No, I didn’t mean Eat, Pray, Love. It has a lot to do with it, though. And in this post, I will share a little bit about it.
My trip to Rome
If you follow me on Instagram (@brittvandenelzen), you might have seen that I traveled to Rome earlier this year. I was there for three weeks. Longest I’ve been in one place at a time besides “home”, which is crazy to think about. We live so much of our lives in one place!! When I started on this entrepreneurial journey, one of the driving factors was freedom—in multiple areas, like location independence.
Why did I go to Rome? And why did I go to Rome?
All valid questions, thank you for asking. I booked my trip to Rome early last year because I wanted to experience the digital nomad life. Now that I wasn’t bound to a particular location or schedule, I had the freedom to go wherever I wanted. This has been a dream of mine for a very, very long time, and if my 2-year younger self could see me right now, she would freak out. So, I wanted to see whether it would be as fun as it looked in my head—which can often be very different. Plus, I wanted to travel somewhere solo, to face my fears and all that.
And for as to why Rome… Well, primarily because of Eat Pray Love. But I’ve always loved Italy, Italian food & History. So, what better reason could I have for visiting The Eternal City?
PRAY: My week alone in Rome (ft. myself)
Where to begin? I wrote an Instagram post about my first days in Rome, and it’s very fitting. Here’s an excerpt:
“It felt weird traveling during these times—with all that’s happening in the world. I felt anxious and was this 🤏close to canceling the trip. BUT, I also knew that not going was the easy choice. I was SO nervous and scared to go on my own, to depend solely on myself.
And now I’m here, and it’s so gorgeous, but the first days have been tough. As in: really, very, almost-booked-a-flight-back-home tough. I had a panic attack last night, but luckily I’m surrounded by amazing people in my life that know how to make me calm down and are there for me 24/7. It also makes it a LOT easier that they are going to visit me here❤️
On a more positive note: each hour is getting easier, and although I almost ditched all my plans, I know that these feelings are all growing pains. Personal growth is so important to me, and I know that these days are making me more aware of myself, my wants, and the person I am in general.
Here’s to stepping out of your comfort zone and doing things that scare you, but you (secretly) want to do. It isn’t always easy, but you got this ✨😘
My first few days were difficult for me mentally. I had never experienced such a panic attack in my life, but it was, I can now say, life-changing. I became stronger, more secure in myself, and more secure in the world.
Every morning, I had a honey croissant and went to park Borghese. I visited the Roman Forum (the first time out of three, lol) and walked around different neighborhoods. Rome is breathtaking, in my opinion, and the nature in Park Borghese tranquilizing. I’m proud of my perseverance, and I honestly miss it so much!
LOVE: My week enjoying Rome (ft. my boyfriend)
The following week, my boyfriend came to visit. The heavy weight that had been placed on my chest evaporated the moment I saw him. This week, I went to ALL the sights, because it was his first time visiting Rome.
The first week in Rome was about getting to know my place in the world, how I process new experiences, my feelings, and navigate a different place than home—all by myself. The second week was all about enjoying the new location. And I did—BIG time.
EAT: My week living in Rome (ft. my parents)
The last week, my parents came, and this was the week that felt most like I was “living” in Rome. My work-life balance worked better this week, and I also had the best food this week (visit Mimì e Cocò near Piazza Navona and try their Cacio e Pepe). This week, I truly lived life one day at a time instead of counting down the days in the first week.
The whole trip, the way it has unfolded, makes a lot of sense to me. It was a transformational experience, to be honest, and it has made me more aware of what I do and don’t want in life.
Final Thoughts
My most prominent feeling is that I miss Rome, even half a year later. Especially Park Borghese. I also miss The Forum Romanum, the food, the views, the language, and the weather. I seriously miss it all.
What I learned from this trip has made me grow as a person. I started out being 75% sure I would be back home before the first week was over, but I stayed. The whole reason I went was to see how I would feel traveling alone and working while traveling. I like being able to go wherever, whenever, but I don’t like working eight hours a day when I’m in a location I want to explore.
Many questions I had beforehand are now answered, and I’m more aware of what I want and do not want—which is invaluable.
Lots of Love,
Britt
