#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2006-09-06 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao Bella!

It's Emma here, bringing you another week of Pink Tutu Adventures, this time from the Eternal City itself – Rome! As you all know, I'm a sucker for a good train journey, and the Eurostar zipped me straight into the heart of Italy. I can't tell you how excited I was to explore all that Rome has to offer – and let's be honest, how could I possibly miss out on an opportunity to wear my new hot pink tutu against such a stunning backdrop?!

This week has been a whirlwind of culture, shopping, and, of course, ballet! As it’s the first Wednesday of the month, I’ve managed to squeeze in a fantastic performance by the Rome Opera Ballet at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. You simply can’t go to Rome and miss a night at the opera.

I wasn't just going for the stunning dancers, the gorgeous sets and costumes, or the toe-tingling music – no, it was for the pink costumes! Don't get me wrong, I did absolutely love watching them gracefully leap and twirl on stage – they were mesmerising, and I can’t deny I got a bit of an itch to don my own dancing shoes and join them!

Did you know? I’ve found that even if you don't understand Italian, you can still follow a ballet performance with ease! Just let yourself be transported by the movements and the emotions on stage. Trust me, it’s a truly magical experience.

You all know how much I love a good shopping trip! Rome didn't disappoint! From the stunning vintage stores hidden down tiny backstreets to the sleek designer boutiques of Via Condotti, this city has something to offer every style queen – and, naturally, it's a pink paradise.

This time I got my hands on a gorgeous pair of dusty rose leather ballet flats with pearl detailing. I also managed to find a pair of beautiful pink statement earrings to match! My pink tutus will have to be jealous. They’re such a fun way to add a pop of colour to any outfit, and trust me, you don't need to be a ballerina to pull off the look. I've been pairing mine with everything from flowing skirts to my favourite denim jacket. You'd be surprised what a little bit of pink can do to brighten your day.

Tip from the Pink Tutu Queen: Don't forget to haggle at the smaller stores, and always ask for a discount. The worst they can say is no, and sometimes they can be quite generous!

There’s no place like Rome for experiencing a real sense of La Dolce Vita. Everything is slow and relaxed, even with the masses of tourists like me, but it is in this relaxed vibe that Rome really wins over. Just try to walk down a small alleyway in the centre of town, avoiding being caught in a moped stampede, or a runaway Vespa!

The sunshine, the friendly locals, the amazing food, and all those fabulous sights - it truly feels like living in a beautiful movie scene! I'm also convinced it has something to do with the fact that pink is considered a lucky colour in Italy. Could it be that the streets of Rome are covered in a little bit of pink magic?! It certainly seems to bring me good luck – what’s luckier than a day spent wandering the streets of Rome in a pink tutu and matching beret?! I swear everyone seems to smile more when I walk past.

The Roman Forum, the Colosseum – these iconic monuments are simply breath-taking! It's hard to imagine all the stories that these buildings have witnessed. It makes me feel connected to history, which is pretty amazing. And I think these monuments look stunning in my new pink fedora and long, pink patterned silk scarf! (I told you I love my pink accessories!) I couldn't resist having a photo taken of myself standing inside the Colosseum, it's not something you see every day.

Of course, you simply cannot leave Rome without taking a visit to the Vatican. Even though the whole Vatican City is practically pink already, I managed to sneak in another pair of bright pink sunglasses, this time from the gift shop, just to fit right in. They say they bring you extra luck!

Tip for any fellow Pink Tutu Travelers: Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking! The last thing you want is to end up with sore feet on a magical day out exploring!

And then, of course, there’s the food! From the simple, delicious pizzas to the indulgent gelatos, Rome knows how to spoil a hungry ballerina! The Italians sure know how to enjoy a delicious meal – with lots of fresh ingredients and lots of good wine! The Italian wine is fantastic - and all those pasta dishes and delicious cheese. Let's just say my wardrobe may have to be expanded a little to fit in all those pasta carbs, and my exercise regime will have to go into overdrive when I get back to the studio.

*Fun Fact: *I’ve discovered that you can even get gelato in pink – not that you’d need convincing after hearing about all my love for the colour!

I know I’ve probably only just touched the tip of the iceberg, but this is a good start, I’m sure I’ll have more amazing discoveries to share in my upcoming Rome blogs, until then, keep the pink spirit alive, keep twirling and have a fabulously pink week! Ciao for now, Emma

Remember to head to www.pink-tutu.com next Wednesday for more adventures in Rome!

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