The two quotes that best describe our adventure so far are

“The more you suffer, the more you CAN suffer.”

This came out of Jeff Burke’s (adventure writer) mouth at dinner the other night when talking about Mark Twight and the amazing things he’s done and;

“The more you know the more you love, and by loving more, the more you enjoy.”

The opening entry in Francis Mayes coffee table book In Tuscany (Under the Tuscan Sun staring Julia Roberts was based on her life), and;

“They say less is more, but I think more is more and I wanted more out of life.”

Dolly Parton, speaking of her excesses on NPR’s Fresh Air.

Welcome to our trip to Europe. We are, at the moment, four hopeful but haggard enthusiasts who can’t stand to stay at home. Entries over the next six weeks will come from Christian, a UIAGM certified mountain guide; Sue a writer and foodie, activist and ex-guide; Mariela a strong-willed (bull headed?) 8-year old who will be blogging for her classmates, and Nico, a whacky almost 2 with early stages of asthma who alternatively scares the X*&^ out of us and makes us roll in hysterics.

We’ve been trying to nail down a theme for our blog series and “Search for Simplicity” or “Living with Less” have comes to my idealistic mind, but really, we are looking for something else. A different way… Diversity? Diversity in food, art, culture, scenery, experiences…I’m like Dolly, I want more out of life for myself and my kids- more flavor, more to learn, more passion, more time to enjoy my family.

Should you be so confused to think that we had an easy go of it to get here… here’s a 30-second rundown of the week before departure.

Check with Bank of JH on credit limits/fees for overseas. Check for best deals on cash advances… and know your credit card limits. Notify college roommate who lives in Milan. Cat? Recycle? Ignore medical bills. Notify local aquaintences who might have places to stay. Go raspberry picking and tractor hunting at Paradise Springs with the Witherites. Sell stocks. Timeshare- check and figure out it’s no use at all. Give up timeshare in frustration. Take Nico to ER for asthma attack. Follow up with doctor; get $200 worth of medication. Pack giant nebulizer. Trash house. Clean garage so you can move stuff outside. Change Kitty litter in garage for 1st time all summer. Hide Mariela’s favorite too-tight and tattered clothes so she doesn’t pack them for Italy. Consider buying sister Pam a plane ticket so she can come help you pack. Cry once an hour over Nico, Mom, and life in general. Realize you have your period and no tampons in the house. Bike up Henderson for 1st time all summer. Cry at the top. Freeze going down. See sandhill cranes and a red fox on the way home. Call ATT re: international calling. Make raspberry-blueberry jam. Commit to two weeks without going to the grocery store. Drink old Mate and PBR’s instead of vino and organic brewpub beer and new coffee.

After 48 hours, 1 missed connection and lost luggage in Chicago (which went to Denver instead of Milan), and a $156 hotel room (off the budget already) we finally made it to Argentiere, France to the sweet hamlet with purple shutters and an outdoor shower where Kent and Penny McBride spent the summer. Panicked about two babies in the small cabin was completely unfounded as we all slept from 9:00 pm to 10:20 am and woke up to Pain au Chocolat and sweet dark Lavazza coffee in the French Press. It’s foggy and green and lush and Savoie here! The tourists are gone and we’ve finally arrived!!!