Who Are We?
We are a wanderlusty family of three…four, if you count our dog, Archie, who comes with us wherever we go. Bipedal members of the family include me, Renee; my husband, Mark; and our now-11-year-old daughter, Scout.
RENEE, originally from the Bay Area (California), is a writer, photographer, editor, and wrangler of dogs and children. Well, one dog and one child, but often it seems like more.
MARK, originally from New Orleans, is a freaky-talented eBook designer and project manager.
SCOUT, originally from Seattle, is a friendly, brainy, chatty, roadschooling foodie who plans to be a writer and ecologist when she grows up.
ARCHIE, originally from Maine, is a happy, snugly, ferocious, mime-fearing, ball-loving Jack Russell Terrier whose hilarious antics keep us in stitches.
THE DREAM
Before Scout was born, Mark and I spent six blissful months roaming around SE Asia & Australia. It was wonderful. By the time Scout arrived, about five months after we got back, we knew we wanted to travel the world as a family.
But as so often happens, life got in the way.
Mark brought home most of the bacon, and his work as a publishing executive and project manager wasn’t portable.
Time passed. We moved from Seattle to Vancouver, fell in love with Canada and applied for residency and later citizenship. This involved years of…waiting.
Life was comfortable but not inspiring. We took three-week holidays to Thailand and Costa Rica, but it wasn’t enough, not by a long shot. Mark was gone at work all day. I homeschooled Scout and waited passively for some catalyst that would lead to a travel life.
It was all so frustrating. Like we’d stepped in tar, and couldn’t get the sticky mess off our shoes. Mark and I talked about RVing around Europe but wondered how to fund such an adventure.
One day, in the blink of an eye, Scout turned nine, and that’s when it hit us. We were going to miss our window with her. Soon she would be grown and gone. There’d be no extended family travel. We’d be parents who talked endlessly about a dream but never did a thing about it.
What kind of lesson is that?!?
ACTION
Our Canadian citizenship came through a few months later, and we realized it was now or never.
After a couple months of what could loosely be termed “planning,” we bought a (very) used RV online from an Amsterdam dealer. I scrambled to figure out how to get Archie safely to Europe. We sold our Vancouver condo and all the stuff in it. We tried to sell our car but couldn’t, so we garaged it. We shoved our few remaining boxes in a friend’s basement, and a few months later, we were flying over the Atlantic.
For the next year we toured Europe and Turkey. Scout, a bright kid and huge foodie, soaked up geography, history, food, and languages. We met amazing people. We saw amazing things. We all fell in love with Turkey. It was the best year of our lives.
We drove 23,000 kilometers in that old rig. The trip was exhausting and exhilarating. We felt alive. The year flew by. Nobody missed owning a home, being weighed down by possessions, or having a permanent address. We enjoyed being together all day, functioning as a true team. We realized we didn’t want to stop traveling. Ever.
See, that’s the thing. Once you plunge down the rabbit hole and begin living deliberately, there’s no going back.
After a year though, we had to pull the plug. Scout was ready for something a little slower, and Europe was expensive. So we came home, tossed our boxes into the car, semi-politely ignored all the naysayers, and drove ourselves to Mexico.
That’s where we are now.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Our goal for this year is language immersion for Scout. We want her to become fluent in two more languages, so we’ll stay in Latin America long enough for her to learn Spanish. After that, who knows.
I’ve promised Scout that once she’s proficient in Spanish, we’ll take her to visit the Galapagos Islands. After that, we might explore South America. Or head back to SE Asia. Or return to Turkey. Or, if business is good, touch down in Europe. (I do miss France…)
Anything is possible, and I love that.
YOU
Thanks for taking the time to drop by RambleCrunch and for keeping us company on our adventures.
We love hearing from readers. If you’re so inclined, please leave a comment on a post or two, so we know we know you’re there. You’ll absolutely make our day.
