#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 1996-12-25 exploring Rome Italy

Merry Christmas, my darlings! It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind Italian adventure! I've spent the past week exploring the eternal city of Rome, and let me tell you, it was a dream come true for this pink tutu-clad ballerina.

This week's post is dedicated to all you fabulous souls out there who've been dreaming of a trip to Rome. From the colossal Colosseum to the tranquil Vatican, I've packed a week's worth of pink tutu magic into this post - just for you!

It all began in London, where I boarded the Eurostar, ready for a journey straight out of a vintage Italian film. The journey was as beautiful as a Ballet Blanc - crisp air, sleek seats, and the thrill of watching the countryside change from bustling cities to quaint villages, all the way to the bustling Rome Termini station.

I'd already researched the perfect hotel for a Pink Tutu gal on the go - a charming boutique hotel nestled within the cobblestone heart of Trastevere. My room was like a mini pink paradise, decorated with elegant pastel colours, soft fabrics, and a huge mirror perfect for admiring my pink tutu ensemble, which, of course, I was sporting!

Day one in Rome was a total spectacle! We began our day with a trip to the Colosseum, one of the most famous ancient structures in the world. Imagine my joy, walking through the shadowed tunnels where gladiators once walked! This massive amphitheatre has witnessed countless stories of heroism, sacrifice, and, of course, performances of the highest calibre. For a ballet lover, it's like a stage for the ages.

The sheer scale of the Colosseum was breathtaking! Standing within its towering arches, you could truly appreciate its immense history, echoing with the roars of the crowd and the grace of Roman dancers (although I believe they preferred sandals to tutus back then).

I wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu enthusiast if I didn't make some time for a fabulous shopping spree! Rome, my dears, is a haven for the stylish, and my suitcase practically exploded with all my new finds. From high-end designer boutiques to charming local shops bursting with treasures, I discovered some gorgeous new additions for my ballet-inspired wardrobe. I simply adore a bold print, especially if it features flowers or butterflies, so naturally I went wild in the little markets for those lovely hand-painted silk scarves.

The best part about shopping in Rome? You can find anything! My top tip is to head towards Piazza Navona, where you can mingle with locals and unearth some true treasures!

It's impossible to talk about Rome without mentioning the divine food! I'm talking pizza so good it deserves its own ballet, pasta that's like a smooth pirouette on the palate, and gelato so rich and creamy, it makes me want to twirl. My heart (and my tummy) were full to the brim, and every single bite was a joyous dance of flavour.

One evening, we decided to indulge in a traditional Roman trattoria - think candles, red wine, and a boisterous atmosphere! The locals treated us like long-lost friends, which made the entire experience even more delightful. Remember my dears, the true essence of travel is to experience the local culture, even if it's just enjoying a meal with the locals and learning some new Italian phrases!

What trip to Rome would be complete without experiencing its magnificent theatre? This Christmas Day, we booked seats to watch "La Traviata," a classic opera performed in the gorgeous Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.

As the lights dimmed, I felt the familiar sense of magic that only a theatrical experience can bring. The soaring vocals, the elaborate costumes, the passionate storytelling - it was an utter spectacle, and even better than a typical ballet!

Later that week, I was thrilled to discover a ballet studio just steps away from my hotel! What could be better than getting a few ballet classes in before Christmas dinner with the family?

This little studio felt so welcoming. It was small and cosy with a beautiful mural on the wall featuring dancing angels and classical sculptures - definitely the most elegant studio I’ve seen outside of London.

As soon as I started my barre work, the stress of travel melted away, replaced with a familiar sense of joy and freedom. I felt a strong connection to these other ballet dancers - we were united in our love for this art form and all it offered, despite our different backgrounds. The lesson finished with some improvisational movement and I ended the day with a truly positive feeling of creativity and community.

No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to the Vatican City. It was like entering another world, where history and faith interweave in the most breathtaking way.

From the imposing St. Peter's Basilica with its towering dome to the exquisite Sistine Chapel, I felt a powerful sense of reverence. And for me, the artistic beauty was unparalleled. The colours, the architecture, the sculptures, it felt like the entire place was celebrating beauty, something I love so much. The entire experience made me reflect upon life’s biggest questions and its mysteries and left me feeling incredibly grateful for the privilege of seeing this unique space.

And there you have it, my darlings, my Pink Tutu Rome adventures! Rome has captured my heart - a city where ancient history meets modern energy, where every corner offers a surprise, and where even the most simple of things are infused with beauty and joie de vivre. I truly believe everyone should have the chance to visit this extraordinary city, at least once in their lives!

I know some of you may be thinking that travelling in a pink tutu could be seen as a bit, shall we say, extravagant, and maybe even a little silly. But the world is so much more exciting when you dare to be yourself!

My Pink Tutu isn't just an outfit, it’s a way of life. It allows me to break out of my comfort zone, to stand out from the crowd, to live life in my own unique way and spread the love for colour, fashion and a little touch of magical whimsical joy!

I'm already planning my next big ballet adventure, so stay tuned for more Pink Tutu stories and inspiration! And remember, no matter where you travel, you can make it your own. After all, the world is our stage!

Ciao, Bella! 💖 Emma

*P.S. Don't forget to check out the website www.pink-tutu.com for more inspiration and my blog post schedule. *