One of our first and favorite trips since we have been here was our visit to Cinque Terre in Italy. Cinque Terre means "five lands" and is named for 5 little villages along the coast that are connected by train and a hiking trail. We went with Mark's sister Kristi and her huz Cade. One of the most exciting parts of the trip was the secret rendezvous with the Bucks. I say secret rendezvous because they had been off backpacking and taking trains around Europe for the last week. No cell phones. No facebook. No means of verifying our meet-up location. They had gone dark. Hopefully you can picture the intensity and excitement as we chose a location and time to meet up: the train station in Levanto at 5:00 PM, a location we had never seen and only suspected it existed based on our best research on Google Earth. Once we set the details, Kristi and Cade went off the grid. We were trusting they could get there traveling through Belgium, Switzerland, Rome, and who knows where. And we were equally anxious that we would be able to make the 11 hour drive with just some baguettes and cheese sticks for the girls and our GPS to arrrive at the right date and time in the correct village. No room for error. Anyway, to make a long story short, we both met up there, and how great was our joy.
We camped in Levanto and took a train to the first of the "five lands". Our awesome plan was to hike from city to city as we explored the beaches, ice cream, and pizzas. Turns out that most people start from the other end and walk toward where we started. Turns out that most people don't hike with two huge babies on their backs (thanks for the help, Cade). Turns out hiking up and down cliffy vineyards was beautiful, but a little harder than we had anticipated. By the time we arrived at the beautiful second village (see below), our legs were about to collapse and we were a stinky, sweaty, mess. Luckily it was well worth it. That being said, we still decided to take the train from that point on.
Our view as we descended from our hike.
We love any form of sea life!
Oh... and then there was Sadie. If you see this picture and are thinking, "man, she sure looks like an Avatar," you are right. While we were camping, Sadie fell and got a little bump. It got progressively worse throughout the week as it drained, constantly altering her appearance. We were sure some sort or unicorn horn or something would pop through. Didn't :( .
Waiting patiently for the train.
This Avatar likes ice cream.
Sleepy, heavy hikers.
Awesome hike.
We never know what our girls are thinking... If you run out of raisins, just ask for more. Don't attempt to start some type of revolution or uprising.
Mark takes the plunge. Much to his dismay, he was the only one there not wearing a speedo. A mistake he vows never to repeat...
It was a real blast, and a very unique place to visit. Recommend. We spent the first two days of our labor day holiday there, and then off to Venice for a day. To be continued...
16 comments:
Ashley, You have an AMAZING life! I miss you!! xoxoxoxxoxoxoxox
Words can not describe how freaking awesome this post is. I'm so impressed that you guys are living it up in Europe.
J.E.A.L.O.U.S
I wish I had your guts and bravery. Really I wish Matthew had it-but whatever. Point is you are living my dream.
Oh I've missed your pictures girlfriend! You give me inspiration to be a better photographer...keep 'em coming. We miss you guys. Looks like you're having a freaking blast across the ocean.
Hey guys...Looks like serving our country in the Air Force was the right choice. I must admit, I am a little jealous. We got your message. The crappy thing is I just didn't answer because I thought the number you called from was some crappy salesman. Call us back. We want to see how you guys are doing. Maybe it's time to set up a skype account again. Look forward to hearing from you guys.
Holy Freaking Cow!! That looks A-MAZE-ING! And what's just as amazing is how easy going your girls are about it all. Sleeping on the hike? Even if they are demanding more raisins and safer working conditions at every turn. They're awesome. You guys are awesome. Those pictures are awesome. Teeth and gums are awesome.
OMG!!! I am SO jealous of all your adventures. What an amazing opportunity. Miss you Shton! Sadie and London just get cuter and cuter. I miss you!
Your photos are amazing, Ashley!
The Cinque Terra was one of my favorite places when we toured Italy a few years ago. My favorite meal there was fresh buffalo mozzerella, salame, a fresh peach, and a Fanta we picked up at a market.
Your kids are troupers. Can't wait to hear about Paris. And see more of your amazing photography.
I meant Venice. But you know Venice, Paris; tomatoes, tomaatoes.
so. freaking. awesome.
hope you're up for that little adventure again when we come to visit...
I am SO thrilled to see your family is doing SO well! What a beautiful experience you're living:) And thanks for the outstanding pictures, too!
you guys are living the high life. love all the pictures. we are going to italy in april for 4-5 weeks (nick has a rotation) so i am really eager to hear expert advice on how to travel with a toddler in italia.
those pics are awesome. are you loving your new lens?
and mark, i have many a speedo that you can borrow. although, don't you have your own...?
Oh, I love it! We actually have some questions for you guys because we totally plan on taking your spot when you guys leave. Send me your email address please! aliciahinrichs at gmail dot com
That is awesome. I looks like so much fun. I hope we can see you in March and April when we are there. I will send you our itinerary and hopefully we can meet up!
love all your adventures!!! This is one of my favorite places I've been to in Europe!! loved it...italy all together. Your girls are adorable and I can't wait to read and see pictures from the rest of your weekend trips....Love your pictures...you are so talented Ashley!!
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