Wednesday 8th January 2003
Hello darlings! I’m in Rome! Yes, that's right, the Eternal City itself. It's freezing cold here, but honestly, that’s just making me appreciate my cosy pink cashmere jumper and the fact that I'm snuggled in my favourite train carriage (I'm so particular about carriages!) with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Oh, you know me. It was a very long, luxurious journey down from Derbyshire on a lovely old train packed with Italian families (always so chic!), chattering with all the gusto that Italy brings. I do love a train journey! The way the scenery keeps changing is always so thrilling, especially the snowy mountains around Turin. It’s not all about the glamour and glitz, though. Sometimes, it’s all about simple, little pleasures. Like having a little slice of that divine Italian sponge cake they call “Pan di Spagna" and a chat with a very charming conductor who, luckily for me, could speak a little English.
Of course, I’ve got my pink tutu safely stowed under the seat in its elegant travel bag. You can’t ever be too prepared, right? And this time, darling, it's not just for dancing, oh no. Rome, after all, is the capital of fashion and this time my trusty tutu is going to become the ultimate fashion statement. A vision in pink, whirling through the Roman piazzas! I think this tutu deserves a bit of a holiday!
I’m staying in this delightful little hotel with the most beautiful bougainvillaea cascading down its walls, just steps away from the Pantheon. I feel like I’ve stepped into a Jane Austen novel, except the hero here is not a gentleman with a swoon-worthy monocle, but a stunning fountain sculpted out of the finest white marble. It’s enough to make a girl weep with joy, my dears!
Yesterday was a day spent getting the feel of the city. I wandered through the crowded markets, lost myself in the vibrant Via Condotti and then did the grand touristy things - gazed at the Trevi Fountain and even tossed a couple of euros for good luck (fingers crossed, darling!). Of course, I was wearing my lucky charm - a pink beret that I picked up in Paris last year - and a stunning pair of pink ankle boots I found on sale! One of my little secrets is that I always pack an extra pair of boots because… well, darling, you can never have too many shoes.
I can't talk about Italy without talking about the food! And Rome has not disappointed. Pasta and pizza everywhere you look, all so delicious, fresh and flavorful. The gelato… oh, the gelato! I’ve already been for an afternoon gelato indulgence and I'm dreaming of it already!
Of course, my beloved ballet took center stage tonight. We’ve got a performance tonight at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma – "La Bayadère" in all its glorious splendor. It's a true dream for me – the beautiful sets, the extravagant costumes and of course, the breathtaking dancing!
I have to say, I have such a soft spot for the ballet world in Rome. This city has so much history and I always feel a deep sense of wonder and beauty here. There's also an energy that’s simply electric. And don't even get me started on the men! Sighs dreamily
Tomorrow we are exploring the Colosseum, one of the greatest monuments of Roman engineering, which always puts my mind in awe of what the Roman people have achieved centuries ago. My excitement is almost at breaking point! I cannot wait to walk in the steps of gladiators and emperors. I know the camera will be in overdrive snapping away every detail!
I’ve also got my eye on some amazing pink silk scarves for sale on Via Borgognona, so I'm planning a day of shopping bliss soon! Who knows, maybe I’ll even find a pink tutu hidden somewhere! I'm certainly going to be spending a good deal of time around the Pantheon because it is such an awe-inspiring building! If there is one word to describe it - it is magnificent!
Keep checking back to hear all about my latest adventures. Stay pink, darlings!
Yours in tutus, Emma
P.S. Don’t forget to visit my website www.pink-tutu.com and leave me a comment. I love to hear from you, darlings!
