I am at my first farm now, near Fara Sabina, outside of Rome. Its been raining non stop so i havent gotten my hands in the dirt yet. My farm host is Sandro, a very kind and interesting farmer mostly of vegetables but also makes his own olive oil. He also takes in abused animals, although right now he only has rescued cats, along with the usual dog, chickens, geese and ducks. He likes to barter his mechanics skills with the old neighbors and friends in exchange for things like milk or other plants. He has shown me the area around the farm which is rolling hills and mideval tuscan towns. It was raining when we visited Toffia and the quiet sunday afternoon made it seem as if the whole town was sleeping. I met some of the residents, friends of Sandro, and had tea and coffee listened to conversation and music. This is a very artsy community and there were so many beautiful corners and corridors, it felt as if the whole town was one big walkable sculpture.

I spent a few hours shelling fava beans and all our meals have been delicious and filling.