Caro Palio:

I have a confession. It’s very difficult to tell you because I really do love you. I love watching you race. Your energy. Your vibrant colors. All of it. It’s intoxicating. And I always do my best to not miss you race.  I always love pre-partying with you at Tartuca’s or at Selva’s. Remember that one year when Leocorno threw that awesome party? 

But yeah.

I know I’m not there. And this distance between us can really be difficult, but I really do try to not miss a single moment. I’m trying to be as ‘there’ as I can even though I’m not, you know. There. 

That’s why this is so difficult to tell you. I don’t want to hurt your feelings. And I don’t want you to think I don’t love you anymore. Because I do. I mean - I did give a glowing 10 minute speech about you in front of all my classmates when I was younger. That was so embarrassing by the way. But they loved you. I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t.  But — yeah. That’s why this is hard. The thing is. Well, I cheated on you. 

And no, not with the Italia Wave Love Festival. Or with the that really good looking Lucca Festival. Although - I am going to be honest. They are both super super attractive.

I actually cheated on you with someone here called Outside Lands. He lives in San Francisco. 

I am not going to say it didn’t mean anything. Because it did. It was epic. It was mind blowing. But I am going to tell you that it doesn’t mean I don’t still absolutely adore you. It doesn’t mean I don’t want to be with you. Because I do. In my defense, right when I got home I watched you race. You were brilliant. I am so happy for you and Tartuca. 

I just want to be honest with you. Because this long-distance relationship is starting to take it’s toll on me. And I think it’s time we’ve had this conversation and act like adults. 

I think it’s time we just be honest with each other: our relationship is open. I know you and Tartuca are going to be celebrating for the next month or so, just like you and Selva did in July. 

I miss you terribly. 

Lots of love from California, 

A Tuscan stuck in Davis.

PS: Outside really wants to meet you. I showed him photos and the video below and he thinks you are all sorts of awesome.