Wednesday 20th August 2003, Post #428
Ciao bella!
This week, it's Rome, oh Rome! Iāve arrived in the Eternal City, feeling a little bit like an elegant flamingo in my vintage pink tutu and cherry red sandals. It's truly been a journey to get here. Iād decided to try something new this time, travelling to the beautiful continent of Europe on the back of a very elegant and stylish sleeper train! Now, let me tell you, a sleeping train isnāt for everyone, especially if you are as impatient as I am to explore a new city, but the adventure itself, was an experience. It's one of those journeys that lets you embrace the slower pace, watch the world go by from your little cabin, sip on chamomile tea and relax with a good book, in this case a classic romance novel set inā¦ Rome! Oh, what fate!
I arrived in the glorious Italian capital city at sunrise. The air smelled of fresh pastries, there were vibrant red flowers adorning balconies and the sunshine had an almost surreal glow that reflected on the majestic Colosseum, so close to the Termini train station I could have touched it. My friend Camilla, who you might recall from the Paris post, met me at the station and promptly insisted on treating me to the most delicious Italian breakfast with an espresso and an exceptionally sweet croissant!
First Impressions: A Love Affair Begins
Rome stole my heart within minutes of stepping off that train. The energy is electric. I just had to step out onto the street and let myself get lost, even just a little, to soak in the chaotic beauty. It felt like I was walking through a film set, surrounded by terracotta rooftops, charming little piazzas filled with gelato shops, men selling artisan leather handbags, women laughing in their chicest outfits and motorbikes weaving in and out like graceful dance partners! Thereās so much romance and glamour. Every alleyway held its own mystery and I found myself imagining Roman gladiators, elegant poets writing sonnets, and daring ladies adorned in velvet and pearls making their way through the city streetsā¦all on my journey.
I must admit, that walking with my pink tutu on, I felt like I could blend right into that romantic world! A vision of graceful flair in a city that has never been shy about its theatrical personality.
Fashion Focus: Romeās Style
Okay, ladies, listen closely. Rome's got a special magic when it comes to style. Everyone is dressed so effortlessly elegant. There's something about the air here that seems to embrace the āless is moreā philosophy with the Italian āmoreā always present. Just the right amount of shimmer, colour, and shape that just elevates their look. My day has been filled with a riot of bold colours and stunning accessories ā scarves wrapped around their necks, sunglasses perched above perfectly tousled hair, boots with impossibly long legs, handbags that seem to be woven from the moon itself, and just the right amount of playful accessories, oh la la!
The colour of the day has been turquoise! From earrings to jackets to beautiful handbags, turquoise is definitely my colour choice here in Rome and I just canāt wait to experiment with it in my new collection. You just have to admit it looks just as pretty paired with a pink tutu!
Performance Dream: The Dance World of Rome
As always, I had to scout out the ballet scene in Rome. My mission: to find the best ballet performance the city has to offer! Let's just say, Rome delivered. This evening, Iām seeing a stunning production of Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake at the Teatro dellāOpera di Roma, (it was Camilla's recommendation of course!). And if this was an old world performance it definitely is! A bit old fashioned with long ballets in the style of grand ballet performances, that takes you right back in time. The performance was breath-taking and left me on a cloud of pure bliss. I felt the power and emotion through every arabesque and pas de bourrĆ©e. Afterwards, the street was abuzz with artists, and performers and street vendors - all a spectacle to enjoy in itself.
I made sure to grab a delicious slice of pizza from a street vendor and we danced our way down the cobbled streets in my new pink tutu, which Camilla thought was "very dramatic" but "terrifically chic", as only a real friend could say!
What to see, what to do: A Ballet Girlās Itinerary
The Colosseum: Well, you simply cannot come to Rome and not visit the Colosseum! It is simply majestic. I imagined the crowds, the gladiators, the fierce battles all right there in front of me. The power of history was almost tangible. You've gotta go!
The Pantheon: This temple dedicated to all gods, is something out of a dream. You must feel the beauty of this building. Every corner tells a story of Romeās grand history and impressive architecture.
Trevi Fountain: And let's not forget, the most romantic place on earth! Every time I visit this beautiful place, itās truly something else. I feel such peace here and a sense of true romanticism in this magnificent setting! Remember, to toss in a coin for a wish for a future visit!
Vatican City: If youāre feeling spiritual or artistic or just up for a day of sightseeing and admiring the truly beautiful works of Michelangelo (my favourite artist!), the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel is a must-do on any Rome trip. Itās easy to spend an entire day just soaking in the culture.
Coming Soonā¦ More of Rome's Pink Magic!
P.S. My Dearest Friends, I have an announcement! This journey is all a part of my fundraising quest for my latest theatrical project ā "The Pink Tutu Dream"! I'm taking on the streets of Rome, one glamorous step at a time! You know I love to put on a performance to get some coins and make my own artistic dreams come true! Stay tuned for a little secret about the project. The magic continuesā¦ next week!
Donāt forget to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com for updates and a look inside my ballet studio in Derbyshire. Happy twirling!
With lots of love and pinks!
Emma
