Countries Reviews

MARTINIQUE, THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF FLOWERS

MARTINIQUE – THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF FLOWERS

MARTINIQUE – THE CARIBBEAN ISLAND OF FLOWERS

Martinique is a French Caribbean island in the Lesser Antilles. It is located precisely in the Windward Islands, between St Lucia and Dominica. Its capital is Fort-de-France, and it has a population of almost 350,000. Moreover, Martinique is known for its pristine beaches, volcanic landscapes, rich history, and its blend of French and Caribbean cultures. Martinique, the Caribbean Island of Flowers, is so named because  its rich volcanic soil and tropical rainfall, create the ideal condition for dense, lush, colourful, and diverse flora to thrive.

Furthermore, the island stands out as one of the Caribbean’s premier destinations because it offers the best of both worlds- modern amenities and pristine, unspoiled nature. Tourism is a primary part of its economy due to its beautiful beaches and natural scenery. In addition, other important industries include rum production, banana farming, sugar cane, and other agricultural products. Please continue reading to learn more about my visit to Martinique – the Caribbean Island of Flowers.

The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden. Martinique, the Caribbean Island of Flowers
The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden
The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden. Martinique, the Caribbean Island of Flowers
The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden
The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden. Martinique, the Caribbean Island of Flowers
The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden
Enjoying the lush greenery at the Balalta Gardens
The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden. Martinique, the Caribbean Island of Flowers
The beautiful flowers at the Balata Garden

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Guadeloupe, the butterfly-shaped Isle of the Caribbean

GUADELOUPE - THE BUTTERFLY-SHAPED ISLE OF THE CARIBBEAN

GUADELOUPE - THE BUTTERFLY-SHAPED ISLE OF THE CARIBBEAN

Guadeloupe is a French archipelago, geographically located in the Lesser Antilles, a chain of islands in the Caribbean. It comprises more than twelve islands, six of which are inhabited. The main inhabited islands include Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, and the smaller islands of Marie-Galante, La Desirade, and the two islands of Iles des Saintes (Terre-de-Bas and Terre-de-Haut). These islands were originally called “Karukera” (the Island of Beautiful Waters) by the Amerindians, specifically the Arawaks and Caribs.

Guadeloupe, the butterfly-shaped isles of the Caribbean, is formed by the two main islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre. Grande-Terre represents the flatter eastern wing, while Basse-Terre forms the mountainous western wing. Between the two islands lies a narrow channel called the Riviere Salee (Salt River), which separates them and, together, forms the distinctive butterfly shape.

Basse-Terre is the official capital of Guadeloupe and is located on the island of Basse-Terre (not to be confused with Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts and Nevis). However, Pointe-a-Pitre, located on Grande-Terre Island, is the largest city and the economic and administrative hub of Guadeloupe. As of 2025, Guadeloupe’s population is almost 400,000, and its economy relies on agriculture, light industry, tourism, and services. Please continue reading to learn more about my trip to Guadeloupe, the butterfly-shaped isles of the Caribbean.

The Waterfront port near Place de la Victoire
The Waterfront port near Place de la Victoire. Guadeloupe, the butterfly-shaped isles of the Caribbean
The Waterfront port near Place de la Victoire

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Andorra, the Country of The Pyrenees

ANDORRA - THE COUNTRY OF THE PYRENEES

ANDORRA - THE COUNTRY OF THE PYRENEES

The parliamentary, democracy of Andorra is a small, landlocked country on the Iberian Peninsula occupying approximately 468 square kilometers. It is a co-principality, meaning it has two heads of state consisting of two co-princes; the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell. The principality has seven administrative and geographic districts/parishes that form villages and cities such as Andorra La Vella its capital. Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees Mountains, is located in Southwestern Europe, and nestled between Spain (to the south) and France (to the north). This independent principality is over 1,000 years old and was incorporated as a country in the mid-9th Century.

Moreover, it is the fifth-smallest country in Europe and the sixteenth smallest worldwide. It comprises a population of about 85,000, with only 30% of Andorran descent. Moreover, its economy relies heavily on banking and tourism. The banking sector attracts significant investments and benefits from its status as a “tax haven.” Additionally, tourism, ski resorts, tax-free shopping accounts for about 80% of its revenue. However, its export sector manufactures goods such as textiles, electronics, and machinery accounting for 60% of its exports.

