Once Upon a Time: Siena, Italy
Once Upon a Time: Siena, Italy
We had just arrived in Siena and spent the day checking out
the candy-cane striped cathedral, duomo, in the historic city center. As
evening settled a light rain began to fall. We passed restaurants and read the
chalkboard signs out front. We observed diners cozy and warm in their familiar
setting, talking and laughing in their native language, while outside, we felt
outside. Strangers wanting nothing more than to be inside somewhere, part of
this wonderful place.
Which seemed impossible.
Around us residents hurried carrying groceries, crusty
bread, wine for their dinner. We were like a rock in a stream as they flowed
by. The drizzle added to the incongruity we felt, blurring street lamps,
creating glowing arcs that radiated out to us.
Then out of the darkness came a little old lady in a
trim-fitting coat navigating the steep cobbled streets. We ran over to her. I
extended an arm for her to lean on while my husband lifted an umbrella over
her. Together we walked her home.
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