{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
My first time ever visiting a blog and I am posting a comment too! We miss you Renee, Mark, Scout and Archie. I am so happt to see Archie alive and well, I was worried about him on the plane. Keep up the great work and don’t forget if you ever want to come home just tap those red heels together. TF
Oh my God, Tanya, you’ve posted on a blog. I’m honored! It’s shocking to me that this is your first blog visit, but then that’s why you’re a doctor and I’m not.
Yes, I was really worried about Archie’s trip, but everything worked out just fine. I’m writing a post about that now. Keep checking back, ok? This is the best way to keep in touch. Our internet has been so spotty, that whenever I get online, I go straight for the blog. We miss you guys.
Hey … nice to see your faces again. Scout looks taller! I shall keep up with you here.
Clélie
Guten tag, Clélie! Thanks for stopping by. This is definitely the best place to keep up with us. Yes, Scout is growing up fast!
Renee, Mark and Scout.
How fun to be able to follow your adventure. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to the journey!
Maria
Cheers, Maria!
Hi Ya’ll,
Thanks for the link to the blog. Travel safe and have fun,
We just made an urgent trip back to Alabama for my mother’s funeral. We are off today to see Lyndajo’s father who is also not well.
It would be nice to be traveling for other reasons.
Taks care,
David
Thanks for taking the time to stop by the blog.
We’re sorry to hear about your mom and LJ’s dad. Safe travels to you both.
Sounds like a similar story on a different continent..;)
We’re 8 mos into a proposed year traveling by RV in the USA. Currently having a bummer day waiting for some repair work to be done. But it is always an adventure..;)
Cheers!
That’s brilliant. Thanks for stopping by. It’s nice to connect with similarly minded families. We’re only two and a half months in so far…
What’s wrong with your rig? A couple weeks ago we broke down in the Swiss Alps. Not fun, but it could have been way worse, and as you say, it’s all part of the adventure.
I love the description you gave about your family vision. This is something we are trying to do as well, live a simpler more meaningful life without all of the material possessions tying us down.
Right now we are in the process of trying to sell our house in BC, trying to remain optimistic in this down-turned market. Once the house sells we plan to travel around Asia with our children and we hope to be able to turn our two year trip into a lifestyle. We have really started to question all of societies rolls we have embraced and we are answering the question “What is important to US?”
Glad to have found another family on a similar path. Looking forward to following on your adventures.
Thanks so much, Amy. I tell you, I’ve felt better without all the stuff we used to have. Getting rid of it was messy and awful, truly, but now that it’s done, life is definitely easier. We want to continue living simply when this European leg of our new life is over, whether we continue to travel or live somewhere as expats or whatever. My husband and I will finally have some time to think about our next step while we take some down time in Croatia and Turkey over the next few months.
It’s tough to wait for a house sale, but good luck. You just need that one buyer. By the way, I thought it was a great idea to mention it on the fb group. And I’m in awe that you’re able to keep it in show-able condition with two little poppets running around! Well done.
Looking forward to your adventures
Do visit South Asia as well 
Thanks, Danial! We’d love to see India and Pakistan, but I’m afraid we can’t manage it on this trip. Hopefully next time.
Sounds like a great plan, and similar to what we’re in the beginning stages of… a year (or so) or slow travel, hopefully ending in us figuring out where on the planet we’d like to settle down.
Rebeca,
Terrific! Where are you thinking of traveling?
I’m chuckling at your notion of figuring out “where on the planet to settle.” Good luck with that. Personally, I’ve never been able to answer that question and have come to realize that some of us are just gypsies at heart. Sounds like you too, perhaps?
We’re not sure yet… have a bunch of places in mind, but are going to set out and be flexible as we go. Mostly going to places we already know someone or have a connection. We shall see!
Do you have a particular continent in mind?
Good for you! We have a lot in common as we are a family that has been traveling the world non-stop since 2006 ( 43 countries on 5 continents so far on $23/day per person with no plans to stop) and blogging, Youtubing our experiences as we go.
