Celebrating my 50th Birthday in Rome, Italy( 2 years late) - Journal Entry Day 1

Must haves for summer travel to Italy : A straw hat and an Aperol Spritz

I planned a trip to Rome , Italy for my 50th Birthday a couple of years ago and we all know what happened, the world shut down. My goal was to to celebrate this milestone birthday in a place that had been on my buckelist for awhile. To enjoy the sights, the sounds, the history and culture…and to savor every bit of pasta and wine that I could.

Up to this point : I had navigated a divorce , re-entered the workforce while trying to be a Mom and manage work life balance and I dug deep to heal and reclaim who I was as a WOMAN. The latter being the most important part of it all. Myself, like so many others, lost bits and parts of ourselves while navigating marriage and motherhood, throw lockdown, covid, distance learning and remote working into the mix and quite honestly.. it was alot to handle. My planned trip to Italy was the furthest thing from my mind as it had gotten cancelled and I had no idea of How or When we could re-schedule it.

Fast forward to the 2021-2022 school year, my middle daughter talked of studying abroad yet we didn’t know if it would happen OR where she would go. Long story short, she ended up in Rome for a month and the stars aligned for myself, my other 2 kids and my sister to take a trip to Rome to spend some time with her before heading back to Chicago together. The trip to Italy suddenly became a reality and in such an organic way. I think there is beauty in trusting and allowing things to unfold as they may.

So here we are, heading to Italy where I celebrated my 50th birthday in Italy, 2 years late.

I am excited to share my journey with you.

This was our 1st stop and it was just beautiful. This is St. Peters Square - Vatican City . It was about 101 degrees Farenheit, and we were trying to stay awake for as long as we could. Hot and tired Mama with a GRATEFUL heart.

Day 1 Journal Entry

We’ve arrived ! 2 years ago I planned a trip for my kids and I for my 50th birthday to Italy . As we know , the world shut down .

Today I am SO grateful and simply in awe .. to be in a place that I already knew would be magical for us . We hit the ground running and have not slept yet … soaking it all in

Thank you . Thank you .

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell”