Heaven found.

Escaping to the hills of Tuscany sounded like a great idea, but only when we arrived at the exquisite Agritourisme of Fattoria Lavacchio did it become apparent that we had journeyed into a valley quite unlike anything I had experienced before. The rolling green hills lying just beyond the small town of Rufina have a gentle character of their own that is better felt than described. There are so many amazing things happening at Lavacchio, from organic vineyards and olive groves to local food procurement and cheese making. Everyone was so genuinely friendly, and organic seemed like more of a way of life than a label. I was in heaven, even if just for a day.

The old white farm house to the left is one of the buildings on the farm, and where we stayed for the night.

A view to the vineyards through our window.

Charming yet spacious accommodation.

Can you spell T-O-U-R-I-ST? Karl finally gave in to buy a t-shirt in Rome during the sweltering heat ("I love Roma" no less). Little did he know it almost got him into some serious trouble a day later in Milan when Rome and Milan played off for a major football match and nothing short of army troops where on the streets keeping on eye on the Milano fans.

The heavenly pool where we spent most of the first afternoon soaking up the sun.

The agriculture is the region is rich and diverse.

A small forest on my walk through the countryside.

Olive groves with rich soils building up beneath the old trees. I was reminded of one of my favourite pieces by Wendell Berry - Manifesto: the mad farmer liberation front.

The main farm house where we had an unbelievable dinner with all local and organic produce.

Early the next morning we explored more of the farm, including the olive groves, vegetable gardens, cellar, pottery studio and horse stables.

Happiness is.... a warm chocolate croissant for breakfast.

There is so much more going on then we were able to see in our short stay and definitely a place to dissapear to for a while... a long, soul restoring while.