We adore RVing Europe ( writing this from a campground in Barcelona). We’re pioneers in the minimalist, globally nomadic, world schooling realm ( case studies in 4HWW etc) and are convinced this is the way to live and educate a child.
We love CTY and Kahn too!
A year goes by very fast and it will change you..enjoy the adventure!! Our daughters are the same age, so it would be fun to connect sometime ( we do winters in tropical Asia for her Mandarin, but come back to Europe in the good weather for her Spanish and French plus our dear friends here).
If you need ideas for good campsites, we try to list all the ones we go to on our blog and I will make e-book of them this winter…we’ve found some real winners, so have road tripping Europe down to an art form now.
Hope it can help!
Thanks for the comment.
After six years I can imagine you do have European camping down to an art form. It frustrates me that after learning so much about good campsites (and not-so-good ones) that we won’t be able to pass back through and take advantage of our knowledge and experience.
I think we’re going to extend for a few months in either Turkey or Croatia. That means we’ll probably pass through France and Spain around Feb & March. Sounds like that might be a bit early for you, but if you’re there, we’d enjoying connecting with you guys.
We’re heading to Greece next. Any campgrounds there you’d recommend? We’ve found some, but I’m wondering if we’ll need to do a little freecamping as well. Did you take your rig with you to the islands?
I’m 7 weeks into an 8 month sabbatical in the Fethiye region of Turkey. Opted for a fixed abode as doing this on my own but in reality you’re living my dream, enjoy!
Thanks, Mark.
Isn’t this a beautiful area? As for the fixed abode, I think it sounds great. We’ve enjoyed seeing as much as we have, but by the same token you can’t beat settling into a place. Where are you living?
Apologies, I didn’t see the question you posted! I am in Calis Beach (just outside Fethiye for anyone not local). I have actually cut my sabbatical short as far as Turkey is concerned, am heading back to the UK at the end of Feb (so had 5 months here) then off to Jamaica for a beach bum holiday before returning to work in April.
Not sure if I saw you today, was passed by a Ford Transit motorhome headed towards Dalaman about 2pm? Anyway, safe onward journey & look forward to the next blog.
Cheers, Mark. No, that wasn’t us. Thanks for your good wishes.
Good luck with your adventures your so right life is for living I have now settled here in Turkey not far from where you are now Gocek. Wishing you all the best with your journey will try and follow your blog.
Thanks, Yvonne!
So excited to find your blog! We are setting out on a similar US based journey this year, but I would love to do the same in Europe. Can’t wait to read more!
Wow, we will be going on the same journey as you a year later! In May 2012 we are flying into Amsterdam to spend a year in Europe! We would like to get a camper van. Do you have any leads or ideas? I will continue reading your site but am excited another couple from Vancouver has done what we plan to do in less than two months!
Hello Renee,
First time visiting your blog…we actually met at The Alhambra in Grenada. Great to meet you guys! Safe travels. Duane, Kim and Sydney
p.s. You’re a great writer
Hey Renee,
I’m a single mom living in Vancouver and dreaming about doing a year-long van trip with my son in a couple of years. I just found my way to your blog but I can already tell that I’m going to love it!
Sarah, that’s great! I’m glad you’re here. Where are you thinking about going?
I was actually thinking of buying a van in Europe (I figured I might have the easiest time of it there) and then heading eastward. That would probably not happen until 2015, though. In the short term we’re planning on doing a month-long trip in either Peru/Bolivia or Southeast Asia this spring. Would you recommend one over the other for traveling to with a child (4 year old)? I’ve spent a fair bit of time in Central America but never been to Asia…
Sarah, what wonderful plans.
It’s hard to say about SE Asia versus Peru/Bolivia, because I’ve never been to Peru or Bolivia. However SE Asia in one of my favorite parts of the planet. The food is amazing. The people are friendly and they adore little kids. It’s super cheap. You’d certainly have fun there.
