Wednesday 6th August 2003
Ciao bella! Can you believe it? Your favourite pink tutu wearing ballerina blogger has arrived in Rome! The city of ancient ruins, beautiful art and … surprisingly… fantastic fashion! You'll never guess what I found in the Via Condotti … (I know, you're itching for the fashion secrets already!) But first…
I arrived on the Eurostar yesterday afternoon. Now, I'm not a train enthusiast by any means (let's be honest, it's all about that pink tutu!), but I must admit the trip across the channel was simply divine. I’ve got to admit I felt a bit like Audrey Hepburn on that glamorous “Roman Holiday” train journey! It just made me feel so incredibly chic, sipping a glass of chilled Prosecco in a bright pink silky dress and matching tutu. (It’s actually one of my new "Parisian" style ones, the ultimate blend of romantic and girly.) Yes, it might not be strictly ballet style but it felt perfectly right for my pink-tinted trip to Italy.
We arrived at the station right on time, and it's already so different here. Everyone seems to be rushing around and talking much more quickly… even in the cafe near the station where I had my first Italian coffee - espresso, naturally! – and a tiny brioche pastry with delicate sugared edges. It tasted as good as it sounded… the Italian version of my morning ballet bun!
Rome, Ancient & Fashionable
This morning, we did the classic "touristy" thing and took a taxi to the Colosseum! I couldn’t believe its size! It felt like a giant concrete shell, ancient and yet surprisingly modern. I actually caught myself twirling with a pink tutu in my imagination! It felt completely in keeping with the feeling of grand drama and sweeping scale of the whole experience. Later, we marched past the Forum - oh, those ruins! It all feels very " Gladiator meets "Gone with the Wind " with the sun hitting those ancient stone arches in an incredibly dramatic way! Just perfect for a “Gladiator in Pink” tutu!
Speaking of tutus … I just couldn’t resist nipping into some boutiques around the Forum, and boy, did I strike gold! I found the most beautiful lace-edged pink tutu. Now, it’s not the classic fluffy “professional” ballerina one… no, this one has layers and layers of sheerest silk that seem to move like a gentle breeze, absolutely romantic and ideal for a summer evening in Rome! I think it would be stunning with a silk shirt, black skinny jeans and maybe a chunky pink sparkly belt... (Maybe? Actually, it's definitely going to happen).
This evening, we’re planning a fabulous evening – after a quick dip in the hotel pool. The plan is to head off to the Trevi Fountain. Apparently, there is something magical about tossing a coin over your shoulder (don't you just love magical things? Especially in pink tutus!) - they say you are guaranteed to return to Rome one day. After tonight, I just know it will be very pink and tutu-tastic!
Then… We’ll wander around the Trastevere area, apparently a place where local Romans love to spend their evenings. Lots of restaurants and music – I’m really looking forward to seeing if the vibe lives up to the “Italian Romance" I’ve dreamed of.
I must say … there’s nothing more beautiful than travelling with a pink tutu! I may be small, but in pink I stand tall and confident – and trust me, this tutu isn’t just looking for attention … it’s grabbing it with a playful, flirty twirl!
Later…
After a refreshing dip in the hotel pool (even the Romans know the benefits of cool water in this weather) we set off to the Trevi fountain. My dear readers … this is the place for an impromptu “tutu dance”. So dramatic … and it made the other tourists (including a huge group of American teenage boys!) all laugh, clap and film me on their phones ! It truly was the best "tourist trap” moment EVER. I really do feel the “Roman Holiday” vibe!
The evening in the Trastevere area didn't disappoint. Tiny cobbled streets filled with restaurants with flickering candles and the sound of laughing people – so warm, so charming … and completely different to the day-time feel of Rome. We even sat at a table outside on a narrow street where local musicians were playing guitars and a kind of gypsy jazz … They played beautiful songs that somehow reminded me of the dramatic dance movements in a "Giselle" ballet performance.
Before we ate … a gentle “tutu tour” through the back streets … stopping every now and then for another impromptu “tutu twirl.” It was definitely the “Roman Holiday” moment of my trip so far - I feel so free, so happy! If only all my fellow travellers would embrace the pink tutu!
I’m so looking forward to exploring more of this wonderful city, my dear readers… Next week we are heading for a classic Italian art day trip (and some shopping, naturally! ) ... so stay tuned and come back next Wednesday for a “pink-tutu fashionista” adventure around Florence.
Don't forget to check my blog www.pink-tutu.com, or leave your comment below … and remember ... let's all spread the joy of pink and tutus together! Ciao Bella!!
