A Lust Letter To Siena.
Carissima Siena,
Should I call you dearest, do you think, when our time together was so tumultuous and brief?
Like a couple of teenagers, we were — you exasperated at my poor skills of communication, and me laughing at your sometimes brazen sense of style.
![DSC_3305_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3305_web.jpg)
We had a rough start. I thought you were tight-walled and protective — closed-minded and shuttered. Your facade carefully crafted, stone-by-stone over centuries. And me, just another sloppy tourist, hoping to get inside.
![DSC_3236_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3236_web.jpg)
I tried to get you drunk, but you were stoic and reserved. The picture of historically preserved perfection.
![DSC_3240_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3240_web.jpg)
A little bedraggled, perhaps, after hundreds of years of dating and never finding the one, but you wear your scars proudly and still believe in dressing up in public.
![IMG_2830_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_2830_web.jpg)
I like that about you.
In fact, I’m in awe of your righteous grandeur, where you care to display it.
![DSC_3258_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3258_web.jpg)
And in quiet places your beauty is almost mystical, when the light shines just right.
![DSC_3457_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3457_web.jpg)
You gave me a new perspective —
![DSC_3503_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3503_web.jpg)
and weren’t afraid to show your quirks.
![DSC_3249_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3249_web.jpg)
You seem to sit on your pedestal — regal and refined.
![IMG_2836_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMG_2836_web.jpg)
But I know the truth —
![DSC_3290_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3290_web.jpg)
There’s an understated beauty that makes you, you.
![DSC_3500_web](http://www.domestiphobia.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_3500_web.jpg)
But for too many nights you left me dining alone. And that, I’m afraid, I couldn’t move past.
I wish I’d gotten to know you better.
I wish our tryst meant as much to you as it did to me.
Were the worth of our romance measured in time, five days does not a great love make. But were it measured in emotion — the awe of wonder at discovering the beauty that lies in your hidden nooks; the depth of sadness at walking your cold streets alone — then the memory of our intimacy, no doubt, won’t soon fade from my mind.
Con affetto, amore mio —
Katie
Comments
There is a word in German called Fernweh which translates literally to farsickness. Kind of like wanderlust or as it was explained on Wikipedia , the opposite of homesick. I think youre a little farsick for Siena :)
Germans have some GREAT words! I think I’m a little far sick for… anywhere far. ;)
Fantastic! I’m not sure I’ve had the pleasure of meeting
your poetic side. So very glad to have made its acquaintance.
Ha! It’s popped up once or twice around here. ;)
I love this! I could use your format for this letter for hundreds of places! I understand your longing and feel it often! Beautiful photos too, which is nice for me since I’ve never been to this gorgeous city!
So true — I could use it for many places as well! I feel like I need a second chance with Siena — next time with my husband in tow. :)
Great Post Katie!!! Your photos perfectly reflect your sentiments! Have a good weekend.
My weekend is flying by way too quickly! And now I’m drooling over your bundt recipe, thinking I should make that. :)
We spent a single day in Siena and completely loved it! I can’t wait to go back, you were such a trooper to do it alone!
I definitely would’ve had more fun with a travel buddy!