Home

Travel is not really about leaving our homes, but leaving our habits.
- Pico Iyer 


While I was in Tuscany Italy, i saw who appeared to be a 80 year old man who would sit under an umbrella in the heat all day and night doing what I thought to be protecting his land. Every time i passed by on my bike there he would be, eyes wide open awaiting for someone to cross him.
The Tuscany heat wave brings people from all over the country to celebrate summer, many Italians tromp onto others properties with no care or knowledge of ones land. As here in America there are signs and most will respect the Private no trespassing boundaries. I was shocked to see the lack of respect.


This man was determined to do all he could to prevent a foot step onto his land. 


I developed a soft spot for him the more i saw the determination he had, I felt this man had a story. Perhaps he had just planted something, or perhaps this is all he has and he doesn't have anyone to go home to. This small piece of land with what appears to have nothing on it seems to be where his passion lies.


Knowing little Italian, and knowing a lot about the culture at that point, I felt the need to pass on and not speak a word of any language.
I knew he understood my knowledge of what he was doing. 
Being a photographer, It was difficult to not explain my point of view through a photograph.
I gave this man the respect and understanding of what he sweat for everyday of that summer.


Although there were no words spoken, I felt a great deal of joy come over my heart.
I being miles and miles from home found comfort in this man's pride. 


I too know the comforting feeling of having land. Land is something man has held dear to his heart for all of time.


So there you have it, being miles and miles away from home, I caught a glimpse of home.
Home is where your heart is.
And at that moment, my heart was with that man and his determination to stand for what he held dear to his heart.