Momscape to Rome

What is Momscape? Why you should do it? How to do it? And all the questions about Momscape are answered here. For my first Momscape story, read on.

A Good Friend

First of all, I’m very fortunate to have a great friend beside me, like Emily. Thank you, girl! You are a treasure. She is a treasure for many reasons. The best thing I like about her is that she is not afraid to speak her truth. 

I’ve met with many mothers in different groups and different countries. To me, it was hard to connect with people who think about themselves as mothers only. So, it was a long journey to find like-minded friends. It's not impossible, it's just hard.

While our kids were playing, we became friends. Spending some time together, we laughed about how we were longing for a nice, uninterrupted dinner time. Or how cool it would be to go out when it’s already dark. 

Yeah, Nordic summers are paradoxical. It’s long and short at the same time. The sun is up until 10 PM, but the summerish weather lasts only a few weeks.

But, hey! At least we have a really long winter.

Thank you, Mother Nature! I bow before Your Majesty!

The Spark

It was a drizzly winter night when we went out together to hit a pub. And after a few drinks, we began to spin a web of our future holiday escapades. Hopes soared high, the plan was left with holes, and audacious ideas followed each other. Anyway, we agreed to definitely go for a long weekend to build our friendship and reconnect with our inner selves.

We sought a smart, affordable solution and found the perfect place in Rome.
Emily is good with languages, and her Italian was ´muy bien.´

The summer came, and so did our first Momscape.

A Goodbye from North

It was hard to leave the kids behind. But I knew they would have fun, and they would be happy to have their mom back, whose mental battery is fully charged. Also, they know me well. Chances are high that I’ll bring some nice gifts from Italy.

In the morning, I had to leave to catch the plane. I woke up early. Left a warm kiss on their foreheads while they were sleeping like little fairies on their oversized beds. I hid some treasures for them, hoping they would find them all. 
It’s nothing crazy, just a few post-it notes with hearts on them.

Walking away like you are escaping even though you know you’ll come back felt heavy. I walked alone, in silence. I needed to feel sad. That part is the hardest. First, I thought it would feel like a quick trip, and I’d always think about my kids. I got teary when my family called me before the departure while they had their breakfast. I wanted to be there instead and questioned myself. Why am I doing this?

Day One

The answer came. I needed a break from being a mother. I need long walks, quiet museums, and to take my time. 

Humans are complex. We are more than mothers, fathers, daughters, partners, friends, and definitely more than our jobs.

I hadn’t been to Rome before, so I was excited. Not like excited-excited because of the travel and the people and the noise. Ah, I needed to change clothes and eat something delicious. Rome was wonderful. The food was exquisite. My mood changed, and I was ready to discover the city. 

But everyone else decided to take a siesta.

So be it!

Let’s blend in and play some nap roulette. We decided to do whatever we felt like we needed. 

So liberating! 

The Momscape wasn’t just about naps, snacks, and chilling. But I’m not going to lie; that part was fun.

After a sweet and long siesta, we returned to our original plan. We had only two things on the agenda. Eat at Enzo and visit Trevi, the baroque fountain.

We got ready for the night, dressed up and feeling pretty. Since we were already downtown, we just walked out and got lost in the streets. 

Getting lost is so much fun when you are not in a hurry. We just kept walking, kept talking, and eventually, we discovered a restaurant that had been there for more
than 500 years. That is amazing. 

Imagine, people five hundred years ago were doing the same — only if the walls could talk. We had an amazing dinner at La Campana and got a short insight into Rome’s nightlife.

Day Two

On the second day, we visited a few churches and exhibitions. It was quiet. We had time to think. We had time to unwind and relax: no crowd, no people, nothing to do. Honing the art of doing nothing. Doing nothing and eating Cacio Pepe.

Day Three

On the third day, we went to Vatican City before the tourists. My friend and I lost each other once we were in, but that made the trip even better. We agreed to meet later when we had enough of the place. I felt like a kid. I wandered around. I read the signs and observed people. I marveled at the vast marble slabs. I looked for the names of my favorite popes on the huge board on which the names of all the popes had been hand-engraved. I was standing in line just to get some holy water. When they wanted to give me, I said, ´No, thank you!´ and left. In my defense, I had no idea that it was a line.

I’ve spent hours there without talking to anyone. I sat down on the stairs of the St. Peter’s Basilica. I could see those people who were coming and those who were leaving. I was sitting in the capital of the Catholics.

Huh, strange, I don’t even believe in an exclusive religion. Also, it’s actually forbidden to sit on the stairs too long. I never found out what’s too long for the guards, but whatever. The rules were not made to be questioned.

Maybe that’s the problem with religions.

The food was great at Enzo’s, I highly recommend the place. You cannot reserve a seat, though. You have to stand in line, my friend — very old school. You also can meet with wonderful people from all around the world. The waiting time was about an hour and a half, almost two hours. You can order drinks and use the restroom while you wait, so no worries. It’s fun. The waiters rush no one once you are in. You are free to enjoy the food. I had a weird but tasty artichoke and Cacio Pepe (yes, again), and a Tiramisu with house wine.

Emily warned me that if I tried Enzo’s Tiramisu, all other versions of the dessert would pale in comparison. I was like: “Hey! I don’t care!” 
She had a right. But I can taste that tiramisu whenever I close my eyes and think about it.

So, it’s still a win.

Day Four

I enjoyed the walks. We planned to see the Trevi fountain when no one was around. We went out at night. Sit there very long. People just kept coming.
Very disappointing. So we walked to Piazza Navona. It was peaceful and tranquil. While I sat by the fountain, closed my eyes, and listened to the surroundings, I forgot everything else. It was surreal to have no responsibilities but to enjoy life.

We re-checked the Trevi fountain. It was around three o’clock in the morning, and people were still wild and alive around it. 

I gave up and had my wish. Or should I say I donated money to Caritas Roma? Yeah, all the tossed coins with hopes and dreams end up at a non-profit, local organization called Caritas Roma.

Last Day

After four sunny, charming, and lovely days, we left the Eternal City.

The memories are with me.

Anytime I feel overwhelmed, I think of a long walk along the banks of the Tiber River. If I feel stressed, I think about how we got lost by a “bike-car” in the Villa Borghese Park. If I don’t like a dessert, I’ll just think about Enzo’s tiramisu.

After the trip, we returned to our family lives. Kids got their mothers with fully recharged mental batteries.

Life was in balance again.

Thank you for reading!

The Witty Witch