Well, hello darlings! Emma here, reporting live from the Eternal City! This is post number 234 in my Pink Tutu travel blog, and this week, I'm finally in Rome, Italy! I know, I know, you've all been so patient with my travel teasers! My darling friend Isabella finally dragged me here - she's half Italian, and I suspect her heritage gave her the strength to put up with my last-minute wardrobe dilemmas! 😅
But enough about my preparations - let me tell you all about this fantastically fabulous city! My feet have barely touched the ground, and I've already fallen head over heels for Rome's captivating charm. We arrived yesterday afternoon, stepping off the train (I can't resist travelling by train, you know, just a whiff of nostalgia and old-world romance - oh, and I can bring more tutus!), and immediately being enveloped by the warmth of the sunshine and the intoxicating aroma of espresso!
Isabella's lovely famiglia greeted us with open arms and plates piled high with pasta. I swear, Italians know how to live - every moment is a symphony of delicious food, flowing wine, and animated conversations! Oh, and I just can't forget about those scrumptious, fresh-baked pastries...heaven! 🧁
Our first full day started with an exciting visit to the Colosseum! It was breathtaking - this immense monument stands as a powerful testament to the city's past. I couldn't help but imagine gladiators fighting in the arena, their costumes probably just as vibrant and theatrical as my tutu! Speaking of costumes, can we talk about my pink tulle skirt for a minute? I found this little beauty in a charming boutique nestled in one of Rome's enchanting alleyways. You know me, darling, it was love at first sight - and how could I possibly resist a bright pink tutu? My mission to make the world a more colourful, fun place just got easier!
After the Colosseum, we indulged in some delicious gelato and then strolled through Piazza Navona, its Baroque fountain mesmerising me with its artistry. The atmosphere was electric, bursting with life and creativity. I found myself feeling totally inspired, already plotting future dance moves to incorporate all this stunning visual flair! 💃
And talking about dance, the highlight of the day was a visit to the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Can you believe I actually managed to snag tickets to a performance of The Nutcracker? It was a magical evening - the dancers were incredible, the costumes breathtakingly intricate (you can be sure I'll be copying the leading ballerina's dramatic hair-style!), and the whole experience simply made me feel so full of joy!
But Rome isn't just about historical wonders and world-class performances. It's also a shopper's paradise, with an abundance of quaint boutiques brimming with stylish fashion finds. Now, you all know my favourite colour, right? Of course! I spent hours wandering the Via Condotti, the heart of Roman luxury. I may or may not have bought a few delightful accessories for my tutu collection. But shhh! That's a secret just between us, darlings!
Today, I woke up feeling utterly revitalised - ready to explore some of Rome's enchanting neighbourhoods. Isabella is showing me around Trastevere, a labyrinthine maze of cobblestone streets, overflowing with charming cafes and hidden gems. The scent of freshly brewed coffee is intoxicating! And I haven't even mentioned the artisan food stalls that line the streets - pasta with a touch of Roman spice, homemade bread, freshly picked fruit, and the best-smelling cheeses in all of Italy. My senses are truly on overload in the most beautiful way!
Speaking of overload, you're probably wondering how I manage to afford all this travel and these fabulously pink outfits, right? Well, let me tell you - it takes hard work, darling! I’m very fortunate to make a living doing what I love. You know I am a ballerina, but in the evenings I give private dance lessons to budding ballerinas and I'm also involved with various theater performances! There's a certain freedom that comes from following your passions, and it makes the journey even more fulfilling!
Don't you dare think this is the end of my Roman adventure! Oh no, dear reader, there is still so much to discover in this breathtaking city. Tomorrow I’ll be making my way to the Vatican, to marvel at the architectural magnificence of St. Peter's Basilica.
For now, I’m going to grab some gelato (strawberry with a scoop of hazelnut, naturally!) and lose myself in the vibrant street life of Rome! This city truly has captured my heart!
Stay tuned, darling, for more enchanting adventures from the heart of Rome. Remember, keep shining your brightest, and wear that pink tutu with pride!
Lots of love,
Emma x
P.S: You can keep up with my latest adventures by following me on social media. I’m always posting pictures and sharing my stories! Don't forget, my beloved blog, www.pink-tutu.com, is where it's all happening - once a week on Wednesdays! You can find me on Insta too, @pinktutuemma!
Until next week, darlings! 💋
