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Even when architect Antonio Francisco Lisboa could no longer use his hands, he never ceased building the magnificent Late Baroque churches of Brazil, carving intricate religious scenes into soapstone facades. He tied his tools to his arms, working late into the night on his masterpieces and earning the title Aleijadinho, meaning “The Little Cripple.” At the time of his death, Brazil was in its last year of colonialism, but the echoes of his extraordinary life’s story continue to linger throughout the hallowed churches of Ouro Preto.

The United States government has a list, updated almost frequently to include all travel warnings to civilians, advising them on precarious situations in locations around the world. Some countries stay on the list for the blink of an eye; others remain for years. While the government cannot of course forbid us from visiting these countries, the list uses no uncertain terms: “We want you to know the risks of traveling to these places and to strongly consider not going to them at all.”