“Kenan’s life used to be different, easier. As an executive for the state’s largest hospital system, the money once slipped into his bank account like his fluffy childhood St. Bernard, Baron.

The time we spend working is time spent serving, agonizing, creating, thinking and toiling. In the 22nd volume of Stranger’s Guide, you’ll find stunning photo essays from Nigeria, China, Venezuela, and New York—all exploring the theme of work and labor.

“Certain professions have traditionally been deemed unsuitable for women based on cultural expectations of femininity. Across Nigeria, where gender has long dictated the boundaries of possibility, women are stepping into roles historically reserved for men.

“The transportation system in Caracas, Venezuela is as anachronistic as it is resilient. Many buses in daily operation are 50 to 60 years old, and are primarily used by the city’s poorest residents, as the metro does not reach many low-income areas.

“A few years ago I discovered a collection of vintage photos of my mother as a 'white-collar' office worker in New York City in the late 1960s."

We are thrilled to announce our first-ever photography issue!

Check out this week's Long Read, "Egyptian Antiquities" by Sarah El-Shaarawi from our Mediterranean guide here on our Substack: open.substack.com/pub/strang…

Check out the essay we highlighted in our recent Weekly Long Read newsletter, “Prison Limits” by Michela Bowman from our Scandinavia guide here on our Substack: strangersguide.substack.com/…

Head to our Substack to read our recent Weekly Long Read, "Legal Lynching" by Maurice Chammah with photography from Bruce Jackson from our Texas guide. Check it out here: open.substack.com/pub/strang…

"Pidgin English and art have always been intricately linked in Nigeria. Frowned upon in schools as a broken language, it may be the most widely spoken language not yet with a formal orthography, although several have been developed..."