Overlooking Andorra La Vella City from Rec del Sola Lookout

Andorra is primarily known for its ski resorts, duty-free shopping, and the natural beauty of its landscape, particularly the Pyrenees Mountains. It’s also a popular destination for skiing, hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities. Additionally, Andorra is known for its unique culture and history, including its status as one of the few countries with Catalan as its sole official language. Rugged mountains, narrow valleys, and lush vegetation characterize this micro-state in the Pyrenees Mountains. It is a serene, hilly country with no substantial flat land, on an elevation of about 2000 meters (6,549 ft.). Continue reading to learn more about Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees.

Beautiful Parc Central. Andorra, the country of the Pyrenees
Beautiful Parc Central
Enjoying Monuments at Parc Central

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Mount Everest. Nepal, the home of Mount Everest.

NEPAL, THE HOME OF MOUNT EVEREST

NEPAL, THE HOME OF MOUNT EVEREST

NEPAL - THE HOME OF MOUNT EVEREST

The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal is a landlocked country between India and China in South Asia. Its population is almost 31 million, and its capital and biggest city is Kathmandu. They call Nepal “the ceiling of the world” because it has eight of the highest mountains on earth, including its most famous Mount Everest. Moreover, Nepal is ideal for thrilling adventures and sport tourism. It offers activities such as mountaineering, paragliding, kayaking, and high-altitude marathons. Further, the largest religion in Nepal is Hinduism (more than 80%), Buddhism is second, and a significant minority of Muslims, and Christians. Nepal’s main exports are textiles, carpets and rug mills, cement, cigarettes, juices, iron, steel, palm oil, honey, and clothing. However, tourism is one of its main money earners. Besides this, it also cultivates Wheat, Millet, Maize, Paddy, Barley-rice, and even potatoes and apples. Please continue reading to learn more about Nepal, the home of Mount Everest.

Enjoying the view of the Himalayan Mountains from Nagarkot Peak

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At Agra Fort - Agra. India, the most populated country on earth

India – The Most Populated Country on Earth

INDIA - THE MOST POPULATED COUNTRY ON EARTH

INDIA - THE MOST POPULATED COUNTRY ON EARTH

The Federal Republic of India is a country in South Asia and its capital is New Delhi. It is the world’s seventh-largest country, by area, and the world’s most populous, with over 1,461 billion people (recorded in 2025). India borders, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is a unique country with vibrant colours, exotic spices, rich history and culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Moreover, India has a secular, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, and multi-religious society. Its religious composition is as follows; 80% Hindus, 14 % Muslims, over 4% Christians, over 1% Shikhs, and Buddhists, Judaism, Zoroastrian, and Jain in the minority. Therefore, it is a multi-religious society that celebrates festivals and holidays of various religions. To date, India’s biggest exports are petroleum products, followed by gems, jewellery, textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, dairy products, chemicals, cars, and tea. However, their export list is endless with other products including leather, cotton products, rice, wheat, jute, etc. Please continue reading to learn more about my visit to India, the most populated country on earth.

The Taj Mahal. India, the most populated country on earth
The Taj Mahal

❤❤ Condolences❤❤

 ❤❤ I wish to pay respects to my dearest Mother and my “bestest” and no. 1 friend and confidant, critic, commenter, first to read my blogs and books, and 100% gentleman Joel Dessaints (Canada). Jay, I wish that wherever you are, you are reading one last time. Rest in Peace to you both!! (They both passed away just before their birthdays). I am still trying to recover, so please give me space and time…hence why I didn’t mention this before. My writing is my only coping mechanism at this time. THANKS!! ❤❤

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At Daman-e-kah. Pakistan, home to the world’s youngest Nobel Laureate

Pakistan, Home to the World’s youngest Nobel Laureate

PAKISTAN - HOME TO THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST NOBEL LAUREATE

PAKISTAN - HOME TO THE WORLD’S YOUNGEST NOBEL LAUREATE

The Islamic Democratic Republic of Pakistan is a country in South Asia. Its capital is Islamabad, however, Karachi is the largest city and Financial Center of Pakistan. Pakistan is from the Indus Valley civilization and is the 5th most populous in the world with a population of over 241.5 million. Moreover, it is the second-largest Muslim population in the world. The country is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the South of the Gulf of Oman, Afghanistan to the West/Southwest, China to the Northwest, and shares land border with India to the east. The name “Pakistan” is both Persian and Urdu and means “land of Paks, the spiritually pure and clean.” “Pak” is ‘pure’ in Persian and “-stan” means “land or place of.”

Love the Pakistani Flag

With regards to the tagline, Pakistan is home to the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Mahala Yousafzai. She was only age 17 when she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, making her the youngest person worldwide to have received such a prestigious accolade. She was awarded the prize for her work advocating for the education of girls and children in Pakistan and worldwide. The Pakistani economy is reliant on agriculture and services, both contributing to the highest percentage of the GDP. Continue reading to learn more about Pakistan, home to the world’s youngest Nobel Laureate, and my recent visit.

