Islands & Maple Leaves
A photo of fall maple leaves to represent the post title of “Islands & Maple Leaves.”
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome back, travelers both old souls and new seekers alike, to another stop on the Around the World journey. Recently, we completed our trip around Europe. Now, we are traveling across North America and the Caribbean. But before we get any further into today’s travels, the Around the World experience is all about helping us reconnect with the globe. One post at a time. Through quick, meaningful overviews of every country and their: name, flag, location, and a touch of soul (aka a recent news article), so we can understand the world we share better.
Today’s chapter “Islands & Maple Leaves,” takes us through six countries that span seas and seasons. From tropical isles to northern forests, these nations tell North America’s story in many accents. They’re rhythmic, warm, grounded, and bold. To start off today’s adventure, we’ll be visiting Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, and Costa Rica. Each a postcard in its own right with histories far deeper than the waters or woods they’re known for. So, let’s begin the journey, eh?
My hand-drawn flag of Antigua and Barbuda
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Official name: Antigua and Barbuda
Pronunciation: an-tee-guh and Baar-boo-duh
Capital: St. John’s
Official language: English
Location: Island in the Eastern Caribbean Sea in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Saint Kitts & Nevis and Dominica
Most known for: Its beaches, specifically having 365 of them
Fun fact: Antigua means “ancient” while Barbuda means “bearded” in Spanish
Recent news article: Solid, Stable, Soaring - Antigua and Barbuda at 44 Years of Independence (Jeff Stevens, 2025)
My knowledge: I don’t know all that much
My hand-drawn flag of the Bahamas
BAHAMAS
Official name: The Commonwealth of the Bahamas
Pronunciation: buh-haa-muhz
Capital: Nassau
Official language: English
Location: A group of islands located in the Atlantic Ocean near-ish to Florida in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near USA and Cuba
Most known for: Clear, blue water and beaches
Fun fact: Home to the world’s deepest blue hole also referred to as Dean’s Blue Hole. If you’re looking for more information, check out the Dean’s Blue Hole site, here.
Recent news article: A November to Remember: Gratitude Meets Island Grandeur in The Bahamas (The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, 2025)
My knowledge: I know a little
My hand-drawn flag of Barbados
BARBADOS
Official name: Republic of Barbados
Pronunciation: baar-bay-dows
Capital: Bridgetown
Official language: English
Location: Eastern Caribbean island in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Grenada
Most known for: Its beautiful beaches
Fun fact: Has the 3rd oldest parliament in the world
Recent news article: “Positive response” to farming, fishing initiative (Colville Mounsey, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not too familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Belize
BELIZE
Official name: Belize
Pronunciation: buh-leez
Capital: Belmopan
Official language: English
Location: In Central America on the Caribbean coast in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Mexico and Guatemala
Most known for: The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Fun fact: Only Central American country with English as its official language
Recent news article: VIDEO: How Belize chocolate supports rainforest conservation (Michael Stocks, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not very familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Canada
CANADA
Official name: Canada
Pronunciation: CAN-uh-duh
Capital: Ottawa
Official language: French and English
Location: In Northern part of North America in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: USA
Most known for: Maple syrup and hockey
Fun fact: Has the world’s longest coastline
Recent news article: Dreams Take Flight for More Than 1,000 Kids in 2025 (Jen Mallia, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m familiar with Canada
My hand-drawn flag of Costa Rica
COSTA RICA
Official name: Republic of Costa Rica
Pronunciation: kow-stuh ree-kuh
Capital: San José
Official language: Spanish
Location: In Central America in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Nicaragua and Panama
Most known for: Its natural beauty with rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches
Fun fact: Has high biodiversity. So much so, that its comprises 5% of the world’s biodiversity on less than 1% of the planet’s surface
Recent news article: Costa Rican pineapples take centre stage in new European campaign (Maura Maxwell, 2025)
My knowledge: I only know a little about Costa Rica
From the turquoise tides of the Caribbean to the whispering pines of the Canadian north, this chapter through Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, and Costa Rica reminds us that North America isn’t just one story, it’s a layered song of rhythm, resilience, and rooted culture. Whether it’s the pulse of island drums or the stillness of snowfall, these nations show us that identity isn’t fixed, it flows.
The takeaway? In places shaped by colonial echoes and indigenous wisdom, listening, not labeling, is the greatest form of respect. Every voice has weight, every place has depth.
I want to hear from you: Have you visited, lived in, or were born in one of these countries? I’d love to hear your stories, memories, or even recommendations.
And if this sparked your wanderlust, stay tuned. Our next flight in the Around the World series takes off in two day. If you want to be prepped ahead of time, check out the itinerary, right here.
As a signature of my blog, I’d like to end this post with a suggestion to “Pass on kindness.” There’s no time like the present to Inspire Those Who Inspire You. Acts of kindness, no matter how big or small, can have a direct, positive impact on someone else. Go out there today and change someone’s life for the better!
***These are my personal opinions and may not be those of my employer.***
