Sunset on the Aegean Sea

Sunset on the Aegean Sea while at sea.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 9, 2015 at 12:19pm PDT

Driving Through the Alps

On the road again.... Driving back into France via the Alps.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Aug 4, 2015 at 2:38pm PDT

Auxerre

Au Revoir, France! Until next time.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Aug 6, 2015 at 10:47am PDT

Bicycling the Alps

I loved this snapchat so much I had to post it again. I've probably watched it ten times at this point. It's just so European to bike up the Alps! The bicyclist were everywhere making driving nearly impossible.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Aug 5, 2015 at 12:06pm PDT

Sunset behind the Alps

Sunsetting behind the Alps

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Aug 4, 2015 at 2:42pm PDT

Cinque Terre Steps

This is how I feel about Italy and their organization 110% of the time - and I'm not even in the south of Italy.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Aug 3, 2015 at 2:37pm PDT

Cinque Terre - Monterosso

Night falls on Monterosso - waiting for the train back.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Aug 1, 2015 at 1:40pm PDT

Grape Fields in Cinque Terre

The view from the cabin I'm staying at in the Cinque Terre region of Italy. The grapes are all over the hillside down to the Mediterranean Sea. The air has a sweet scent of fruit.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Aug 1, 2015 at 1:35pm PDT

Tides around Mont Saint Michel

This is the view out to sea from the abbey at Mont Saint Michel where the Benedictine Monks (still) live.You can see for a 100km out. They say the tide comes in as fast as a galloping horse. It's not uncommon for people/tourists to drown or get caught in quicksand if they aren't careful/mindful of the time. If you look carefully you can see the tiny tiny people on tours of the bay. This place was so interesting to me because I've never been in a place that was so elegant and dangerous at the same time.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 30, 2015 at 6:35pm PDT

Mont Saint Michel

I didn't even know this fortress existed until I was driving down the Normandy coast. Waaaay out in the distance into the ocean you just saw this castle thing and I said I want to go there!

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 30, 2015 at 6:25pm PDT

Brittany France

The coast of Brittany, France!

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 30, 2015 at 1:09am PDT

Cliffs of Dover from the Ferry

Waving goodbye to England and the cliffs of Dover from the Ferry back into France.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 28, 2015 at 7:44am PDT

Bath

Ended the night with a Traditional Roast dinner in Bath.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 26, 2015 at 3:00pm PDT

British Footpath

Hiking through southern England! On the walk downhill we passed an English couple and the following was exchanged. Us: Hi! No looking forward to your part (the walk up) Them: I'm surprised to see you out here without your wester! (British for raincoat) Us: we didn't expect to end up in England, but here we are! Them: I say, you are the worst navigators I have ever met!

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 26, 2015 at 6:06am PDT

Canterbury Cathedral

In the crypt of the Canterbury Cathedral you enter a room that has this sculpture hanging from the ceiling. Its very eery and dramatic when you enter - mostly because you aren't expecting it! Overall, the Canterbury cathedral is amazing and I highly recommend it! It's in my top 5 of cathedrals.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 26, 2015 at 3:50am PDT

Sheep on the Public Footpath!

Walking along the public footpath from upper to lower slaughter in the Cotswolds! Sheep were common among the path.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 28, 2015 at 7:37am PDT

The Cotswolds

From a few days ago when I was playing in the Cotswolds (English country side). It might be my favorite.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 28, 2015 at 7:32am PDT

Monet's Private Garden

Claude Monet's private gardens where he painted the water lilies.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 23, 2015 at 9:44pm PDT

Monte's Water Lilies

The first time I saw these water lilies I was 16 and stood in awe as I watched the paintings transform with the changing of the natural light. Today, I got to see them again. For me their presence is like a sort of calming medication. There are few places I find truly peaceful in the world, but the museum de Orangerie that holds Claude Monet's water lilies is one of them.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 22, 2015 at 10:46am PDT

Montemartre Neighborhood

Paris at 9pm on a Tuesday. The walk to dinner.

A post shared by Amanda H (@ahochsta) on Jul 21, 2015 at 1:20pm PDT