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A view of the city from High Castle Hill and Gardens. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine the Breadbasket of Europe

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE

UKRAINE, THE BREADBASKET OF EUROPE 

The Unitary, Semi-Presidential Republic of Ukraine is a democratic, Eastern European country. Ukraine/Ukraina pronounced Oo-krah-YEE-nah by the locals, unlike You-Crane in English) is the second largest European country after Russia, and borders Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and the coastline of the Black Sea. The nation’s capital and largest city is Kyiv (Kiev). Ukraine is predominantly a Christian nation (approximately 88%) with a population of about 42 million. Its main export is agricultural products, including wheat, and as of 2022/2023 ranked fifth among the largest wheat exporters worldwide. Currently, Ukraine is most famous for its fight and resistance against the Russian invasion. Read on for more insights into my visit to Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe, or precisely Lviv.

The Potocki Palace. Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The Potocki Palace
The University of Life Safety in Lviv . Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe
The University of Life Safety in Lviv

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Slovakia a Beauty in the Heart of Europe

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE

SLOVAKIA, A BEAUTY IN THE HEART OF EUROPE 

The Republic of Slovakia/Slovak/Slovensko is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe. Consequently, five countries share borders with it, including Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Austria (the closest one, at only 57 kilometers). Its capital is Bratislava. Slovakia is famous for its unique castles, caves, Celtic town (Havranok), architecture, the Podhajska geothermal pool (aka the Slovak Dead Sea), folk dancing, and much more. Slovakia is a developed country with a high-income economy. Moreover, it is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has a population of almost 5.5 million. Additionally, services are the largest and primary sector of the economy, but mining, agriculture, and industry remain equally important. Please continue reading to see what it is like to travel to Slovakia, a beauty in the heart of Europe.

The Grasssalkovich Palace - Presidential Palace

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The Arch of Charents - most gorgeous view of Mount Ararat. Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity

Armenia the First Country to Accept Christianity

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY

ARMENIA THE FIRST COUNTRY TO ACCEPT CHRISTIANITY 

The Republic of Armenia (formerly Hayk) is a former Soviet Union country bordering Turkey, Georgia, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and its capital is Yerevan. Armenia is a transcontinental country (partly in Europe and most of its land in west Asia), and is one of the six countries in the Caucasus region. What is special about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity worldwide in 301 A.D., is its unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites, unspoiled nature, tasty cuisine, and renowned brandy, and wines. Additionally, almost every item in Armenia bears the symbol of Mount Ararat (the land of the final resting place of the Ark of Noah. Historically, Mount Ararat was in the territory of the Armenian Highland (currently, it borders Armenia). However, in 1921/1923, a peace treaty (Treaty of Kars) drafted between Turkey and the Soviet Union gifted the land to Turkey.

Armenia is a Christian nation and has a population of about 2,777,976.00. It is rich in copper, zinc, iron, silver, lead, gold, and other valuable reserves of rare metals. Apart from that, whenever someone mentions Armenia, many people immediately think of the Armenian genocide, similar to the mention of Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina. However. there is so much more to discover in this unique and beautiful country. Please continue reading to learn more about Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity as a state religion.

The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view). Armenia, the first country to accept Christianity
The Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Cathedral aka the Holy Etchmiadzin Cathedral .The oldest Cathedral on Earth (front and side view)

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Dagustu or Highland Park (Upland Park). Azerbaijan the land of fire

Azerbaijan the Land of Fire

AZERBAIJAN THE LAND OF FIRE

AZERBAIJAN THE LAND OF FIRE 

The (unitary semi-presidential) Republic of Azerbaijan is another transcontinental country in the Caucasus Region, and its capital is Baku. It was also once part of the former Soviet Union and bounded by the Caspian Sea and Caucasus Mountains, spanning Asia and Europe. It has a population exceeding 10 million and borders Russia, Georgia, Iran, Armenia, and Turkey (all Caucasus countries). Azerbaijan is a democratic, Muslim-majority, secular state. Moreover, it has an oil and natural gas base economy accounting for over 90% of the total exports. Additionally, it exports food and agricultural products, machinery, metals, and textiles that make up the rest of its revenues. Two things stood out for me most about Azerbaijan, they are; the people and prices. Azerbaijanis are outgoing and super-friendly people, and the country is inexpensive. Please continue reading to learn what it is like to visit Azerbaijan the land of fire (Odlar Yurdu).

The Flame Towers at night. Azerbaijan the land of fire
The Flame Towers at night
at the Dagustu or Highland Park (Upland Park)

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