman devoted to preserving her country’s vanishing folk art traditions. Throughout her extensive travels across Great Russia, Shabelsky acquired remarkable examples of textile artistry created by the affluent peasant class. Between the 1870s and her relocation to France in 1902, she assembled a significant collection of hand-woven household textiles and lavish festival garments, distinguished by intricate embroidery and elaborate decorative motifs.
The Brooklyn Museum now houses many of these outstanding pieces, including the majority of the garments. Additional works from Shabelsky’s collection are held by the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Russian Museum of Ethnography in St. Petersburg.
The Chicago River is renowned for an incredible feat of engineering: its flow was completely reversed in 1900. Originally, the river emptied into Lake Michigan, which was also the city's source of drinking water. As Chicago grew, this led to severe public health crises due to sewage and industrial waste polluting the lake. To combat this, engineers devised and executed an audacious plan: build the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal along with a complex system of locks and pumping stations to send the river's flow, and the city's waste, away from Lake Michigan and towards the Mississippi River system.
Forget deep dish, the true taste of Chicago legend for me was Harry Caray's Club Sandwich. It wasn't just a sandwich; it was a monument to deli perfection. Each layer was a testament to quality – the perfectly toasted bread, not too brittle, not too soft, giving way to generous, top-shelf turkey and crispy, smoky bacon. Then came the fresh, vibrant lettuce and juicy, ripe tomatoes, all bound together by just the right amount of creamy, tangy mayo. It was robust, satisfying, and every bite felt like a home run – a classic in a city of classics.
Harry Caray's Italian Steak House | Chicago, IL
Confluence of the Iguazu and Parana rivers, Puerto Iguazu, Misiones, Argentina.
The Paraná River, South America’s second-longest at 4,880 kilometers, it flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina before forming the Río de la Plata. Originating in Brazil, it is a vital waterway for transport and home to major hydroelectric projects like the Itaipu Dam. Its basin supports diverse ecosystems and rich biodiversity but faces challenges like deforestation, pollution, and habitat loss.
The skirt steak sandwich from Grand Casino Bakery & Café an Argentine restaurant in Culver City is a standout. Thick-cut, perfectly charred steak reveals a rosy center, tucked into hearty rustic bread that holds up beautifully. Crisp lettuce, chimichurri, and a layer of thinly sliced tomato and cheese adds brightness and complexity. This sweet-savory combo elevates the sandwich from good to unforgettable, showcasing thoughtful ingredients and creative flair. A must-try for anyone craving something both satisfying and a delicious.
Grand Casino Bakery & Café | Culver City, CA
Sandwich and Art