Expectations.

I had a lot of expectations when I arrived in Siena. Some I struggled to fulfill, while others were met over and over. [Like with my job. And the city.]

This is Marco. He owns L'Osteria del Gatto. 

And this is the inside of L'Osteria del Gatto. Adorable, no? 

[Excuse the blurry picture. Nobody can manage a manual focus.]

Working at this little restaurant was one of the best aspects of my time in Siena. I learned the Tuscan accent. I learned to cook various Tuscan dishes. I learned to interact and create relationships even when there was a substantial language barrier. I messed up all the time. And kept trying. 

I miss these people. 

Sunrise over the Mariah dei Servi church. There was nothing I loved more than going running and finishing my run here, where I can see Siena and the beautiful Tuscan country. 

"As I had grown accustomed to my expectations, I had insensibly begun to notice their effect upon myself and those around me." 

-Great Expectations