Laurie Marks - Travelstride Destination Expert

To expand the mind, heart and senses, travel. Then travel some more. Even if it's as a local in your own backyard. It's amazing what you can discover with the right intention and awareness.

At 17 she lived in Portugal as an exchange student, experiencing life as lived by her local host family. She recalls such a warm welcome, the excitement and even comfort of walking unknown streets and hearing words she did not understand. Summer holiday time was spent with the larger family in the Algarve, Southern Portugal.

After enjoying an exceptionally late night meal and dancing at clubs, the family would buy fresh baked rolls and the biggest block of butter she'd ever seen. This was carried to the beach and scrumptiously devoured by sleepy eyes that watched the sun rise.

Inspired by her trip to Portugal, she took the opportunity to study abroad in Seville, Spain, again living with a local family. She had an American roommate who she loved but sadly the family was not interested in much more than feeding them and doing their laundry. No matter, there was the spectacular cathedral, the smell of the orange blossoms in the cooler evenings and the copious amounts of paella and rice pudding she consumed.

In hindsight, attending the local University rather than the Spanish-American institute would have helped her language skills. Still not fluent, she decided to travel to Cali, Colombia to live with family friends. Perhaps she was also avoiding the post college job search but off to Colombia she went.

In spite of the danger, namely, mafioso and bullet proofed cars, what a gorgeous part of the country with the kindest people and most delicious foods! The sancocho de gallina - chicken stew cooked in the ground - still makes her mouth water, as does the chocolate melted in hot milk and topped with cheese.

It wasn't until 15 years later, after climbing the corporate ladder, that she took an African safari, inspired by the words her mother always said: "life is short." The animals of course were extraordinary, the number of jeeps in the Amboseli that would amass around the pride of lions not so much. If there's another way to see these beautiful animals, Travelstride partners will know.

Her last big travel experience was taking a sabbatical with travel through the north and south islands of New Zealand, spending a month in Australia that included travel to Tasmania and six months living and working at a Tuscan winery, one that's been producing chianti since 1435.

She's been trying to figure out when and how she can do something similar, whether back to other European countries or perhaps even to Japan.

Meeting my parents in Italy while I was studying in Spain was a special time. We started our trip in Lake Como before traveling to Florence and then taking the train to Rome. This is where I discovered gelato and didn't hesitate to eat it often three times a day. Fortunately, all the walking kept my waist line from expanding. Our Florence hotel was on the Arno River and we could gaze at the Ponte Vecchio from our room. I'd jog the streets in early morning, getting a feel for how the Florentines start their days. It's a habit I've taken up whenever I travel.

Come early Fall, I'll be traveling to the West shore of Lake Tahoe for about the 40th time in 48 years. My next big trip will be to visit dear friends either in British Columbia or, for the first time, Sweden.

France

South America

United States

Bosnia and Herzegovina

US National Parks

Safest Countries in South America

New Orleans

Things to do in the Netherlands

Currently Writing: TBD!