Buongiorno from Rome, my darlings! 🩰🇮🇹 This week, your favourite tutu-clad traveller has traded the rolling hills of Derbyshire for the rolling hills of... well, actually, the seven hills of Rome! Yep, this pink princess has landed in the Eternal City, and I'm positively swooning!
Let me tell you, I haven't felt this inspired since the last time I saw a performance of "Swan Lake" in London! The cobblestone streets, the stunning architecture, the energy of the city... it's like stepping onto a stage set for a breathtaking Italian opera! And you know me, a girl who loves her theatrics!
Now, you're probably wondering how a pink tutu managed to get all the way to Rome, right? Well, the secret is, my dears, a good performance goes a long way! My recent show at the Nottingham Playhouse went down a storm, and with a little savvy budgeting and a whole lot of planning, I managed to score myself a comfy little train journey right to the heart of Italy! It really proves that you can make your dreams a reality with a little bit of dedication and a whole lot of passion for dancing!
Speaking of passion, have I mentioned Rome is just bursting with it? Every corner of this ancient city tells a story, whispers of emperors and gladiators, and even the tiniest cobblestone square is brimming with life! There's something incredibly romantic about it all, which I think even the most practical tutu-wearing princess can appreciate!
So, where have I been this week, you ask? Where hasn't this pink princess explored?!
Day One: The Colosseum! 🏛️ I stood in awe of this gargantuan monument to the Roman Empire. Honestly, the sheer scale of it is hard to fathom. You can just picture those gladiatorial battles, the roar of the crowds... chills, darlings, chills! And just outside, the Roman Forum. Honestly, it was like being transported back in time! Seeing the remains of these magnificent structures was an experience I won't soon forget! I just kept thinking, Imagine how this city must have looked in its prime, bursting with colour and life, an incredible explosion of art and design, even back then! And you just know there would have been some stunning costumes! (I'm imagining a very elegant tunic and a fluffy pink tutu…!)
Day Two: St. Peter's Basilica! ✨ Imagine a cathedral that is so breathtaking, so monumental, that it takes your breath away… even when you know what you’re going to see! You step through the gigantic doors, and your jaw simply drops. It was an incredible fusion of art, religion and beauty that I've never witnessed before! The artistry of the statues and paintings… the gold-gilded ceilings... it was absolutely glorious! It really was a place where you can truly feel a connection to a higher power! Of course, I had to spin a little, and for a brief moment, I felt like a ballet dancer floating amongst the saints.
Day Three: The Vatican Museum! 🎨 This was a truly immersive experience, a kaleidoscope of art and history. We got lost in the collection, marveling at the beautiful Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculptures. But my favourite piece, hands down, was the tapestry collection. They were simply exquisite, each one a masterpiece of woven artistry. You know, this pink princess thinks these would make an amazing set for a ballet!
Day Four: A visit to the Trevi Fountain, ⛲️ just like everyone tells you, I threw in a coin, ensuring a return to this glorious city. (Of course, you all know that a return visit for me just means another fabulous blog post!). My dear, it really was the ultimate wish fulfilment location.
And I swear, even after this much history and beauty, Rome's surprises continued. We spent the evening exploring the Trastevere neighborhood! We ate delicious, authentic Roman pasta and enjoyed a chilled aperitivo, the perfect way to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. There was just something enchanting about walking the narrow cobbled streets, sipping a glass of wine and watching the local life unfolding.
Day Five: Of course, no visit to Rome would be complete without a trip to the Pantheon! ✨ My darling, this incredible structure has been a temple, a church and, dare I say it, a giant time machine! The perfect proportions, the breathtaking dome… truly stunning! It's such a magical building, it simply had to make the list. It even boasted a fantastic selection of chic Italian women sporting fantastic fashion and a sprinkle of ballet flat flair. Always on the look out for a fashion inspiration!
Shopping, Sweet Shopping 🛍️
What would a pink princess trip be without some serious retail therapy?! (And the exchange rate is seriously good to us this week! Hurray for pounds!) Of course, my pink princess self couldn't resist the charms of the local markets and fashion boutiques.
You wouldn't believe the incredible shops and designers we discovered! Some real hidden gems. There's nothing quite like exploring the backstreets and stumbling upon a shop overflowing with vibrant fabrics and exquisite Italian craftsmanship. Oh, the fashion! (Don't even get me started on the fabulous shoes!). The colour! I picked up some amazing floral print scarves in the most vibrant pinks and blues, a few pairs of leather sandals and a gorgeous pink vintage skirt. Perfect for dancing the night away, darling! (Maybe in a Roman street show! Just you wait…)
And if I haven't already mentioned the gelato, my dears, let me tell you - it's heavenly! The gelato in Rome is on another level, each scoop a burst of flavour. Imagine a rich, creamy chocolate, the perfect combination of sweet and bitter… yum!
Pink Tutu Tips:
- Don’t underestimate the power of good shoes. Even for the most hardcore tutu-wearing dancer, Rome is a city best explored on foot. Comfort and chic are vital here!
- Invest in a good map. My dear, Rome's charming labyrinth of streets can be rather disorienting! We wouldn't have seen half the wonders of the city without my handy paper map, a trusty compass and, you know, some common sense!
- Be prepared for a whole lot of stairs!
- Make time for Aperitivo. It’s a Roman tradition, an excuse to sip on cocktails and eat delicious snacks. It's a truly joyful part of the Italian experience!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this glimpse into my adventures in Rome! It's been a whirlwind of excitement, culture and, of course, some spectacular style inspiration!
Keep an eye out on the pink-tutu.com website next week, darlings! Next time, I'll be exploring some more of this fascinating city, so you won't want to miss it! Until then, happy dancing, and always remember, never underestimate the power of a pink tutu! 🩰✨
Yours truly, Emma 💖
