Salsa & Sunshine
The quote “To dance is to be yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful” - Agnes De Mille
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome, curious travelers and rhythm seekers, to this sun-soaked chapter of the Around the World journey. This series is a global dive into the essence of every country, one brief stop at a time, so we can better understand the world we share, and maybe even ourselves along the way.
Today’s destination? “Salsa & Sunshine.” We’re heading into the heart of warmth and movement, where Caribbean shores and Central rhythms weave cultures that dance far beyond borders.
Join me as we touch down in Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, and Guatemala. Each place pulsing with heritage, flavor, and stories that sing through the streets. Let’s step into their light.
My hand-drawn flag of Cuba
CUBA
Official language: Republic of Cuba
Pronunciation: kyoo-buh
Capital: Havana
Official language: Spanish
Location: Island country in the Caribbean near coast of Florida in the Northern Hemsiphere
Surrounding countries: Near Bahamas, USA, Jamaica, Mexico
Most known for: Its vintage cars, salsa, and rumba
Fun fact: Home to the world’s smallest bird, the bee hummingbird
Recent news article: Cuban scientists race against time to save fish as old as the dinosaurs (Alien Fernandez, 2025)
My knowledge: A little bit about Cuba
My hand-drawn flag of Dominican
DOMINICA
Official language: Commonwealth of Dominica
Pronunciation: daa-muh-nee-kuh
Capital: Roseau
Official language: English
Location: Island country in Eastern Caribbean in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and Grenadines
Most known for: Known for being “Nature Island” in the Caribbean due to its rainforests, volcanoes, and natural hot springs
Fun fact: Has the world’s second-largest boiling lake
Recent news article: Discover Dominica Authorite Launches “Nature of Love” Campaign (Brian Major, 2025)
My knowledge: Not too much
My hand-drawn flag of the Dominican Republic
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Official language: República Dominica
Pronunciation: duh-mi-nuh-kuhn ruh-puh-bluhk
Capital: Santo Domingo
Official language: Spanish
Location: In Central Caribbean in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Haiti
Most known for: Baseball and beaches
Fun fact: Oldest country in the Americas
Recent news article: Why Is The Dominican Republic Seeing A Record High in 2025? (Shannon Dawson, 2025)
My knowledge: I know bits and pieces
My hand-drawn flag of El Salvador
EL SALVADOR
Official language: The Republic of El Salvador
Pronunciation: ehl sal-vuh-dor
Capital: San Salvador
Official language: Spanish
Location: In Central America on the western side in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Guatemala and Honduras
Most known for: Being “Land of Volcanoes”
Fun fact: Smallest country in Central America
Recent news article: El Salvador: The Making Of A Sovereign Nation (Efrat Fenigson, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not very familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Grenada
GRENADA
Official language: Grenada
Pronunciation: bruh-naa-duh
Capital: Saint George’s
Official language: English
Location: Island country on Eastern portion of the Caribbean in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Saint Vincent and Grenadines and Barbados
Most known for: Being the home of spices, such as nutmeg and cinnamon. Even nicknamed “Spice Isle”
Fun fact: Home to a lake in a volcano, known as Grand Etang Lake and Lake Antoine
Recent news article: Aquanauts Grenada launches “Roots-to-Reef Retreats” at DEMA Show 2025 (Mark Evans, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not very familiar
My hand-drawn flag of Guatemala
GUATEMALA
Official language: The Republic of Guatemala
Pronunciation: gwaa-tuh-maa-luh
Capital: Guatemala City
Official language: Spanish
Location: Central American country location on the western side in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Mexico, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras
Most known for: Their ancient ruins
Fun fact: Considered to be the birthplace of chocolate as it was seen as “food of the Gods”
Recent news article: Archaeologist’s uncover unique mosaic Patella board in Guatemala, redefining Maya gaming traditions (Dario Radley, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not too familiar
From the vibrant beats of Havana to the misty highlands of Guatemala, this journey through Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, and Guatemala. It reminds us that culture isn’t just preserved, it’s lived, danced, and shared out loud. These are countries that prove joy can be resistance, rhythm can be memory, and sunshine isn’t just weather, it’s a way of life.
Travel suggestion? In places where history runs deep and music flows freely, your best guide might be a stranger with a story. So, slow down, listen, and maybe join the dance.
I’d love to hear from you though, have you visited, lived in, or are you from any of these countries? Drop your experiences, favorite moments, or tips in the comments.
And don’t miss our next flight in the Around the World series, it takes off in just two days. If you interested in seeing future flights, click here. Until next time!
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.***
