I am back in California now and I still have a ton of images to get up from the trip, I will keep putting them up, but probably not quite as frequently now. It is time to get back to work! My first wedding is this weekend and I thought I would start getting my gear together while I have a few days to get acclimated. The funny thing is, when I opened my bag I noticed that there was a big empty space where my camera and long lens used to be. My heart just about fell out of my chest.

The story: When we were in Zurich about to board the plane the air hostess made me open my bag and re-arrange things because my gear bag was too heavy. Hmm. I did as she said, I put one camera in my camera backpack and the other I left in the gear bag. Now, I am back in San Francisco and my camera and a few other little things are missing from my bag. That means that at some point between Zurich and San Francisco someone must have gotten into my bag (my carry on bag) and taken out my camera. What a cheeky bugger. I know he (or she) probably didn't realize that that camera is like an extension of arm (and my heart) but still. Punk.

So today, I had to go out and buy a new camera and lens. I know I should be happy about new gear but I am mostly just devastated and a little bit shocked at what it did to my bank account. So, a word to the wise: please please have insurance. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have a lock on your gear bag at all times when traveling. sigh.

The little one on the left is Emma (cute as a button). In the middle is Rubina, she is the oldest of the three girls. She was sweet and very patient with me (smile). Alice is the one on the right, such a cute skinny little one. These girls were such good sports and played along surprisingly well considering our complete inability to communicate with one another.

Girls, thank you so much for a wonderful day at the beach!

This cathedral took five centuries to complete and is the fourth largest in the world. The outside is made completely of marble and is so intricate that one could spend hours pondering just one corner of the church.

A small red light bulb in the dome marks the spot where one of the nails reputedly from the Crucifixion of Christ has been placed.

This is what I found to be the most interesting piece in the Duomo. This is a statue representing St Bartholomew. Draped around him is not a robe, but his own skin. He was apparently skinned alive and beheaded. Disturbing.

Charlie sees the light.

One of my favorite ladies, Mita, stole me from Dan and Charlie when they were watching the world cup at a local pub. We went on a little shopping adventure and I got these shoes, which I love. Above all else, comfort!

Charlie and Dan solving all of the worlds problems.

Sara: I wonder if the Italians would find it weird if I decided to go for a swim in this fountain?

Late night gelato run. Dan took us to a great haunt that where many students gather in the evenings. Thank you for a wonderful several days Dan! Now it is your turn to come visit us!

Lunch over the lake. The fish was amazing, and the view was fantastic.

Charlie taking it all in...

There is so much to do on the farm, it is hard to take it all in. They do of course make amazing wine and have several beautiful places to stay and a refreshing pool, but it doesn't stop there. There are cooking classes and horse riding, bike riding and cheese tasting. Olive oil tours and the restaurant and tours of the old wind mill. The possibilities are endless.

After tasting a few of the delicious organic wines Faye called the front desk and found that they did indeed have a room available, we decided then and there that we MUST extend our stay in Tuscany. Three days should do.

This is one of Faye's daughters, Sasha. I adored this little munchkin with her beautiful summer skin and sun-kissed curls. Despite my very limited Italian, we got along just fine.


On our second day at Fattoria Lavacchio we took a cooking class. The ingredients we carefully selected from the garden and prepared in a beautiful old kitchen. After our effort we enjoyed our bounty with wine from the vineyards that surrounded us.




Faye is such an amazing host and our time at her place is among our favorite from the trip. What makes it more special is the philosophy of Fattoria Lavacchio. One morning Faye took us on her morning rounds. Each morning she stops at the local farms where she picks up local, organic produce to use on her farm for her guests. Fattatoria Lavacchio is not just about profit, it is about preserving a way of life and the earth that makes that way of life possible.