Ciao bellas!
This Wednesday finds me nestled in the heart of Rome, feeling utterly inspired! This magical city, with its history whispering in every cobblestone, is simply begging to be explored with a twirl and a dash of pink!
For this, my fourth week in Italy, I decided to leave the sun-kissed shores of Tuscany behind and venture into the grandeur of Rome. I hopped aboard a beautiful red Italian train, its compartments smelling faintly of freshly baked bread, and headed towards the Eternal City. You wouldn't believe the adorable young chap sitting opposite me – he looked so sweet with his curly hair and rosy cheeks, and was so fascinated with my pink tutu! We even shared a little slice of his cioccolata while enjoying the panoramic views whizzing past. Oh, the joy of travel!
Landing in Rome was like stepping into a history book – the iconic Colosseum standing tall and imposing against a bright, sunny sky, its grandeur captivating everyone who laid eyes upon it. Rome really knows how to make an entrance, doesn’t she? And let's not forget about the vibrant atmosphere buzzing in the streets, filled with laughter, music and the enticing smells of freshly-made pasta and fragrant gelato. The Roman energy is truly electrifying.
As I ambled through the ancient streets, I couldn't help but imagine the elegant Roman ladies gracefully strolling past in their colourful togas, the scent of jasmine clinging to their beautiful clothes. Just like them, I'm embracing the beauty of Roman life with my own brand of grace and style - pink tutus included, of course! You know me, never afraid to stand out and twirl with confidence!
Tutus & Trajan's Column: A Matching Pair
The first place I headed for was the Roman Forum. This remarkable site felt as if it had emerged straight out of a film set - remnants of temples and palaces whispering tales of empires lost and found. The grandeur of it all left me awestruck. It's amazing how the centuries can fade into the background when you stand amongst such architectural masterpieces. And to think I was twirling around those very stones! I simply couldn't resist a few twirls next to the iconic Trajan's Column, that majestic marble monolith telling tales of triumphs and glory. My tutu - a shimmering fuchsia creation with delicate embroidery – stood out beautifully against the stone, proving that pink truly makes everything a little more enchanting.
A Night of Splendour at the Teatro dell’Opera
Speaking of enchanting, Wednesday night was simply magical! I experienced a night of unadulterated cultural delight at the stunning Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. The opera house, with its regal architecture and chandeliers gleaming like glittering constellations, had me dreaming of bygone eras when ladies adorned in lavish ball gowns and gentlemen in suits and tails, would gracefully waltz to the exquisite music of Verdi and Puccini.
Now, I'm no seasoned opera-goer. In fact, this was my first-ever opera experience and I can't deny I felt a little intimidated, like a tiny ballet dancer standing before a giant castle. But, as the first notes of La Traviata filled the air, I felt myself swept away by the magic of it all. The voices soared through the opulent space, the emotions etched on each performers face were mesmerizing, the entire room a living tableau of music and emotion. The music painted pictures in my mind, drawing me into a world of love, loss, and sacrifice. It was truly a symphony of life!
After the opera, I treated myself to a scrumptious dinner of creamy Carbonara and a slice of delicate Tiramisu, both of which perfectly captured the essence of Rome's rich culinary tradition. The whole evening felt like a fairytale; the twinkling lights, the exquisite performances, the vibrant Italian ambiance…I felt like I was living in a real-life Disney movie!
A Glimpse into Fashion's Fairytale
One of my favourite things to do in any city is to wander through the vintage clothing shops, searching for hidden treasures that will add a touch of personality to my wardrobe. Rome did not disappoint! In the heart of the Trastevere district, I discovered a tiny, tucked-away shop called "Le Secret du Temps", overflowing with stylish treasures - sparkly sequin jackets from the 1920s, vintage Chanel scarves, silk dresses with whimsical embroidery, even a delicate ballerina tutu from the 1950s – which, needless to say, I promptly snagged! Oh, what a beautiful find. Rome has been showering me with an endless supply of fashionable delights!
But Rome is more than just historical marvels and couture delights; it's also a place where modern art takes its place amongst the ancients. My latest find? The fantastic MAXXI Museum. Imagine a place where bold, contemporary design embraces sleekness and style, making art an adventure. It's like stepping into the mind of a modern day Michelangelo - filled with intricate geometric patterns and bold colours that burst off the canvas! My favourite installation was this captivating display of sculptures suspended mid-air, moving gently in the breeze like graceful ballerinas caught in a dance. There's a certain magic in being surrounded by these modern creations, a reminder that beauty is found in all its diverse forms.
Pink Tutu and a Roman Stroll
Today, I'm going to take a stroll around the charming Piazza Navona, a place where street artists come alive with their colourful, captivating creations, and laughter mingles with the melody of strolling buskers. It’s a perfect spot for a delightful midday stroll, filled with delicious smells, beautiful art, and that vibrant, charismatic Roman spirit that never sleeps.
For tonight, I have a delicious reservation for dinner at a little trattoria I found nestled in the heart of Rome's Monti district. I’m told they do the most amazing spaghetti alla gricia, and it's said to be one of the tastiest dishes in all of Rome – perfect for celebrating my little pink-tutu filled Italian adventures!
Now, let me share a little something extra-special that happened on this trip... You won't believe it, but on the morning walk through the Piazza del Popolo, I spotted the most beautiful pink tutu I've ever seen displayed in the window of a shop. It was so full and fluffy, it made my heart flutter! I just had to try it on! And you won't believe what happened. The shop owner, a sweet lady called Beatrice, said I looked stunning and gifted me the tutu! It was truly a dream come true. She even suggested we twirl together in the middle of the piazza! You see, I told you – it really is the city of magic and wonders.
Oh my darling ballet enthusiasts, what a fantastic time it’s been in Rome. I'm filled with so much love and inspiration, already counting down the days until I return. Keep twirling those pink tutus and always embrace life with a dose of whimsy and style.
Love,
Emma x
