Ciao bellas! It's Emma here, your favourite tutu-wearing traveller, back from a whirlwind week in the stunning, glorious city of Rome! I'm still buzzing from my adventures, so grab a cuppa and let's dive right in - this is post number 255 on my little blog, www.pink-tutu.com, which, as always, comes out every Wednesday!
This trip was a real dream come true, thanks to my fabulously successful ballet performance in Verona last weekend. Did I mention the crowd went wild?! I swear, some were even shouting "Encore!" even though I was the only dancer in the entire show. But I digress...
Rome is like stepping into a time capsule, a city steeped in history, art and culture - it simply oozes beauty and charm at every corner. It's no wonder the Romans built so many impressive aqueducts! You could get lost in the cobblestone streets for days, taking in the ancient architecture and discovering hidden gems around every turn. It's such a vibrant and alive place, with delicious food, friendly people, and... yes, you guessed it - amazing fashion!
Arriving in Style
We travelled from Derbyshire to Rome in a comfy First Class carriage, feeling like we were starring in our own personal "Murder on the Orient Express". It's truly one of the joys of travelling - sitting back, enjoying the journey, watching the world go by. And yes, of course I was rocking a bright pink tutu under my coat!
Once we got to our charming hotel in Trastevere, a beautiful bohemian neighbourhood filled with twinkling lights and cafes spilling onto the streets, I immediately knew I had chosen the right place to stay. And, let's face it, this area is just MADE for tutus! I felt so right, like a pink-hued dream floating amidst the cobblestones.
Tutuing Around Rome
Our first day in Rome was a total sensory overload. We headed straight to the Colosseum - I'm not going to lie, the grandeur of that place left me speechless. To think this incredible structure was built almost 2000 years ago - simply incredible! I was mesmerized, just taking it all in. Of course, my signature pink tutu made the perfect addition to the historical photographs. After all, you don't want to miss out on capturing the right outfit for that Insta-worthy photo!
From there, we wandered through the Roman Forum and Palantine Hill. It was like a walking history book, and let me tell you, I was fully embracing my role as "Emma the Explorer" - in my sparkly pink tutu, naturally. Imagine - a modern day warrior princess, a true Roman goddess in training! It made me think of those fabulous gladiators... their movements, the sheer artistry of their fighting skills... they'd surely be fans of ballet, too!
Fashion and Food
But Rome isn't all history. Shopping, food - oh my! Let's be honest, that's what I really lived for this trip. From luxury designer stores in the elegant Via Condotti to little artisan boutiques tucked away in quiet backstreets, this city truly caters to all kinds of fashion tastes! It felt like a ballet show of colours and styles - it was simply captivating!
And the food... oh my goodness. Let's start with the pasta. It’s just unreal, so delicious you could practically cry. Carbonara, cacio e pepe, amatriciana – each dish a symphony of flavour! The pizzas were the most divine things I've ever tasted. Thin, crispy crust, with toppings so fresh you can taste the sunshine. And the gelato - ahhh, the gelato! You can bet I sampled every flavour, my favourite being the rose gelato with pistachio - a true match made in heaven for a pink tutu girl like me!
A Ballet Revelation
But my biggest highlight of this trip was finding this amazing little dance studio tucked away in a tiny street near the Pantheon. I wandered in completely by chance and they happened to be having a ballet class. Of course, I just had to join! We were a small group of enthusiastic ballerinas of all ages, with a lovely teacher who really encouraged us to express ourselves. Even if my jumps were a bit rusty after a few weeks of travelling, it felt incredible to move and dance again in such a beautiful place. There's just something truly special about sharing your passion for dance, you know?
And then the surprise came. The dance teacher gave me this beautiful rose-pink shawl to wear during our cool-down. It matched my tutu perfectly! Talk about an unexpected bonus. After the class, I told the teacher all about my pink tutu journey. I could see in her eyes the twinkle of a shared love for this graceful and magical world. It's amazing how we can connect with strangers over our love for ballet.
Time to Take Flight
Rome, I am already missing you, but I'm not finished exploring you. My week here was just a little taste of the magic this city has to offer. And there's so much more to see! From the Vatican City to the Trevi Fountain, the catacombs, and the stunning Spanish Steps. I'm sure you'll find me wandering around in a pink tutu, ready for my next big adventure!
I promise, I'll be back soon, with even more tutu tales to tell! Stay tuned for my next post, featuring more pink-tutu inspired adventures! And don't forget - my motto is "Every girl is a princess in a pink tutu."
See you next week, and until then, keep spreading the pink tutu love!
Emma xxx
