After four straight losses, my soccer team finally found its footing and won our final two games of the tournament this morning. It was just enough to secure a third-place finish and rehabilitate our confidence and psyche. A ten-course meal at a hilltop restaurant with a commanding view of the Adriatic followed the competition. We had a scoreless tie in our first match which went to penalty kicks where we won 2-1. In our second match, we produced a compelling 3-0 win. I made my first positive contribution to the team with an assist on our first goal. Trophy and finishing place aside, we earned the respect of our Italian hosts after two days of amateur performance.

After the three-hour lunch and trophy presentation, it was time to catch a bus back to Rome. The return was made infinitely more pleasant because I was traveling with three of my compatriots, one of whom is a fellow photographer and kindred spirit. As we passed over/through the mountains that separate Italy’s east and west coast, I managed a picture of the ~10,000 foot peaks through the window of the bus.