Anna Helmer from Helmers Organic Potatoes in Pemberton, B.C. with Debra.

Cheeses displayed at Terra Madre.

Another delectable display of cheeses at Terra Madre.

The imposing facade of the Duomo in Milan, where I stopped off on my way to Turin and the Terra Madre conference.

Macedonian participant at Terra Madre, in traditional dress.

Slovenian shepherd in traditional dress.

A display of truffles at Terra Madre.

Wine-soaked cheese.

A very rustic cheese, seemingly infested with cheese mites.

Artisan cheese at Terra Madre.

Giant Provolone cheese

A rustic cheese that is aged in sacks lined with straw

Caciocavallo cheeses hanging by their "necks"

A raw milk vending machine in an Italian fine foods store.

An old-world shop in Milan, with shelves stacked to the ceiling.

My daughter Sarah, who was working in Switzerland at the time, joined me for a few days of sightseeing in Milan.

An array of pasta filata, or mozzarella-type cheeses.