Laura Marks

Hi! My name is Laura, and welcome to my (travel) blog! I’m sure you’re very busy, so let me get you up to speed on who I am and what I’m all about:

1. I’m originally from New York, but I left my heart in Miami after spending the first 5 yeras of my adult life there.

2. I’m a gringa confundida (translation: confused gringa). Despite my lack of hispanic background, I’ve fooled many into thinking I’m a true to heart latina. I got the walk (by which I mean dance moves, and believe me I’m quite the salsera) and the talk (people usually think I sound Cuban, but my Spanish was actually groomed in Mexico), and most importantly, the desire to spend as much time as possible in Latin America (and yes, I’m including Miami as part of Latin America).

3. I’m a former study abroad advisor that just can’t stop advising. Really. Whether or not I have an office to report to, I’m still blabbing on about the impact of international education, how to find scholarships, and the importance of immersion when learning languages. Try me. I’m full of resources!

4. However, after 4 years working in a study abroad office, I decided that it was my turn to travel (I mean, how many amazing stories about international experiences can you hear before the urge to drop everything and flee to South America becomes absolutely overwhelming?). So here I am teaching English in Arequipa, Peru. In a few months, I’ll be off to Fortaleza, Brazil for 9 months. And after that? I don’t have that part figured out yet. But one thing’s for sure: the travel bug in me is strong, and no amount of antibiotics (of which I’ve taken many so far here in Peru) will get rid of that little guy any time soon.

Finally, I consider myself pretty well versed in the following subjects, so if you have any questions or concerns, or just want to say hello, feel free to leave your information below!

1) Living in Miami 2) Study Abroad/International Education (programs, scholarships, tips, etc.) 3) Salsa/Bachata/Merengue and where to dance it 4) Ice cream and desserts at home and abroad 5) Other stuff (I’m sure I know more stuff, but this is all I can think of at the moment. Maybe some Arequipan queso helado (ice cream!) will spark my memory….)