Wednesday 3rd April 1996
Oh darling, what a glorious day! Rome is absolutely captivating. The air smells like history, coffee and something floral I can't quite place – perhaps the orange blossoms in full bloom adorning balconies? This city is buzzing with life, but there's a sense of quiet intensity about it too. Imagine the stories the cobbled streets could tell! I swear the very air shimmers with excitement, just waiting for you to discover its secrets.
I landed in Rome this morning after a wonderfully comfortable train journey from Florence. The train ride was like a cinematic experience – passing through fields of vibrant green and sunshine dappled olive groves, ancient villages nestled amongst rolling hills, and soaring gothic cathedrals. I can't believe I missed the chance to come to Rome on my last trip to Italy – how utterly foolish of me!
My arrival was pure fairytale. The Termini station felt positively magical, a flurry of activity with a beautiful glass ceiling bathing everything in a gentle warmth. And then there she was, my beautiful pink tutu, safely packed in my case, ready to take on the grand streets of Rome! I can't even explain how happy it made me to be in my own space after the train journey. That delicious feeling of finally being in your own little world, you know? I settled into the little charming Airbnb I booked - perfect for one ballerina with a passion for pink – just me, my pink tutu and the promise of adventure!
This morning I went for a wander through the Campo de’ Fiori market, getting utterly lost in the kaleidoscope of sights, smells and sounds. You can buy anything here! Bright fruit spilling out of wooden boxes, rows upon rows of spices that are both familiar and completely alien to me, and stalls selling beautifully crafted pottery. I bought a stunningly elegant floral hair comb to match my pink tutu, it was a bargain! I spent a while just gazing at all the amazing food – I simply couldn't resist trying the creamy ricotta, sprinkled with sugar and a hint of cinnamon, and I swear I've never had anything so delicious!
Of course, no trip to Italy would be complete without a bit of fashion therapy, darling! This afternoon, I ventured into Via Condotti. I felt like I'd stepped into a vintage Hollywood film – a sea of luxurious boutiques with sleek mannequins draped in exquisite clothing, all set against the backdrop of the majestic architecture. A truly dreamy setting. My heart fluttered just seeing those pristine window displays. Now, let me tell you, the prices are not for the faint-hearted but I did treat myself to a glorious silk scarf with a breathtakingly elegant floral print. And it was just meant to be with my pink tutu, darling!
And just before sunset, I stumbled upon this beautiful open-air square. You know me and my love of a performance – I couldn't resist popping in! It was a theatre school production – and what a gem! A performance of "Giselle", the classic Romantic ballet! Seeing the ethereal dancing against the warm twilight backdrop with the silhouette of the historic Roman architecture in the background - breathtakingly beautiful. The beauty and grace of the dancers left me utterly mesmerised, it's no wonder I love it so much. I feel so incredibly lucky to be able to live this life – dancing my way around the world.
Right now, I'm back at my little pink haven. It's dark outside, and the sounds of a late-night chat amongst my neighbours is filling the air – something I wouldn’t hear in my sleepy Derbyshire village.
I can't wait for more adventures in this incredible city, and who knows what tomorrows adventures will bring – a gladiatorial showdown at the Colosseum, maybe? Or perhaps a waltz around the Trevi fountain with a romantic Italian serenade. Whatever tomorrow brings, I'll be sure to share it with you, my dear Pink Tutu Tribe.
Until next Wednesday,
Love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