I am absolutely in love with your blog Renee and Mark! And I know lots of people at the GS are too. Great job! Keep the posts comin’
J- so glad you are enjoying the blog. Renee is a great writer (IMHO) and I’m glad she can write more now that we’re settled here in Mexico for a while. Say hi to all my GS friends. I am keeping an eye open for the new site.
Love it!!!
We are absolutely on a journey together; albeit different ones. Very inspiring stuff. I am following along!
MoMoneyMoHouses introduced me to your blog in a comment on my blog. Does that make sense? Anyway, my first feeling was a little jealousy, my second thought was inspiration. I could do this too. I think I`ll stick with feeling number 2
As requested here I am!
Reading through your blog now as we think of heading to Mexico in the new year… Thanks for all your info and sharing. Hope to meet you along the way!
Absolutely. We must connect while you’re here.
Thank you for sharing your experiences. I would love to live the life your family is living. First curiosity is the Lake Chapala area. Would you recommend it for a family for perhaps a five year stay? Our children are age 12 and 5. Any bad experiences with crime?
Hi, Brad. No, no problems at all. This area is low key. I overhear someone complaining about a residential burglary from time to time, but that happens everywhere.
This is an interesting area. It’s definitely saturated with gringo retirees. But if you speak Spanish (or make an effort to learn) you can connect with many wonderful Mexican families. The school my daughter started a couple weeks ago is amazing. It would be wonderful for your 5 year old. What are your educational plans? Are the kids homeschooling or are you planning a school-immersion experience?
Cheers,
Renee
Hi Renne,
Was going to post you a response on my blog, following your comment, but wanted to take a look around here and then leave you a note. What a great story you have! It’s so funny to me to connect with people who have global lifestyles by choice, because I fell into mine with hands over eyes, peeking through my fingers in terror and trepidation! If I hadn’t fallen head-over-heels with a Japanese salaryman, I would have never moved from Boston! So I admire your adventurousness!
I think you also have a great potential marketing opportunity with the homeschool community for your book. Don’t know what stage you are at with it or whether you even want to try to publish it through the old-school route, but if you do and you need to write a proposal to pitch to agents/editors, I think you could make a really strong case that this is one market segment who would be really interested in your book. And they are a huge market segment, as far as I know, in terms of numbers, in the US at least. (I know you’re from Canada now.) In my proposal, I targeted both the expat and the infertility communities as my main market segments, who together come to millions and millions of potential readers, and I know that was at least part of the reason Penguin/Putnam was willing to take a change on me, even though this is my first book!
Anyway, looking forward to staying connected and following each others’ stories.
Sending you all my best from rainy, cold Osaka!
Tracy
Excellent!!! I am green with envy, and hoping we can do the same sometime before our kids grow up:). I’m so excited to follow your journey!!!! The Galapagos are AMAZING. I didn’t want to sleep the whole time I was there, for fear of missing something. I think it might be the most beautiful place on the planet (if you love animals:).
Becky, thanks. We are dying to see the Galapagos. I’ve told my daughter we’d take her as soon as shes fluent in Spanish. A little incentive never hurts! Fingers crossed we’ll get there next year.
Hello! You got my attention over on Facebook so I thought I’d check out this blog that has ” nothing inspiring to say”. Well I’m inspired! Actually I was already inspired, we’re leaving with our 2 boys ( 6 and 8) in just over 4 months, first stop Malaysia. You’re right, kids are only kids once, they won’t want to know us soon enough. I’m really liking the idea of Turkey, surprisingly ( for a Brit that has travelled like crazy) I’ve never been. Off to read your stuff! Alyson
Hi, Alyson! Where are you living in the UK exactly? Your boys are going to have a wonderful time…I think 6 and 8 are such wonderful ages to travel. Malaysia is a great place to start. We’ve never been there, though we’ve explored a lot of SE Asia and I aspire to eat in Penang. And Turkey. Wow, I can’t say enough. My daughter wanted to stay and do Turkish language immersion, though I negotiated Spanish, a more widely used language, first. We can’t wait to go back. Hopefully in a few years.
Thanks for dropping by. I’ll head over to your blog as well!