Ciao bellas! It's Emma, your resident pink tutu enthusiast, reporting live from the Eternal City itself, Rome! Yes, I’m back with another installment of the Pink Tutu Rome series, a delightful adventure I'm funding through my beloved ballet gigs, where each week I share a little piece of this vibrant, historical city with you. Think of it as your own personal pink tutu guide to exploring Rome, through the eyes (and, of course, the tutu) of a fellow lover of all things fabulous.
As always, it’s Wednesday, and that means another blog post is winging its way to you on www.pink-tutu.com! Today’s adventure is particularly exciting – not only have I been swept away by the grandeur of ancient ruins, but also by the chic and charming boutiques that line Rome's elegant streets! But before we delve into the sartorial wonders, let's get back to the start of the day…
The day dawned gloriously over Rome. From my tiny, charming little B&B overlooking a tranquil piazza, I could practically taste the promise of gelato, cappuccino, and maybe even a spot of dolce vita. I must admit, that morning breakfast in Rome was particularly decadent, with crusty bread, creamy ricotta, and sweet slices of melon. It was enough to fuel even a ballerina on a day packed with adventure.
First on the agenda was a visit to the Colosseum. Now, even though I usually favour ballet theatres and opera houses, the sheer size and historical significance of the Colosseum took my breath away. It's one of those places you’ve seen a thousand times in documentaries, but nothing can truly prepare you for its majesty. As I gazed across the weathered stones, I couldn’t help but think about the gladiatorial battles that had once taken place here. How fascinating! It makes you appreciate just how long ago these amazing structures were built and the enduring spirit that brought them into being.
Now, even with all that history, one thing's for sure, the Colosseum wasn't going to be the only thing vying for my attention that day. A day in Rome is simply not complete without a bit of retail therapy. With my shopping fix firmly in mind, I jumped aboard the next metro train. Now, I must say, there is just something about travelling by train. You get to see so much of the city while travelling, and those little details that really make a place unique! Plus, trains always put me in a reflective mood, you know, it allows the creative juices to really flow and I always get my best writing ideas while on the move.
Anyway, I stepped off the train at a station close to Via Condotti. Oh my heavens, I could practically smell the designer perfume and high-end leather goods. The boutiques along this street are some of the most glamorous I’ve ever seen, each vying for attention with elegant window displays and dazzling clothes. I can't resist trying on anything I find pretty. Who wouldn’t love to twirl in a breathtakingly beautiful gown made of the finest silks, with those incredible little lace trims and diamante embellishments, a perfect backdrop to a fabulous ballet show? A girl's gotta dream!
And that’s exactly what I did. I dreamily wandered the elegant shop floors, letting the fabrics glide across my fingertips. Of course, a pink tutu couldn't possibly be complete without the perfect pink handbag! And that's where I discovered the absolute dreamiest pastel pink handbag – a delicate shade of pink with an intricately crafted bow, absolutely perfect for a Parisian soirée or even a Covent Garden Ballet night.
After several hours lost in a blissful shopping trance, I made my way to a local trattoria, where I enjoyed a scrumptious meal of pasta and a pitcher of chilled red wine. I couldn't resist ordering some freshly baked gelato. I have a theory: Gelato in Italy is just like everything else – better! It is a symphony of flavor, textures, and colours – you can literally taste the history and love that's poured into each spoonful. The Romans definitely know their sweets! What's more, as I sipped my espresso and devoured the last spoonful of my gelato, I felt incredibly grateful for my experiences in this captivating city. It was like being part of a scene straight out of a classic film – "La Dolce Vita" in all its glory.
And just like that, the day was slipping away. So I jumped on the metro, which by this point felt like my very own chariot, and I made my way back to my little B&B. And as I lay there in my comfy bed, my thoughts turned to the memories of the day, from the echoes of the ancient Colosseum to the delicate sparkle of those exquisite gowns in Via Condotti. What a perfect blend of history, culture, and a touch of pink tutu magic!
So, that’s all for this week! Next week, I will be taking you on a tour of Rome's magnificent Roman Forum, and who knows? Maybe a sneak peek into some more fashion-filled avenues… But for now, I’m signing off with a big thank you for joining me on my Pink Tutu Rome journey. Remember, you don’t need a tutu to experience all the wonders that this vibrant city has to offer, but it sure does add a sprinkle of magic! Until next Wednesday, stay stylish, stay beautiful and don’t forget to dream big!
Love and pink tutus,
Emma
