#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 1998-11-11 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao, darlings! It’s Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad, ballet-loving travel blogger, and today, we’re dancing our way through the cobbled streets of Rome! You can catch my adventures every Wednesday on www.pink-tutu.com, so bookmark it and get ready for a whirlwind tour of the Eternal City!

After a rather thrilling ride on the Eurostar – oh, those sleek carriages are my absolute dream! – I finally reached Rome’s Termini Station, my heart aflutter with anticipation. You know me, I’m a bit of a railway enthusiast, and the journey itself is part of the fun! Imagine me, swaying slightly, a whisper of pink tutu visible under my coat, clutching my beloved ballet shoes, which of course, were tucked safely into a vintage-style travel bag with my initial – E, for Emma, naturally!

First stop, the Hotel Villa Borghese. It's absolutely enchanting, perched on a quiet hill overlooking a beautiful park. My room? Let's just say it’s a vintage lover’s paradise, filled with fluffy pink cushions and antique mirrors. It was pure whimsy, just how I like it! They even have a rooftop terrace with breathtaking views of the city - imagine sipping cocktails while gazing upon the iconic skyline! Divine!

Rome’s just brimming with those captivating cobbled streets, grand squares, and a dazzling mix of modern and ancient architecture – it's like stepping back in time with a touch of stylish flair! The locals, I must say, are all about understated elegance with a hint of Italian drama, which I adore! Just like me, really. They wear their confidence on their sleeves, and I’m not even talking about the iconic silk scarves. 😉

Speaking of style, Rome is definitely where the sartorial magic happens. Today I fell in love with a blush-pink scarf I found at the Via Condotti market. I paired it with my favourite pink-tutu ballet skirt (it's oh-so-soft, but never too poofy!), a creamy cashmere sweater, and a pair of sleek black heeled boots. I know, I know, it’s a classic look, but you can never go wrong with classic, can you? Rome just seems to lend itself to timeless style – a reminder that even the most flamboyant looks should have a bit of elegant sophistication woven in.

Oh, before we forget about my ballet side, I discovered that Rome actually has quite a rich ballet history! Apparently, the first ballet performance in Rome was in the early 17th century – oh, the drama! Since then, it's had a pretty colourful and vibrant dance scene. In fact, the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, their magnificent opera house, regularly showcases ballet performances throughout the year!

Imagine, the grand arches, ornate details, the intoxicating aromas of perfume and ancient history – simply dreamy! I am going to find some time to catch a ballet show later this week, you know, to indulge my inner ballerina and take in the sheer brilliance of live theatre in this magical city!

After my little shopping spree, it was time for a rendezvous with some Roman deities! First up was the breathtaking Pantheon, with its enormous dome, an engineering marvel from the 2nd century AD – mind boggling! Then we headed to the Roman Forum, the heart of the Roman Empire, with ruins echoing the stories of emperors and gladiators, even a glimpse of the Palatine Hill – where ancient Roman emperors once strolled! It’s like a fairytale from another era, just filled with incredible history and captivating atmosphere.

Later, my exploration took me to the Coliseum, oh my, a gigantic, stone arena, its story interwoven with the ancient world – Imagine the gladiators battling and crowds cheering. Honestly, it's pretty spooky yet somehow awe-inspiring – that's Rome, dramatic and full of history in equal measures.

In the evening, I ventured out to indulge my love for Italian cuisine at a little gem of a restaurant, La Tavernata. Oh, darling, it's the most charming, quaint spot! I was greeted with a warm welcome and a table overlooking a cobbled alley – so picturesque. I couldn't resist a plate of their fresh spaghetti alle vongole, paired with a crisp glass of local white wine – it was pure Italian heaven! Every bite, an explosion of flavours and textures. Truly a gastronomic delight! They even served me an after-dinner shot of espresso, served in the traditional way, with a sprinkle of sugar – how delightful!

I must say, this first day in Rome has truly been an enchantment. The city’s vibrant energy, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine – oh, I just adore it! But you know what’s the best part? Rome feels so much like an adventure, a grand ballet staged across centuries. It's a beautiful, whimsical stage, full of charm and drama, with hidden corners waiting to be discovered and stories waiting to be unearthed.

So, if you’re dreaming of a fabulous, colourful getaway with a touch of historical flair, do pack your pink tutu, darling, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in the enchanting city of Rome!

Next week, I'm planning a visit to the Vatican – what else! I am quite eager to catch a glimpse of the world’s smallest country – all that artistry and intricate detail, it truly fascinates me. And of course, I'll be looking for new treasures to add to my wardrobe! I have a feeling my wardrobe may not be able to fit much more... or will it? Stay tuned for another exciting week in the Eternal City!

See you next Wednesday!

Love and Tutu Dust,

Emma xxx