Ciao bellas! It's Emma here, back from the glorious city of Rome, my latest adventure, and the place I was so excited to share with all of you! This is going to be a big one, so get your tutus ready for a whirlwind of Italian delights, from the best pasta I've ever had (oh my goodness, the creamy carbonara!) to the most stunning Colosseum I could have ever imagined!
This week's blog is extra special. This journey has been a long time coming, ever since I caught the "travel bug" after our trip to Paris last year (remember that amazing macaroon cafe?!) Now, it’s officially a reality and let me tell you, darling, it’s even better than I ever dreamed it would be. Rome has captivated me completely, like some kind of fairytale story book I stumbled into – all marble statues, cobbled streets, ancient ruins, and beautiful churches, sprinkled with enough romance to set your heart alight. It’s the kind of place you simply have to visit and for me, it has definitely exceeded every single expectation.
Now, for you lovelies, let’s travel back to last week. I left Derbyshire bright and early on Wednesday, all bundled up in my gorgeous blush-coloured knitted cardigan (it’s autumn here now!) ready for my train journey, which I can’t get enough of. That sense of anticipation, the clattering along the rails, the different countryside views… It really sets the scene for an exciting adventure and the romance of it just fits my whole pink tutu aesthetic perfectly! Speaking of romance… you guys won’t believe what I stumbled upon in a shop window… A sparkly pink ballet bag! I know, how perfectly fabulous right? A girl just can’t resist sparkle! It now has pride of place in my ballet bag collection back home!
On arrival in Rome, I was whisked off by the lovely taxi driver in his Italian Fiat straight to the adorable hotel that we’ve booked – a charming little guesthouse tucked away in the city's heart. It has the most exquisite marble courtyard and little garden with bougainvillea climbing the walls - perfect for posing with my pink tutu on, and taking all the fabulous snaps for my Instagram, of course!
Now, let's talk about this city! Oh darling, it's utterly enchanting. Everywhere you turn, it's a picture postcard! I'm talking ancient ruins that stand tall and proud against a vibrant blue sky, quaint little shops filled with handmade leather goods and lace, cobblestone streets lined with pastel-coloured houses - just dreamy! It’s a place for wandering around getting lost, getting a little bit “lost in translation” as it were, trying every little bakery and cafe along the way…
Fashion, Shopping and Seeing The Sights
Rome is not only beautiful, but it is the most fashionable city I have ever been to. The women dress in chic pieces, simple cuts, timeless designs, but oh my god the Italian shoes! And that effortless, glamorous air? My goodness! It’s inspirational!
My absolute highlight (after the gorgeous food!) was visiting the Trevi Fountain. It’s so incredibly huge and ornate! I'm talking magnificent white marble statues cascading water, every inch a masterpiece. I took a whole bag of pictures! It’s a must for anyone visiting this beautiful city. Of course, I had to chuck in my lucky penny for a wish, but the highlight of that experience was a family taking some adorable photos in their perfectly matched pink tutus – right up my street darling! I absolutely had to introduce myself and we even shared a selfie! That is the dream come true of pink tutu wearing, getting a group photo with a real-life group of tutu wearers!
Later in the day, after our lunch of incredible pizza (more pizza than I could possibly eat! It was heavenly! I have to mention that I went to a very pretty trattoria and the pizza base was seriously incredible, crisp but thin, a real masterclass in Italian cuisine) we ventured into the historic Trastevere neighbourhood. The quaint, medieval alleyways and charming cobbled streets have a special charm, filled with delicious smells from restaurants and cafes - oh, how I just love all the fresh basil, the mozzarella, the salty parmesan... Oh and of course the delicious gelato, perfect after a full Italian meal. I don’t think I will ever eat a boring ice cream again!
The following day, I took a little fashion adventure, I did a spot of shopping (naturally) to add to my growing travel wardrobe. You just have to buy everything in Rome! It was almost impossible to resist. But then again, what can a ballerina do, except dress to impress, with a pinch of that Italian flare and an accent to boot! My biggest splurge? Oh, let's just say it's a pair of perfect cherry red heels that will pair wonderfully with my new pink tutu skirt (pink and red! That's what I call a statement outfit). But it was well worth it! The shoe shops in Rome are beyond any you could imagine. And they do the best selection of beautiful silk scarves as well, you know for my ballerina bun, you simply must accessorize darling.
One of my favourite discoveries this week in Rome was an absolutely incredible bakery in the Piazza Navona area – oh, it was incredible, just incredible. They make the best macaroons ever – oh my goodness. Of course I brought back a whole box back home, with the tiniest pink bows for each of my lovely Derbyshire friends, a little souvenir treat! And oh my, they make a divine hazelnut cappuccino, I could get used to that!
A Night at the Ballet
And on a chilly Friday night, just as the city lights begin to twinkle and glimmer – you can see the dome of St Peters Basilica lighting up the sky - and the beautiful Romans were heading out to the theatre, I went along with a small group for a show. The beautiful Italian music drifted into the crisp, clear autumn air, setting a most magical scene, just how I envisioned a Rome evening. We saw a brilliant classical performance, so graceful and elegant! I felt as though I was floating on air watching these talented performers – I had to remind myself that it wasn't my performance and to let them enjoy the limelight for a little while, just this once! It inspired me for my own upcoming performance though, and yes you guessed it! This trip to Rome will be my inspiration for a new dance routine I have been working on... so, let me know your favourite pink tutu moves! Maybe I will include some in my next routine.
After the ballet, we all enjoyed a delightful dinner at a local family-run ristorante. Now, you can’t go to Rome without trying their pappardelle with duck - the richest and most decadent dish. I will forever be chasing that dish when I’m back in the UK – so it has definitely become one of my favourites.
There was so much more that we managed to do – visit the ancient Colosseum, stand beneath the vast, historical structure that still manages to be incredible impressive in its vast size and power, stand in awe of its strength and beauty, watch the sun setting over Rome on a Vespa – just divine. The sun looks even more beautiful over Rome. Oh, the delicious pizzas and the beautiful weather – I am missing this now. I know how lucky I have been to be here, seeing all the places I always dreamt of! Rome you have totally stolen my heart!
Until next time.
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
