Ciao, darlings! It’s Emma here, fresh from a whirlwind week in Rome! It feels like ages ago that I was saying “arrivederci” to this gorgeous city, but as always, my little notebook is filled to the brim with thoughts and memories, and I simply have to share them with you!
Rome is, of course, a city synonymous with history and culture, but this week I’ve been soaking it all in from a different perspective: a Pink Tutu perspective, if you will.
I have to admit, the cobblestone streets and ancient buildings didn’t exactly scream “ballet class”, but there was a certain whimsicality about Rome that I felt echoed my own love of tutus and all things twirly. I mean, can you imagine me, twirling through the Piazza Navona in my tulle masterpiece, amidst the bustling crowds? Honestly, it’s a sight that would make any street performer weep with envy!
This trip was actually inspired by a recent ballet performance I did. You know, one of those evenings that make your heart swell with pride as you pirouette to thunderous applause. But the real magic happened afterward when, amidst the excited chatter of other dancers, I stumbled across a vintage photograph of a ballerina in a bright pink tutu, twirling in the shadow of the Colosseum. I knew, in that moment, that I had to come and experience Rome for myself.
Getting There
Naturally, I travelled to Rome via train. The rhythm of the journey – the clackety-clack of wheels on the tracks, the glimpses of changing landscapes – feels so perfectly in tune with my inner ballerina! And what better way to settle into the journey than to pop on a playlist of Vivaldi and, of course, channel my inner Tchaikovsky by tapping my toes in perfect time to the rhythm of the train! I love that magical moment when you arrive at your destination – the thrill of seeing a brand new place through the train window!
Where I Stayed
This trip I chose to stay at the charmingly quaint La Piccola Roma hotel, just a stone's throw from the bustling Piazza di Spagna. The hotel itself is a work of art – all vintage Italian charm with a hint of romanticism in the air, and I had the most delightful room with views over a tiny, charming courtyard where I’d sit each morning, sipping espresso and making plans for the day. I even managed to squeeze in a little ballet practice in the spacious hotel lobby, and the staff didn't even bat an eyelid. I suppose you get used to eccentric guests in a city like Rome.
A Pink Tutu Odyssey in Rome!
Rome is truly a haven for a girl who loves her pink tutus. From the flamboyant fashion boutiques of Via Condotti to the bustling markets of Trastevere, I was in shopping heaven! My favourite find was an exquisite vintage lace dress at the adorable shop "Le Stelle". This delicate little number is the perfect partner for my pink tutu, don't you think? And yes, it was pink, obviously. It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu trip without at least a hint of pink, right?
One of my highlights was spending an afternoon in the breathtaking Roman Forum. Picture this: a majestic ruin bathed in golden light, the whispers of history swirling through the air – a truly inspiring sight. To fully appreciate this spectacular spectacle, I indulged in a spontaneous tutu twirl right in front of the ruins. The locals seemed quite impressed! And who can blame them? I'm pretty sure even a marble statue would want to twirl in a pink tutu.
And what would a trip to Rome be without exploring its incredible history? I marveled at the grandeur of the Pantheon, felt goosebumps as I climbed the steps of the Colosseum, and was lost for words (which is rare for me, trust me!) by the artistry of the Vatican Museums. These monumental works are truly inspiring!
Of course, no visit to Rome would be complete without experiencing the vibrant nightlife of Trastevere. We dined at La Tavernia, a charming restaurant nestled in the cobbled streets, feasting on traditional pasta dishes and sipping Italian wines, all amidst the intoxicating buzz of conversation. It's funny, the best conversations often happen when you least expect them. And let me tell you, the locals love to chat about my tutus. Maybe I’m the talk of the town?
Fashion Notes: Pink Perfection in Rome!
This week was an explosion of colours and textures for me, which meant of course, my wardrobe went a bit wild! I rocked some of my favourite classic outfits:
- Day One: I began with a crisp white shirt and a vibrant coral scarf for a dash of colour. Over it went my beloved pink tulle skirt – of course! I paired this with my classic ballet flats, always the best choice for exploring ancient cobblestone streets.
- Day Two: This called for something a bit more relaxed and comfortable! My go-to white linen pants, teamed with a chic pink lace top, perfect for wandering around Trastevere. For a pop of fun, I added a playful straw hat with a pink ribbon and, of course, my trusty ballet shoes.
- Day Three: For a touch of elegance, I chose a classic white shift dress – always timeless and effortless. It perfectly complimented my favourite tutu (a pale blush with sparkling silver embellishments, darling!).
I mean, every girl should have at least a few good tutus in her wardrobe, right? Who says tutus are just for ballet? Honestly, a well-chosen tutu is truly versatile! (And it also doubles as an impromptu picnic blanket in a pinch – you'll thank me later).
Last but not least: Ballet
Of course, I had to find a place to indulge my passion for ballet! I stumbled across an adorable ballet studio nestled within a secret courtyard, the kind of place only a true explorer would find. The owner, a retired ballerina with eyes full of stories, welcomed me with open arms and allowed me to join one of her classes. I even squeezed in an impromptu mini performance for her, just me and a mirror, under the glow of the chandeliers – it felt magical! It's funny how the passion for dance can connect people from all corners of the world. We talked about ballet, of course, and life in general. And in between chat, we were both absorbed in the beauty of ballet. And there’s truly no greater joy than connecting with fellow dance lovers, even on the other side of the world.
Rome has captivated me once again, leaving an imprint of vibrant colours and historic wonders on my soul.
Remember, darlings, every journey is an opportunity to twirl your own way, whether you're a ballerina or just a girl who loves to explore. Don't forget to pack your Pink Tutu, because you never know when inspiration will strike!
Ciao for now!
Emma
