Hello, my darlings! It's Emma here, bringing you the latest installment from my whirlwind Roman adventure. This week, the pink tutu has landed firmly in the heart of the Eternal City, and oh my goodness, it's simply divine!
Now, if you're anything like me, you know the best way to get a feel for a new place is by taking a train. There's just something magical about watching the landscape morph from green countryside to urban sprawl, all while feeling the rhythm of the rails beneath you. So, after a quick stop at the lovely little tea room in my Derbyshire village for a slice of Victoria sponge and a spot of lavender tea, I boarded the Eurostar, my pink tutu safely tucked away in its special travel bag. It's not easy finding space for a tulle masterpiece in hand luggage, let me tell you, but trust me, it's worth it.
Rome, you're even more beautiful than I imagined! The air itself seems to hum with history, and the buildings... well, they're just straight out of a fairytale. And guess what? My pink tutu is making quite the impression. Every Roman I've met so far has had a smile on their face as wide as the Colosseum itself.
But Rome isn't just about historical monuments (though let's face it, they are pretty darn incredible!). The fashion here is something else entirely. Think effortless chic, bold prints, and a flair for the dramatic. Now, if you've read any of my previous posts, you know my weakness is a fabulous shoe shop. Well, my dears, let me tell you, I have discovered a haven for shoe lovers! It's a hidden gem tucked away down a little cobblestone street. Let's just say it wouldn't be a true Pink Tutu travel diary without a brand-new pair of red stilettoes for my collection! 👠
And then, of course, there's the food. My heart, my darling, has been dancing with glee. Fresh pasta, juicy tomatoes, the best gelato I've ever tasted - this is what dreams are made of. Oh, and the coffee? Magnificent. ☕️
Speaking of dancing, Rome has a thriving ballet scene. Today, I stumbled upon a charming little ballet studio hidden amongst the narrow alleyways of the Trastevere district. They have a class for all levels, and I couldn't resist! I'll be sure to share a few snaps of my Roman ballet experience next week. 🩰
But let's rewind a little bit and talk about today's grand adventure, shall we?
It was April 2nd, 1997. Spring was finally blossoming in Rome, with a gentle breeze swirling around the ancient buildings, a faint scent of jasmine lingering in the air. It felt magical, as if Rome itself had invited me to a secret party, whispered in a hushed, forgotten language.
I began my day, naturally, with a breakfast of freshly baked croissants and a cappuccino - it's a good thing I have a very healthy appetite because Roman food is simply irresistible! After a little window shopping and a quick wardrobe change, I hopped on the metro - a perfect way to blend into the city's vibrant energy - and headed for the Trevi Fountain.
And let me tell you, it is just as magnificent as it is in the movies. It feels like stepping into a grand cinematic set, where water, light and ancient stone create an atmosphere that takes your breath away. I stood there for ages, listening to the water rush around the marble, wishing I could stay there forever. And you know what? My wish was almost granted because... drum roll please...
I met a charming gentleman there! We got to chatting, he even complemented my tutu! Can you imagine? He was a lovely local artist, painting nearby, and he spoke excellent English (bless him). We exchanged a few words about art, travel, and yes, the importance of embracing our inner ballerina.
After leaving him to his art (I would have happily chatted with him all day, but duty calls!), I set off to explore the Pantheon. Now, my dear readers, I have a confession to make. You see, I'm utterly obsessed with history. Ancient history in particular. It's just so fascinating how these colossal structures remain standing, telling stories of bygone eras.
Walking inside the Pantheon was breathtaking. The dome above is just incredible. It's a space where history and architecture intertwine, where the past speaks directly to the present.
My stomach started to rumble, signaling it was time for a well-deserved lunch. I wandered through narrow cobbled streets, dodging scooters and listening to the chatter of the locals. Finally, I found the perfect spot. A tiny trattoria tucked away in a bustling piazza. And let me tell you, my dears, their carbonara was absolute perfection! The perfect mix of rich, creamy sauce and salty cured pork. I finished the whole plate, of course, with a contented sigh.
Then it was time for a shopping adventure. My mission? To find the perfect vintage scarf for my ever-growing collection. After a bit of exploring, I found the most incredible little shop, filled to the brim with vintage gems. The lady running it was adorable, with silver hair and the warmest smile. After a short conversation (she told me all about her favorite ballet dancer! - you see, the world truly is connected by tutus) and a lot of searching, I found the most divine silk scarf.
It’s navy blue with swirling white and red flowers, absolutely stunning. And what's even more wonderful is that she offered me a discount because I was wearing a tutu. You see, sometimes being a walking reminder of beauty and joy is simply a joy in itself. She even gifted me a miniature ceramic angel to bring home. Now, this might be an understatement, but I think this shop was pure magic!
I spent the evening strolling through the Piazza Navona. It was packed with people, all enjoying the warm evening air and street performers. I stopped for a gelato - hazelnut flavour, heavenly - and watched as the sun set over Rome. I was mesmerized by the sight, the beautiful golden glow bathing the ancient cityscape.
I had a final dinner, indulging in delicious seafood and watching the twinkling city lights come alive after dusk.
Then it was back to my cosy little guesthouse, which was an oasis of tranquillity after a day packed with excitement. It is truly lovely with lavender scented sheets and an old fashioned cast iron bathtub that is just waiting for a bathbomb or two.
Final Thoughts
Rome, you truly are a treasure, an unforgettable masterpiece of history and vibrancy, where beauty can be found at every turn. And my pink tutu has certainly been noticed here. The Italians have embraced it with open arms! It's funny how something as simple as a piece of fabric can become a symbol of joy, of femininity, of dreams - all of which this magical city embodies perfectly.
Remember, my lovelies, the world is waiting for your pink tutu. Step out of your comfort zone, embrace the world with a touch of sparkle and make every adventure as magical as this one. Until next week, stay fabulous, stay you, and never forget to dance!
XOXO
Emma 🩰
