Wednesday 2002-08-28
Oh my darling readers, I'm writing to you from the Eternal City itself! Rome, a place I've dreamt of visiting since I was a little girl, gazing at photos of the Colosseum in my ballet books. My love affair with Italy began with a postcard sent from Rome, bearing an image of the Trevi Fountain. The shimmering water, the elegant architecture ā it was pure magic! So here I am, living out my fairytale, and of course, it wouldn't be a Pink Tutu adventure without a pink tutu! Itās one of my new designs, perfect for exploring cobblestone streets and charming cafes. I call it "La Dolce Vita". It twirls beautifully and captures the essence of this enchanting city.
As always, my journey began with a train journey. The Channel Tunnel, always a little nerve wracking, and then the smooth, flowing French countryside ā it felt like a journey into a painting! It was so delightful that even a three hour train delay (a bit of a fright) couldn't dampen my spirits. I was determined to experience the magic of Italy and luckily, a kind Italian gentleman gave me some beautiful red grapes that made the delay even more palatable!
And what better place to arrive in Italy than Florence, a city synonymous with artistic grandeur. From the moment I stepped off the train, I was immersed in its historical beauty. The Florence Duomo with its pink-tinged dome, the Ponte Vecchio with its shops bursting with artistry, every corner was a masterpiece. I simply had to take a little break to admire this beauty. I found myself a lovely cafĆ© ā a little haven of floral-printed tables and sugary cappuccino. This was definitely my kind of place!
My adventure continued on to Rome with a delicious, jam-packed train ride. Iāve fallen in love with the art of travelling by train - you see so much of the world, you get to meet interesting people (like a whole choir who decided to make a spontaneous performance!), and best of all - there is time to work on your choreography. Itās perfect for perfecting the final poses in your ballet routine (even though some might raise an eyebrow when a woman in a tutu takes to the aisles!).
And now, Iām in Rome, the centre of all things amazing! Yesterday I walked the ancient paths of the Colosseum ā can you even imagine being in that arena during a gladiator battle? I think it was my ballet shoes clicking on the ground that sent a shiver down my spine. There was just so much history all around! Later I met a delightful gentleman in a piazza who was offering to draw portraits in chalk ā how sweet! He insisted that the ādancer in the pink tutuā would make the perfect portrait. I think he wanted me to wear a pose he could work onā¦but then I didnāt want to stay still long enough to have my portrait done. Rome is calling for exploration and that is exactly what I am going to do. The charming little alleyways with flowerpots spilling over with vibrant bloomsā¦ cafes tucked into courtyards with sun dappling through treesā¦ all filled with that delightful "Dolce Vita" that only Rome can offer! It was as if the city was breathing with me ā thereās an air of romance, passion, and a vibrant sense of artistry everywhere you go.
Today, itās "Shopping Day" in Rome ā so prepare yourselves for a deluge of fabulous discoveries. My favorite place to hunt for that one-of-a-kind outfit is the Monti district, it has an intoxicating atmosphere and Iāve already snagged some incredible pieces ā pink, of course, but also some incredible silks and velvets! Imagineā¦ Rome, cobblestones, a flowing silk skirt, and a twirling pink tutu, yes this is the stuff of fashion dreams! The beauty here is overwhelming. The architecture, the vibrant shops, and even the cobblestones that add to the charm of the place. But itās not all about clothes you know! You can find the most amazing ballet books and Iāve just bought one from the Libreria Simeoni, tucked away in the Via della Panetteria.
Speaking of ballet, tomorrow I'm heading to a special performance at the Teatro dell'Opera. I am beyond thrilled - I'm hoping for something classic but always love the unexpected, a surprise or two always makes for a wonderful night out. This evening is all about indulging in a delicious dinner of Italian delights - and of course, the gelato. Thereās a delightful cafe down the road with tables overlooking a bustling fountain and tonight itās my new little sanctuary! I've already tried "Fragola" - strawberry ice cream and "Pistacchio" ā pistachio ā divine!
Iāll be updating you all soon on the show and any other surprises Rome has in store.
Until then, darlings, remember that a Pink Tutu can make the most ordinary day an extraordinary one. Let your dreams take flight, twirl freely, and embrace all the beauty the world has to offer! Iāll see you all on Wednesday, darlings.
And as always, keep those tutus spinning!
Emma xxx
P.S: If you'd like to follow me on my pink tutu travels around the world, you can check out the website, www.pink-tutu.com for updates from me, including blog posts, performance schedules and, yes, even some exciting fashion surprises too!
