Ciao, darling tutu-wearers! It's Wednesday again, and that means it's time for another dose of pink-tastic adventures from your favourite ballerina blogger, right here on www.pink-tutu.com. This week, I'm waltzing my way through the Eternal City - Rome, baby!
Oh, the sheer joy of stepping off the train and into the vibrant chaos of Roma Termini. The air crackled with excitement, buzzing with the sound of Italian chatter and the intoxicating scent of espresso and freshly baked bread. This city has an undeniable charm, a rhythm that's both thrilling and calming. It's a kaleidoscope of history, art, fashion, and, of course, delectable food – what's not to love?!
I arrived on the 11th of July, feeling like a true Roman princess in my trusty pink tulle skirt – you can never be too glamorous, darling! I knew right away I was going to love this city. It's the perfect setting for a girl like me – all those gorgeous piazzas, the stunning Renaissance architecture, and the delicious food - you wouldn't believe how much pasta and gelato I've managed to consume already! (It's an important part of cultural immersion, right? ;))
My first port of call, of course, was the Trevi Fountain – a place where every wish whispered is guaranteed to come true. It felt like something out of a fairy tale! I stood there, surrounded by pigeons and tourists, my pink tutu swirling gently in the breeze. It was quite a sight, let me tell you – I’m sure even the Roman gods themselves were enchanted! I tossed a coin in, naturally, and made my wish, a very specific one, that I'd inspire even more people to wear pink tutus (it's never too late, darlings!)
Afterwards, I spent a glorious afternoon strolling through the Colosseum, letting my imagination take me back in time. I'd actually been there once before on a school trip when I was younger, but it felt entirely different this time – the Colosseum, like all of Rome, seemed more alive and vibrant. And it truly did feel magical – standing amidst these ancient ruins, I couldn't help but feel connected to the emperors, the gladiators, and the entire history of this magnificent city.
Speaking of magic, it's also the 11th of July 2001, which means only one thing – The Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was released in the UK just over a year ago, and oh how I miss Hogwarts! To my absolute delight, Rome has no shortage of quirky cafes with enchanted atmosphere – they would be a Hogwarts-lover’s delight, as are the gorgeous libraries.
Then, after an unforgettable day, it was time for a spot of relaxation with a delightful aperitivo on the terrace of a traditional trattoria overlooking the Roman Forum. Just picture it: the soft orange glow of the setting sun bathing the ancient ruins in golden light, delicious pasta, and a glass of chilled Prosecco - truly, the perfect way to end a magical day in Rome.
One of my biggest loves in Rome so far is the abundance of street musicians – they seem to be on every corner! From classical violinists to acoustic guitarists playing romantic melodies, their music simply adds to the city's magical atmosphere.
However, it's not just the charming cobbled streets and the glorious ruins that make Rome special – it's also the people! Everyone I've met has been so warm and welcoming, with big smiles and friendly greetings. You don't need to speak perfect Italian (although, if you want to try out your rusty language skills like me, it's quite fun!), because their warm energy speaks volumes – that's pure Roman charm for you!
But of course, no trip to Italy is complete without a little shopping, right? Rome's fashion scene is quite extraordinary – the vintage stores in the Trastevere district have to be seen to be believed. I already found a fabulous, silky pink top for a steal, and, oh my darling, there's just something about those Italian designers… They understand the importance of style, the way those elegant cuts accentuate the feminine figure… (It wouldn't surprise me if they, too, were big fans of pink tutus – there is an undeniably fabulous spirit about Rome, after all!)
Naturally, I had to attend a ballet performance, even though I'm thousands of miles from my Derbyshire roots and my beloved ballet classes. The opera house here is beyond spectacular; every detail from the ornate architecture to the stunning performances, really transports you back to a bygone era, making me feel like a princess! And of course, I felt incredibly proud to show off my bright pink tutu amidst the sea of black tie - who needs a tiara, eh?! It was such a treat, a real celebration of grace and beauty that brought a smile to my face and a skip to my step. I even had the pleasure of having a post-performance coffee with the director – he, just like all the other Romans I’ve met so far, was lovely, genuinely interested in my stories of pink tutus and my dream of spreading my pink love across the globe. He also offered to put me on the guest list for a special performance at Teatro dell'Opera, but that's another story, another week's post... ;)
Before I head off to catch a train (you just can't go anywhere without taking a romantic train journey – or two!), I want to tell you about an exciting project I'm working on that has to do with… yes, you guessed it, pink tutus! It's a secret for now, but I promise you it's going to be spectacular. I can't wait to tell you all about it when the time is right!
Stay tuned, my lovelies, for more exciting adventures in the wonderful world of Rome, and don't forget to join the Pink Tutu Revolution!
Love, Emma xx
