Welcome back, darlings! This week, Pink Tutu takes us to the cobbled streets and majestic squares of Rome, Italy! It's Post number 139 on the pink-tutu.com website, so grab your biggest slice of tiramisu (more on that later!), a glass of bubbly, and settle in for a pink and sparkly journey through the Eternal City!
This trip to Rome has been a long time coming. My ballet performances in London and Birmingham finally gave me enough funding to hop aboard the Eurostar and venture further afield, and what better destination for a tutu-loving, fashionista ballet enthusiast like myself than the birthplace of opera, the home of high-fashion, the capital of Italy – Rome!
We set off from Derbyshire early on Tuesday morning. Now, you know how much I love the train! All that gorgeous countryside whizzing past my window, and the chance to dress up in a darling outfit. My choice today: a gorgeous pink floral midi skirt, paired with a lacy white blouse, my favourite blush-coloured blazer, and of course, a fluffy, twirling pink tutu just peeking out from under my skirt! The platform was my very own catwalk!
Our journey to Rome was quite the whirlwind. We arrived late evening, jet-lagged but utterly enthralled by the beauty of this ancient city. Rome at dusk – ah, the magical glow of streetlights bathing the ancient Colosseum, the faint hum of Vespas, the lingering aroma of freshly baked focaccia… truly a scene straight out of a Fellini film!
Speaking of films, one of the highlights of this trip was absolutely the stunning Cinema Trevi, right by the iconic Trevi Fountain. I felt like a vintage movie star strolling into the picture house. Imagine a glorious Art Deco facade, plush red velvet seats, a magnificent chandelier casting shadows, and the faint smell of popcorn… pure cinematic magic! We were treated to a double-bill of Italian classics. My favourite, a charming black-and-white film set in the bustling markets of Trastevere – a real glimpse into the soul of this incredible city.
Of course, the fashion here in Rome is exquisite! My wardrobe was practically begging me to join in the Italian fashion scene! It's a truly beautiful mix of classic and modern – sharp tailoring, flowing fabrics, bold prints and colour – you name it, Rome has it! One of my favourite stops was a hidden boutique tucked away in a charming side street near the Pantheon. I managed to snag the most beautiful cherry red coat with black lace detailing – oh, it's just divine! It screams “stylish and confident”, don't you think?
Speaking of the Pantheon, oh my darling readers, what a breathtaking sight it is! This enormous building, a marvel of Roman architecture, stands proudly in the heart of the city, bathed in sunshine and surrounded by bustling, charming streets. It felt like I was stepping back in time, imagining emperors and gladiators walking these very paths! It truly inspired awe, and the gentle sunbeam filtering through the dome made the entire experience feel quite magical!
Our first night in Rome was a foodie dream! I absolutely adore trying new foods and discovering culinary treasures when I'm abroad, and the bustling trattoria around the corner from our apartment did not disappoint! They served the most decadent carbonara – creamy, rich, and utterly satisfying!
After dinner, we went to a local "gelateria". This little gem was truly a hidden gem tucked away on a quiet cobblestone lane. We sampled various flavours - stracciatella, lemon sorbetto, chocolate, and the oh-so-Italian flavour “Pistacchio”. They were absolutely divine. You wouldn't believe the intensity of flavour and how delicate each scoop melted on your tongue.
And on that note, my darling readers, I must bid you adieu for now! Rome has completely stolen my heart. But of course, the Pink Tutu is never far away. I'll be back next week to continue my adventures through the streets of the Eternal City! We have much to explore, from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, to more stylish boutiques, and even, hopefully, some delicious homemade pasta! Until then, do keep those tutus twirling and those dreams big! Ciao, ciao!
