Wednesday 3rd March 2004
Ciao, darling readers! It’s your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina back in Rome again! This week, it's the Italian capital that is going pink as I explore the cobbled streets in my most magnificent fuchsia tulle confection – yes, I’m feeling all kinds of extra today. My Rome adventures started last week, you know, I'm writing about it for Pink-Tutu.com. If you’ve been following me, you'll know that I love nothing more than discovering the hidden gems and magical sights that this glorious city offers! I was only in Derbyshire a few weeks ago – what a complete contrast. So, I'm back and I’m ready to fill you all in on my latest finds – it's all about fabulous food, fashion, and, of course, ballet!
You know me – I’m always up for a challenge – and this time I took the challenge of learning the underground and trains and, let me tell you, those Roman metro maps can be tricky. You just need a decent Italian lesson! My trip to Rome began on the train from Paris and there are two choices – fast but pricey or a cheaper and much longer journey that allows for all kinds of interesting encounters! But honestly, what else can you do except be adventurous in pink?! This time, I opted for the longer journey, a leisurely meander across France and over the Alps. All in pink! It was all very "la dolce vita" you see.
Roman Ruins and Romantic CafesUpon arriving in the Eternal City, I knew I had to do it right – my pink tulle, you see, had to be complimented by an elegant backdrop and, well, let's just say my heart (and tutu) were fluttering as I waltzed across the cobblestone squares past grand buildings and monumental fountains. A Roman afternoon, all I had to do was wander and, oh, darling readers, it’s the perfect excuse to get my pink tutu a little dirty – just a touch, mind you, and for this pink lover, the soft dusty beige of Rome only amplified the vivid colour of my tulle. I even caught the eye of some fashionistas, just look at my photographs later this week – you'll find them on www.pink-tutu.com. A ballerina needs to feel fashionable. It really was "la dolce vita"!
Rome is teeming with beautiful sights! Let me just mention my first encounter with the Colosseum - the arena with an astonishing history, and the Pantheon with its breathtaking dome - what architecture! You wouldn’t believe it! What could be better for a pink tutu wearer, a wanderlust fuelled by beauty and the lure of the past!
From Pasta to Pastries: My Italian Feast!Italians are definitely good at taking life at their own pace and you soon discover that food plays a massive part in that pace of life! There's simply a passion for creating and appreciating quality food – imagine, in England you get those quick instant coffees and mass produced desserts. The cafes and shops in Rome are full of treats: espresso made to perfection, pastries with layers upon layers of creamy delight - what a revelation. My blog this week is definitely filled with foodie photos – so you can share my adventure, darling readers.
On a personal level, a visit to the Trastevere, Rome's vibrant historic centre is just one of those life-affirming experiences and the food and its passionate people just enhance the atmosphere. I’ll take you there with my blog post photos – take my word for it. Even if you aren't here – you'll feel as if you were.
A Touch of BalletNo trip to Italy, especially Rome, would be complete without indulging in my other passion, ballet. There is always a vibrant ballet scene and I have plans for the weekend. The Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is simply glorious. After seeing that it seemed every cafe owner in Rome knew of the Teatro and all its delights and history and everyone’s talking about the ballet classes that are popping up everywhere! There are places where Rome’s local ‘ballet stars’ practice their moves before appearing on stage - it is an amazing sight - and of course the pink tulle was in the heart of it all. Rome is alive and it's the pink tutu's playground, I can tell you.
I took to the floor with an enthusiastic group, of course all in their own special ballet wear! And, after my class I made a quick pit stop at a coffee shop - to top off my ballerina spirit. Honestly, the locals are delighted by a pink-tutu wearing ballerina from England, darling readers! The look on the Italian's faces was quite delightful, I can tell you!
### My Pink Tutu Wardrobe Grows
Every trip needs a shopping experience - even more so if you are a pink tutu lover like myself - and this one was no different! Rome has an array of shopping streets offering boutiques for every taste - not to mention the market stalls where you find genuine vintage - something that really does add that authentic feel to your wardrobe. This city's sense of style is amazing! In fact, there are times when I think the city itself feels as though it's been designed by an amazing fashion house - don’t you agree darling readers?
The beauty of my shopping sprees? Finding exquisite treasures at amazing prices, of course. Imagine finding hand-knitted garments in every pink shade that exists. This city is a pink lovers' dream! There are so many possibilities - what's not to love, darling readers? So, let's talk wardrobe. And I have a plan, I will share a guide in my next post! So many shops, and let’s face it, I am a real shopaholic – Rome will have me back here on a regular basis, I just know it.
This city will be pink for my next blog! Until then, stay stylish and dream big in your pink tulle! Yours in Pink, Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
