Temples & Tropics
A tropic-like plant to represent this post “Temples & Tropics”
Editor’s note: This post will continue to evolve as I do.
Welcome back, wanderers and warm souls, to another leg of our Around the World journey. A series created to explore the heart of every nation with curiosity and care, one flight at a time. Whether you’re joining for the first time or returning for more, you’re right on time.
Today’s chapter, “Temples & Tropics,” takes us into lands steeped in rhythm and ruin. From Mayan ruins to island songs, these nations hold ancient stories beneath the sun. It’s where history hums through the jungle canopies and echoes across ocean tides.
Join me as we step into the vibrant worlds of Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Panama. Each rich in roots, resilience, and a rhythm all their own.
My hand-drawn flag of Haiti
HAITI
Official name: The Republic of Haiti
Pronunciation: hay-tee
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Official language: Haitian Creole and French
Location: In the Central Eastern part of the Caribbean in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Dominican Republic. Near Puerto Rico and Jamaica
Most known for: First independent nation in the Caribbean
Fun fact: Home to the world’s largest solar-powered hospital, Hospital Universitaire De Mirebalais
Recent news article: Thirteen Days in Haiti: Sailboats, ‘saints’ and staff calm traffic, airline and official pains (Fritznel D. Octave, 2025)
My knowledge: I don’t know too much
My hand-drawn flag of Honduras
HONDURAS
Official name: Republic of Honduras
Pronunciation: haan-dur-uhs
Capital: Tegucigalpa
Official language: Spanish
Location: In the Caribbean on the Central Western coastline in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua
Most known for: Its natural beauty, including the barrier reef and Mayan ruins
Fun fact: Only Central American country without volcanoes
Recent news article: How to Celebrate Easter in Honduras (James Hyde, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m unfamiliar with Honduras
My hand-drawn flag of Jamaica
JAMAICA
Official name: Jamaica
Pronunciation: juh-may-kuh
Capital: Kingston
Official language: English
Location: Off to the Central Eastern side of the Caribbean in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Near Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic
Most known for: Athletics, such as its sprinters
Fun fact: The first tropical nation to compete in the Winter Olympics Bobsledding event
Recent news article: What Jamaica Wants After Deadly Hurricane? ‘Visit Us’ Island Says (Frances Robles, 2025)
My knowledge: Someone once recommended their Blue Mountain coffee, but aside from that, Usain Bolt and other Jamaican Olympic athletes, and Jamaican/reggae music, there’s not much else I know
My hand-drawn flag of Mexico
MEXICO
Official name: United Mexican States
Pronunciation: mek-suh-kow
Capital: Mexico City
Official language: While Spanish is the national language and most often used by the government, Mexico has 68 official languages
Location: In the southern portion of North America in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: USA, Belize, and Guatemala
Most known for: Day of the Dead celebrations and good food
Fun fact: Home to the world’s smallest volcano, Cuexcomate
Recent news article: Women artisans train as instructors to professionalize safeguarding of Mayan Embroidery in Mexico (UNESCO, 2025)
My knowledge: More familiar with Mexico. It does help that it borders the USA
My hand-drawn flag of Nicaragua
NICARAGUA
Official name: Republic of Nicaragua
Pronunciation: ni-kr-aa-gwuh
Capital: Managua
Official language: Spanish, but there are also recognized regional languages along the coasts as well
Location: In Central Caribbean along the western coast in the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Honduras and Costa Rica
Most known for: Being the “Land of Fire and Water” for its large lakes and volcanoes, many of whom are along the Ring of Fire
Fun fact: There’s such a thing as volcano boarding, where you can surf down a volcano on a sandboard
Recent news article: How to Celebrate Easter in Nicaragua (James Dyde, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not very familiar with Nicaragua
My hand-drawn flag of Panama
PANAMA
Official name: Republic of Panama
Pronunciation: pa-nuh-maa
Capital: Panama City
Official language: Spanish
Location: In Southern portion of the Caribbean as it connects North America to South America. It is within the Northern Hemisphere
Surrounding countries: Costa Rica and Colombia
Most known for: The Panama Canal
Fun fact: Has the world’s oldest railroad, the Panama Railroad. It was completed in 1855
Recent news article: Panama knows how to party (Doane Line, 2025)
My knowledge: I’m not familiar with Panama
From the highlands of Honduras to the shores of Jamaica, and the ruins of Mexico to the crossroads of Panama, this journey through “Temples & Tropics” reminds us that history isn’t just found in museums, it’s alive in the colors, languages, and music of everyday life. These nations show that even in places shaped by storms and struggle, beauty finds a way to bloom.
Travel tip? Don’t rush through vibrant places. Instead, listen longer, linger in the shade taking in the magnificent beauty, ask the locals more questions. The slower you go, the deeper the story unfolds.
I’d love to hear from you, have you traveled to any of these countries, or do you call one of them home? Share your thoughts and memories below.
And don’t forget, the Around the World series continues in just three days. Next stop? Check 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.***
