Distendere

To settle. In the sense of overcoming anxiety. This is where I have found myself. This city, these people, have started to make sense for me. Maybe it's having a schedule; to school every morning on the 8:50 or 9:20 bus; or realizing where the bus goes at all (which was an adventure the first few days). I have gone out a few times, but honestly haven't experienced much of the nightlife; just a couple of pubs. Of course, I'm trying not to spend all my money in one place; I'd rather spend it traveling, or even enjoying a dinner I've never had before, as opposed to wasting it on drinks. Though certainly, I won't be avoiding the good times altogether.
The past week has mostly been an exercise in assimilation; not to the culture of Siena, which is beautiful, but mostly inattainable for me, in my short stay. Rather, as the foreign student in Siena, my role is certainly diferent from a tourist, and I'm not Sienese, but I am somewhere in the middle; between a brother and a stranger. More welcome as a guest, but also more responsible to act as a local would, to understand and appreciate customs, not to fit in, but to pay respect to those that deal with my very foreigness, and treat me as one of them.
I walked through the market on wednesday morning, and must admit, that I was somewhat overwhelmed. There was plenty to see and to buy, but it was obvious to me that I didn't truly belong at this fair. On the spectrum I have created, this was a moment in which I was leaning to the side of tourist. I passed jackets and food and intimates and flowers, wide eyed. And also, ignored. Though of course, my intention was only to explore for the day, and among stands that peeked through the soil overnight, growing to full height immediately, imposing from either side of the path, I enjoyed the wonder of this temporary grove. It led me, winding, twisting, to the fortezza, where I stood at the top; reliving the role of an archer. Though my weapon in hand was a camera.