At first glance, Giotto’s Farm struck no comparison to the old and familiar that are farms back home.  Instead of the idealistic “red barn” and cotton-ball sheep dotting an open field, I was greeted by a simple Italian home–scattered with chickens and ducks throughout an overgrown yard.  Quite significant in size for being in such close proximity to Florence, Giotto’s land– decorated with olive trees and wandering vines–reflects all shades of greens and yellows.  The man himself expresses just as gentle and organic nature as his surroundings, painting a pure picture of authenticity.  Aged by years of manual labor, yet gentle and kind, both Giotto and his farm make it as one of the humbler impressions of Italy I’ve had thus far.

It would be beyond easy to enjoy a day under Giotto’s olive trees, picnicking while learning about the land and craft of farming from the man himself–kittens weaving around your arms and lap.  During my visit, our group enjoyed a little over an hour near the end of the activity sitting and playing with those of the animals that were curious about us in return!  However the basket weaving activity is what makes this venue the gem that it is.  Learning the art of wicker basket weaving from Giotto and several other weavers provides more than an aesthetic or “artsy” fix, but allows you to join in on a long passed down tradition and art.  Being able to not only see, but participate in, the craft created a sense of home in the far away city of Florence.

Although sitting in front of a ready basket base and a pile of soaked bamboo twigs may be daunting at first, the weaver’s seem to transfer their confidence and skill as their hands lead learners on each beginning technique.  (Not to mention, a special one of Giotto’s crew sticks around to encourage with a happy wags  and lots of kisses!)  Each weaver guided us to the best of their ability, often helping quicken the process along by trimming sharp ends or tucking twigs for both security and visual presentation.  The language barrier of Italian to English (and visa versa) made directions a little difficult at first, but trust quickly formed between the weavers sharing their craft and ourselves having a personal project we were  invested in.  It provided a sense of security knowing that they would not let us leave with a work we were less than proud of!  Young were learning from old, and old learning from young–an exclusive audience arguably does not exist.  With as timeless and long standing of a tradition as Basket Weaving is, it servers to intertwine generations and demographics.  Having made something contributing to that history that yet still can be used at home (because yes!  Baskets are take home!) fosters a productive and positive feeling worth smiling about on the journey back into Florence.  At least, I definitely felt that way when I was able to place my keepsakes in my very own basket at the end of the day!