Only the most intrepid urban explorers cross the tattered ruins of the old Iron Curtain to endure the excessive bureaucracy, military paranoia and freezing winds of the East to hunt for the ghosts of an empire. Rebecca Litchfield is one who couldn’t resist the haunting allure of the ruins of the Soviet Union.

Vendors selling candied haws wait for customers at the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in Harbin, China, January 4, 2016. The festival is open from Jan. 5 till Feb. 5, 2016, and is aimed at attracting both foreign and local visitors to experience the beauty of the ice and snow. (Photo by Wang Zhao/AFP Photo)

A man and a girl take a dip in icy waters during celebrations for the Orthodox Epiphany in the Sea of Japan in the far eastern city of Vladivostok, Russia, January 19, 2016. Orthodox believers mark Epiphany on January 19 by immersing themselves in icy waters regardless of the weather. (Photo by Yuri Maltsev/Reuters)

A woman takes a picture of a Maserati's SUV model Levante during the Auto China 2016 show in Beijing, China April 25, 2016. (Photo by Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters)

Models present creations from the La Perla Autumn/Winter 2017 collection during New York Fashion Week in the Manhattan borough of New York, U.S., February 9, 2017. (Photo by Brendan McDermid/Reuters)

Kendall Jenner attends “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala – Arrivals at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by David Fisher/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

My name is Jakub and I’m a painter, illustrator & concept artist who lives and work in Poland. My speciality is dark fantasy, character design, concept art and portrait. Since several years I work and paint digitally, but I never gave up traditional drawing and painting. For me the most important in my work, is create unique atmosphere and tell some kind of story through my creations.

“Sunward”. When the Mediterrenean Mantis opened its wings, It seemed very impressive at the sunshine... Photo location: Nicosia, Cyprus. (Photo and caption by Hasan Baglar/National Geographic Photo Contest)