Wednesday, 12th June, 1996
Hello, darlings! Emma here, back with you from the eternal city of Rome! Can you believe it's already June? This year is flying by faster than a pirouette!
Today, my fabulous trip to Rome starts its second week, and my heart is already overflowing with gioia, as they say here! The Italian sunshine is giving me the most delightful tan, and I’m practically swimming in pink, as you’d expect.
I have to admit, travelling to Rome was a bit of a whirlwind. Packing a suitcase full of tutus (yes, multiple!) alongside my carefully curated array of outfits for Roman evenings was no easy feat. But it’s worth every crumpled tulle and sparkling sequined dress.
I chose to journey here by train, of course. There’s just something so glamorous about chugging through Europe in a vintage carriage. Especially when you can hop out for a pitstop at a charming cafe with a paper-wrapped croissant. This trip felt like a scene straight out of a Parisian film!
As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been busy exploring Rome's incredible history. You know me, I adore any place with cobblestone streets and hidden courtyards – they just ooze a certain romantic magic! My Roman adventures have included gazing in awe at the Colosseum, the grandeur of which was positively breathtaking! I swear I could feel the ghosts of gladiators and emperors roaming amongst the crumbling arches.
On Sunday, we wandered through the ancient Roman Forum and marveled at the history etched into every stone. It felt surreal, standing amongst the remnants of a civilization so different yet connected to our own. I'm even thinking of trying to incorporate some of those graceful Roman poses into my ballet practice! Who knows, maybe there’s an ancient ballerina slumbering inside us all.
And speaking of ballet, the other night, we went to the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. I'm a big fan of ballet, and the ballet here was truly stunning! They weren't just doing the classics, like "Swan Lake" and "Giselle." They had some more modern pieces with incredible costumes, the kind you see in a magazine. Seeing such exquisite performances is really inspiring. It just proves that, no matter what decade it is, ballet can be captivating!
I must say, the audience's reaction was pretty electric. The applause seemed to ripple right through the grand old building! But the most exciting part? Guess what they offered for the encore?! Imagine my glee when they played Tchaikovsky’s "Swan Lake" – I literally had to catch myself before doing a mini pirouette in the balcony!
Now, for those of you who don't know me – and this should be clear by now – I absolutely adore a good shopping spree! I was like a kid in a sweet shop at all the boutiques here in Rome. Their craftsmanship is simply breathtaking. So, naturally, my suitcase is already brimming with gorgeous Italian handbags, some chic silk scarves, and – you guessed it! – an exquisite new tutu from a hidden boutique in Trastevere. It’s a vibrant magenta colour, perfect for catching the attention of even the most stoic Roman.
Of course, no trip to Italy is complete without savoring their divine food. Oh, the food! From the creamy gelato in Piazza Navona (definitely a scoop of stracciatella, if you ever get the chance!), to the pasta, pizzas, and, yes, even the carciofi (artichokes) which, I know, aren't everyone's favourite – trust me on this one, I have to eat artichokes whenever I can, it's a tradition! The food here just bursts with flavour, making it utterly irresistible. I think I've gained a few pounds just from sampling everything delicious, and you know what? I'm not even going to try to hide it! A little indulgence is good for the soul – and the heart, as they say.
But you know what truly captured my heart? It’s the warmth of the Italian people. Everyone I've encountered has been so friendly and full of laughter. The Romans really have that charming and lively air, making this city a true delight to wander around! I know my adventures aren't over yet. I'm excited to discover more Roman secrets, sip cappuccinos in sunny piazzas, and soak up the sunshine on the shores of Lake Bracciano.
Speaking of which, my sweet love has surprised me with tickets to the Teatro Greco di Siracusa – the oldest Greek theatre in the world! It's in Sicily, so I'm so excited about taking the train through the Italian countryside and seeing a little bit of Sicilian life. I can just imagine myself stepping onto the stage, wearing a sparkly pink tutu, surrounded by the ancient stones and the sun. Isn't it fantastic?! I just know that my inner ballerina will be over the moon!
I'll be sure to share all my adventures, including what I learn about Sicily, next week. Ciao bella, darlings, and remember, every day is an opportunity to embrace a little bit of magic!
Until then, let's all stay twirling and fabulous,
Emma xx
