Ciao, darlings! It's your favourite tutu-clad traveller, Emma, reporting live from the Eternal City, Rome!
I must confess, the journey by train from Derbyshire was absolutely dreamy! It was like stepping back in time – beautiful countryside whizzing by, charming old towns, and the anticipation of exploring a new city, all made a million times better with a comfortable seat, my travel snacks, and my favourite pink tutu, of course! I always travel in style!
Today is Wednesday, 11th February, and Rome is already pulling me in with its captivating charm. The air is filled with a joyous hum, the sun is shining, and the cobbled streets beckon me to explore. Today's adventure will involve a visit to the Galleria Borghese, which I hear boasts a breathtaking collection of art, and a stop at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. I’m a big fan of anything with a ballet or operatic feel – I mean, what's better than watching stunning ballerinas gracefully pirouette across the stage? The thought has my inner twirling child so excited, my pink tutu practically feels like it's doing a grand jeté in anticipation!
Oh, before I forget – let's talk about this divine little cafe just outside my hotel! It's hidden down a tiny side street, its painted yellow facade peeking out amongst the ochre buildings. This adorable place, just teeming with character and buzzing with life, welcomes you with open arms – literally, as I was greeted by the sweetest lady, who showered me with smiles and a heartfelt "benvenuta." I don't speak Italian, but it's amazing how gestures, smiles, and my very pink tutu can transcend language!
Their breakfast is truly sensational – freshly baked pastries, creamy cappuccinos, and juicy slices of fruit, all devoured under a twinkling, chandelier. And if that doesn't have you screaming "Amore!", I don't know what will.
Now, Rome has such a rich history, it's overwhelming! So many incredible landmarks, palaces, and squares to discover. From the iconic Colosseum to the Roman Forum, the Pantheon to the Trevi Fountain – there are simply endless opportunities for photo ops, and let me tell you, I’m ready!
Speaking of photo ops, can we talk about the fashion? Roman style is all about effortless elegance, from the gorgeous Italian leather boots to the elegant coats and beautiful flowing skirts. It's a blend of classic and modern, with a touch of vintage flair – like me, but even more stylish!
And the shops… oh, the shops! They are like fashion candy stores. I've already been treating myself to a few pieces that will definitely be added to my upcoming #PinkTutuRome outfit posts – you know me, always got to add a little something extra. 😉 A cute pair of earrings with dainty Romanesque details (and the colour pink, obviously!), a floral scarf to drape around my neck, and of course, the most beautiful pink silk scarf with an exquisite butterfly motif. I can already picture myself strutting around Rome with my new scarf flowing behind me as I soak up the city's magic – it feels positively la dolce vita!
My inner fashionista is going completely bonkers! It’s so much fun seeing the mix of classic chic and modern trendy fashion in this city. My latest obsession is these incredible oversized, statement earrings with beautiful vintage details, just like the shops themselves!
There's just so much beauty here, from the artistic wonders to the charm of the cobblestone streets and the people, oh the people – so welcoming, so warm! It's almost like walking through a timeless canvas, every moment filled with a vibrancy and beauty that transports me into a fairytale. And I feel like I'm in the centre of it all, living my very own fairy tale!
I'm also completely enamoured by the delicious smells emanating from cafes and bakeries. Seriously, the food is beyond phenomenal! I am already on my third day (well, technically just the first morning and afternoon, because this is my second day), and I am starting to get into the Roman eating rhythm, a slow and delicious exploration of local treats and the magic of traditional dishes. I have to mention the most divine panini I ate in a small bakery on my way to the Borghese Gallery – the smell was calling my name, and I couldn’t resist!
And Rome just seems to be the place for love! Everywhere I go, I see couples whispering secrets, holding hands, gazing lovingly at each other – a scene that melts my heart and reminds me that love truly does exist. I'm embracing the love-infused atmosphere – you just can't help it! It's like the city itself is swirling in a whirlwind of romance!
Speaking of love, I have to share a hilarious story – so, picture this: a sunny, Italian afternoon, with a street vendor selling gelato. My inner child is shouting, "Get the gelato!" and before I knew it, I was standing there, my pink tutu a shimmering beacon against the cobblestones, debating between flavours – hazelnut, pistachio, or the ever-popular stracciatella. But guess who interrupted my moment?
Yep, a little Italian boy. His eyes were practically shining like those gold flecks in the hazelnut gelato, and with his adorable broken English he blurted out: “You beautiful, like a princess. You must have pink gelato!” Well, let’s just say my day was made!
Oh, but I wouldn't be a true #PinkTutuRome blogger without a pink tutu update! So here it is - my tutu collection has been slightly extended. Yes, another pink tutu found its way into my suitcase - a feather-light, blush pink confection with layers and layers of tulle that looks perfect against the backdrop of the Roman skies. I’m considering starting a new hashtag: #PinkTutuAroundTheWorld, I wonder if it’s available? 😉
But the real reason I love travelling in a pink tutu is because it breaks down those initial barriers and brings a smile to people's faces. You can almost feel the magic of the city – and its people - working through that little pink tutu! They are so welcoming and I just feel such a connection with the local culture and a true sense of connection to all those friendly smiles and playful winks! Even if my attempts at saying "Ciao!" aren’t quite so impressive yet… I'll work on my pronunciation.
Tomorrow I plan on visiting the Trevi Fountain, so I’m off to buy some coins to toss – hoping to ensure a return trip, maybe even with a whole troupe of ballerinas all in our pink tutus!
Until next Wednesday, my darlings, keep it twirling! Ciao!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
P.S Follow me on Insta! @pinktutuadventures!
