A Japanese artist is making a name for himself by creating animal sculptures out of balloons. Masayoshi Matsumoto, 29, has thus far created a wide range of intricate figures from the animal kingdom. Here: Blobfish by Masayoshi Matsumoto. (Photo by Masayoshi Matsumoto/Caters News Agency)

“Touring the Koko-en Gardens adjacent to the Himeji castle was an unexpected highlight of our visit”, wrote Jeff Solar, 64, of Silver Spring, Md., about his trip to Japan. “The fall colors were outstanding and the gardens were both amazing and a bargain (just a few Yen added to the cost of the Himeji Castle admission)”. (Photo by Jeff Solar/2017 Washington Post Travel Photo Contest)

Spur Lacasse of Cochrane, Alberta rides the horse Rebel Warrior in the novice bareback event during the Calgary Stampede rodeo in Calgary, Alberta, in this July 12, 2014 file photo. (Photo by Todd Korol/Reuters)

Aubrey Zimmermann, 9-months-old, poses for a photo with Santa at the Willow Grove Park Mall ahead of Christmas in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, U.S. December 3, 2021. (Photo by Hannah Beier/Reuters)

A Manchester City fan attends the trophy ceremony after the end of the Soccer Club World Cup final match between Manchester City FC and Fluminense FC at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, December 22, 2023. Manchester City won 4-0. (Photo by Manu Fernandez/AP Photo)

Sara Sorribes Tormo of Team Spain plays a back hand in the Women's singles match against Beatriz Haddad Maia of Team Brazil during day one of the 2024 United Cup at RAC Arena on December 29, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)

A member of the Army Service Corps “Tornadoes” of the Indian Army participates in a full dress rehearsal to celebrate India's Republic Day on January 24, 2024 in Bengaluru, India. India celebrates its Republic Day on January 26. (Photo by Abhishek Chinnappa/Getty Images)

“Super Enerji”. Taken on my road trip through Turkey. (Photo and caption by Michelle Brandemuehl/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)

ATTENTION! All pictures are presented in high resolution. To see Hi-Res images – just TWICE click on any picture. In other words, click small picture – opens the BIG picture. Click BIG picture – opens VERY BIG picture.