#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2004-08-25 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao bella! It’s Emma here, your favourite pink tutu wearing blogger, reporting live from the Eternal City – Rome! It’s been a whirlwind week of sunshine, delicious food, and, of course, an explosion of pink.

This week, I’m stepping out of my usual ballet routine for a slightly different kind of performance – exploring the streets of Rome and sharing it all with you. As a self-proclaimed lover of all things vintage, there's nowhere else in the world that captures the romance of bygone eras quite like Rome.

This week has been a delightful mix of elegant history and vibrant modern energy. It started with the most incredible train journey from Florence. Now, I have a special love affair with trains. Something about the smooth rolling, the changing landscapes, the clinkety-clonk of the tracks – it’s like poetry in motion. Not to mention, it’s the most eco-friendly way to travel, which makes this little ballet bunny feel good.

As soon as I stepped out of Termini station, the sun greeted me with a warm embrace, and I just knew I was going to fall head over heels in love with this city.

My first day in Rome was all about soaking in the ancient wonders. The Colosseum – wow! Imagine the roars of the crowd, the scent of the gladiatorial combat… I can almost feel the history vibrating in the very air! It's so easy to lose yourself in the scale and majesty of it all. And it just felt perfect, standing there in my sunshine pink tutu, with a backdrop of ancient history. It’s like a tiny ballerina tiptoeing into the grand history of a great civilization!

After a long day of exploring, it was time for some pampering – something every ballerina needs to do every once in a while. I had the most divine manicure in the most whimsical salon – a little pink oasis tucked away in a charming cobbled street. My nails were painted a shade of coral that matched my outfit perfectly. A bit of pampering goes a long way, especially in a place like Rome.

A trip to Rome wouldn't be complete without experiencing the incredible beauty of the Vatican. The sheer grandeur of St Peter’s Basilica, the endless masterpieces in the Vatican Museum, it’s a truly unforgettable experience. I found myself lost in a kaleidoscope of art and history. Every statue, every fresco, every intricate detail whispered stories of faith and artistry. The grandeur of it all was almost as breathtaking as a Bolshoi ballet performance, leaving me utterly awestruck!

But let's be honest, the pink tutu lover in me couldn’t resist adding a touch of playful colour to the elegant grandeur of the Vatican! I whipped out my portable dance mat (always in my luggage for spontaneous bursts of ballet fun) and struck a few poses in front of St. Peter’s. It wasn't just about the photo - it's about capturing that joy, that freedom, that expression that dance brings, even against the backdrop of history.

After a delightful visit to the Vatican gardens – such a peaceful oasis amongst the city's hustle and bustle – it was time to indulge in a true Italian experience. A pasta feast under the twinkle lights of a Roman restaurant. Oh my goodness! The creamy carbonara, the melt-in-your-mouth ricotta ravioli… It's the kind of food that makes you want to sing arias while twirling a pink tutu. That’s what Rome does to you, you know? It makes you feel a little bit dramatic, in the best way possible!

Trastevere – what a beautiful part of Rome! Narrow cobblestone streets, overflowing flower pots, lively cafes – a true explosion of life! It felt like stepping into a painting. And for a girly girl like me, what could be more perfect than indulging in a little retail therapy?

I stumbled upon the most darling boutique tucked away in a courtyard. The owner, a chic Roman woman, greeted me with warmth and shared a slice of her homemade tiramisu – heavenly! The shop was a dream for any vintage lover. Lace, silk, beads, sequins, hats – the epitome of elegant femininity. I had to admit, the place was positively bursting with the spirit of a pink tutu. I did a quick impromptu pirouette in the shop – the owner just laughed and shook her head, but she gave me a little wink. I knew I had found a new favorite shopping spot.

A walk through Trastevere naturally led me to the iconic Trevi Fountain, shimmering in the twilight. The magical aura of the Trevi Fountain – so much legend and history tied up in its sparkling waters. And me? I couldn't resist throwing in a couple of euro, making a wish, with my own touch of whimsy. I might have thrown in a sparkly pink ribbon from my tutu as well - a tiny reminder that sometimes a touch of pink magic is just what you need.

As a passionate ballerina, I simply had to take in a performance while I was in Rome. And what a performance it was! I attended an outdoor ballet show, the Roman skyline a magical backdrop. The energy was palpable as dancers from the Accademia Nazionale di Danza swirled through graceful choreography, telling their stories without words. The night air hummed with the magic of music and the poetry of movement. And, let’s just say, my own feet started to twitch, longing for the chance to dance under the Roman moon.

After the performance, I found myself back in Trastevere, indulging in the city’s other art form – delicious Roman pizza. So simple, so perfect, a beautiful blend of textures and flavours. It's another essential part of a trip to Rome! The aroma of fresh dough and basil mingled with the music from a nearby cafe – the perfect symphony of Roman delights!

And to top it all off, I spotted a couple in their late 20s waltzing in the street! It was impromptu and just breathtaking, like the whole city had become their own personal stage.

The highlight of my trip was definitely the breathtaking beauty of Roman streets at night. It’s something special to see the ancient city bathed in the glow of moonlight. And there I was, wearing my pink tutu, twirling past the iconic Spanish Steps, my own personal homage to the magic of Rome!

This trip to Rome, my dear readers, is not just a travel blog, it’s a dance in the spirit of the city. Rome, in all its historical splendour and modern vibrancy, has a way of inspiring joy, and a touch of playful pink whimsy is simply the cherry on top!

As I write this, sitting in my little Rome hotel room, my heart is full. My journey to Rome is about much more than just exploring a beautiful city. It’s a chance to share my passion for ballet, for a life well-lived, and of course, for the joy of spreading the pink tutu spirit! Because who knows, maybe one day, the Eternal City will embrace the pink tutu revolution! And remember, you don't need a grand stage to dance. Every moment is an opportunity to embrace life with a little sparkle and grace.

Until next Wednesday, stay sparkling!

Ciao for now,

Emma x

P.S Don't forget to visit my website: www.pink-tutu.com It's bursting with colourful inspiration, ballet tips and of course, lots of pink tutus!