The narrator, a city dweller, unexpectedly became an Italian farmer for the summer. He took care of a farm with multiple animals, including dogs, chickens, pigs, and sheep. Despite initial nervousness, he enjoyed the experience and learned to appreciate the beauty of Italy. However, his time on the farm was not without challenges, including a confrontation with a fox that had been killing the chickens. The narrator bravely chased the fox away with a pitchfork, saving the remaining chickens. He also had a pleasant encounter with a neighbor who shared figs with him, and he enjoyed trying Italian pizza. Overall, the narrator had a positive experience and would consider returning to the farm in the future.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator became an Italian farmer unexpectedly last summer.
2. The narrator is from the city and has no knowledge of plants or animals.
3. A friend's friend had a farm in Italy and was looking for people to farm-sit while he was away.
4. The narrator accepted the offer and went to Italy.
5. The farm had a large house, a garage, dogs, chickens, sheep, pigs, cats, and two roosters.
6. The narrator was given a stack of papers with tasks to complete, including feeding and caring for the animals.
7. The narrator met the neighbor, an old Italian woman, who initially yelled at them but then shared her figs.
8. The narrator set up a charcuterie board using the figs and other items.
9. The narrator discovered a baby owl in the chicken coop, which they safely relocated to the barn loft.
10. The narrator lost a chicken to a fox that had been seen in the area.
11. The narrator confronted the fox and chased it away with a pitchfork, saving the remaining chickens.
12. The narrator enjoyed the rest of their time in Italy, trying new foods and enjoying the scenery.