Wednesday 10th December 2003
Ciao bella! From the cobbled streets of Derbyshire to the cobbled streets of Roma! I've been so excited to share my Roman adventures with you, darling readers! This week, it’s all about Italy, with its gorgeous buildings, bustling markets, and, of course, the fabulous food! La dolce vita indeed!
As you know, I love a good train journey! This time, it was a long haul from London, but even the journey was exciting. Just imagining all the things that could be awaiting me in Rome… the cafes, the sculptures, the delicious pasta!
Oh, the sights and sounds! There was a gorgeous Italian guy playing a lute in the train station… oh, how my heart fluttered. He was wearing a velvet waistcoat and leather boots, a real heartthrob, darling! He looked like he'd just stepped out of a Renaissance painting.
As the train journey neared its end, I couldn't help but feel like a princess heading towards a magical land! Every moment here in Rome has been an enchanting dream… which is no bad thing! My arrival in Roma Termini was truly unforgettable!
Day 1: Pink Tutu in the Eternal CityStraight from the station, my heart already fluttering, I checked into a charming little hotel just off the Via Nazionale. Imagine – a boutique hotel filled with Italian flair. The staff were so lovely! After settling into my pink-themed room (of course! What else could a pink tutu girl like me want?!) , I donned my newest tutu – a blush-pink number with sparkly sequins, perfect for a day of exploration!
Now, for those of you who don't know me well, I have to confess – my heart belongs to tutus. I believe every single person should wear a pink tutu at least once in their life. It just brings a touch of magic to everything.
Rome… so far, is perfect tutu-wearing terrain! It has that timeless elegance – Roman history blended with modern fashion. I've already spied so many fashion trends that I’ll be sharing with you in my next post.
Firstly, it had to be a walk along the Via dei Fori Imperiali, and what a journey it was! The scale of the Forum, those grand ruins standing defiant after all these centuries – it's like stepping back into ancient history! And just think, all those emperors walking here…
And then, there was the Coliseum! It is absolutely massive. Every part of my body buzzed with excitement when I saw its grandeur. To be standing on those same cobblestones, it’s a feeling I’ll never forget. They still hold chariot races and gladiatorial battles here – it’s unbelievable, darlings.
Pink Tutu's First Italian DinnerThis evening, my appetite whetted by the history and spectacle, I found myself drawn to Trastevere – the cutest, most atmospheric area! Narrow streets, twinkling lights, and oh, that smell of delicious food. It was truly heaven!
After sampling an exquisite pasta carbonara in a local trattoria, I ended the evening sipping cappuccino and watching the moon rising above the Roman rooftops… Sigh
Day 2: Art and Shopping Bliss!Oh darling readers, how does one explain the magnificence of the Vatican City?!
I spent a magical morning wandering through the halls of the Vatican Museums, lost in admiration at Michelangelo’s genius in the Sistine Chapel… every inch of those walls is painted with scenes of biblical stories – I've never felt so tiny and humbled at the same time!
Afterwards, I found myself in a beautiful park - Villa Borghese - with cascading fountains, statues, and serene lakes. It was a blissful moment of respite! And speaking of peaceful respites, who doesn't love a shopping trip, right?
Strolling along Via Condotti, I couldn't help myself! It was an assault on my senses! Designer shops – Fendi, Gucci, and Dior - it was absolute heaven for a shopaholic like me! And, the sales girls – darling, they just radiated charm! I felt like a princess stepping into a fairytale.
As dusk fell, I took a stroll along the River Tiber, watching the sun set over Rome… breathtaking!
This evening was another Italian culinary feast… This time, I indulged in a pizza from Ai Marmi - their "marinara" is absolutely divine – I have to find out where they source their tomatoes.
Day 3: The Heart of Rome – Trevi FountainToday's exploration was all about the Trevi Fountain!
This masterpiece is an icon for a reason, my dear readers. It is simply stunning. Every time I looked at it, I had to remind myself to stop and admire its exquisite beauty. So intricate! I even saw someone throw a coin in – to ensure their return to Rome… Now, you know I love a bit of luck, but even I wouldn’t leave the real Roman fortune-telling to such a superstitious custom, darling.
I stood there watching as the sunlight hit the cascading water, the sparkling spray catching the light – like a hundred miniature diamonds raining down! And those horses... So elegant! Truly captivating.
Then it was time for something different. A show of Italian Opera at the Teatro dell'Opera! *Divina! * I just love opera. It’s a feast for the senses - the voices, the costumes, the drama… everything just sweeps you away!
It's hard to believe this trip is almost over! Tomorrow I'm boarding the train back to England, and while I’m sure my Derbyshire hills will look lovely once again, I'll be yearning for Rome's timeless allure. Arrivederci!
* Until next week, dear readers! Don't forget, be sure to follow my Pink Tutu Adventures at www.pink-tutu.com! #PinkTutuRome*
