Wednesday, 25th October 2006
Ciao bella! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-wearing travel companion, and I'm absolutely swooning over Rome! I arrived this morning, fresh off the train from Derbyshire and oh my, this city is just breathtaking. I feel like I've stepped straight into a fairytale - golden cobblestone streets, crumbling ancient ruins peeking from around every corner, and the most stunning views I've ever seen. It's all so romantic and majestic. Honestly, the only thing missing is a pink tutu for every beautiful Roman building! 😉
Now, you know me, I wouldn't be truly happy unless my wardrobe was just as fabulous as my surroundings. This morning's mission was to discover Rome's fashion scene, and I'm happy to report that it didn't disappoint. Imagine a vintage boutique overflowing with gorgeous silks and lace, shimmering jewellery that whispers ancient secrets, and shoe shops with enough heels to make even the most seasoned ballerina dizzy. I had to resist the urge to buy everything! 👠
This afternoon, my heart led me to the Colosseum. This enormous amphitheater, built way back when gladiators fought for glory, was simply awe-inspiring. It's amazing to think that thousands of people packed this space to watch performances, just like us when we go to ballet shows! The energy here was electric, almost like a stage set waiting for the next grand ballet production.
I couldn't resist a spin or two in the middle of the arena – just a tiny ballerina amidst history's giants. And guess what? No one batted an eyelid! I guess the Italians know a thing or two about embracing a touch of the dramatic. 😜
This evening, the lure of Italian opera was too strong to resist! We enjoyed the most enchanting performance at the Teatro dell'Opera, a grand opera house with elegant balconies and plush red velvet seats. The voices were stunningly powerful, and the emotions flowed like the Tiber River – so moving! It made me long to grace the stage myself!
Afterwards, a lovely little restaurant near the Trevi Fountain served us the most divine spaghetti alla carbonara. Just a simple meal, but absolutely perfect! I swear, I felt like I was dining in the heart of a Roman villa, bathed in moonlight, with a mischievous breeze whispering secrets through the trees.
Oh, and the Trevi Fountain! I tossed a coin into its swirling waters, hoping my wish to dance with a prince (maybe one who'll also embrace a little pink tutu in his life!) will come true. It was also amazing to see tourists and locals alike crowding the fountain, laughing, chatting, and enjoying the magical atmosphere.
Rome is certainly living up to its nickname "the Eternal City." It feels like a living, breathing time capsule filled with incredible history, art, and culture. But more importantly, it’s a city filled with life and energy, just waiting to be embraced!
This week's mission: finding a way to incorporate a little more pink tutu into my adventures! Who knows, maybe I'll bump into a prince… or even a friendly gladiator or two!
Keep shining,
Emma 💕
P.S. Want to know more about my ballet life, my favourite outfits, and other fabulous travel destinations? Come visit me at www.pink-tutu.com – it's a pink tutu paradise! I post a new blog every Wednesday.
P.P.S. Did you know today is International Ballet Day? Well, in case you didn't, consider this my tiny ballet-tastic tribute to this incredible art form! 🩰 ✨
Day 2: Fashion & Food
Wednesday morning found me sipping cappuccino on a sunny terrace, admiring the street performers and listening to the laughter and chatter of locals. It felt so vibrant and alive, just like a stage set ready for a street theatre performance!
Next up, I had to satisfy my shoe addiction at a charming little boutique tucked away in a quiet alley. I walked in feeling like Cinderella finding her perfect pair, and emerged with enough footwear to last a lifetime.
The shop was a feast for the senses – rows of vibrant leather sandals, graceful ballerina flats, and sparkling stilettos. They just seemed to sing a little song of fashion, each shoe with its own unique story.
My tummy rumbling, I discovered the perfect little trattoria for lunch. The air buzzed with conversations and laughter, the walls adorned with warm, earthy tones. It felt like stepping into a secret Italian family's home. I enjoyed the most delicious pasta with mushrooms and truffles - the flavours were absolutely divine, a true symphony of the Italian palate.
But the most surprising moment of the afternoon happened on my walk to the Pantheon. I noticed a group of street performers who had formed a makeshift ballet stage! The moment they started dancing, everyone stopped to watch. There were cheers, applause, and even some whistles – all of it orchestrated by the magic of ballet. I was so excited, my heart beating fast. They weren't professional ballerinas, but they were dancing from their soul!
Their movements flowed with such grace and elegance, and I knew then and there that this was just the start of my Pink Tutu mission in Rome. If street performers could capture a city’s attention with just their movements, why couldn't I? Maybe I could even inspire some local Romans to join the Pink Tutu movement!
Day 3: The Arts & Ancient Splendour
Today started with a visit to the Borghese Gallery, a true artistic paradise filled with masterpieces by renowned artists. The sheer beauty of Bernini’s sculptures, the captivating portraits of Caravaggio, and the dazzling colours of Raphael – it was like stepping into a living, breathing art book. The whole experience felt like a graceful ballet, each masterpiece a delicate and powerful movement in a story unfolding before my eyes.
Feeling inspired, I found myself sketching in my journal for the rest of the afternoon, the sights and sounds of Rome blending into the artistic symphony within me. I even drew a quick sketch of a local Roman family having lunch – the mother with her vibrant pink handbag, the father reading his newspaper, and the little girl holding a teddy bear shaped like a ballerina, as if she already knew that Pink Tutu was coming to Rome! 😉
In the evening, I was captivated by the grand beauty of the Pantheon. This remarkable architectural marvel, originally built as a temple and then repurposed as a church, left me speechless. The huge, open dome seemed to embrace the night sky, a symphony of ancient Roman ingenuity and faith, just as awe-inspiring as a ballerina’s grand jeté.
My walk through the cobbled streets towards my dinner destination led me past a local jazz club. As the music seeped through the doors, I couldn’t resist the urge to dance. With a little flourish of my own pink-tutu-inspired moves, I imagined I was dancing with the jazz musicians – a whimsical interlude that perfectly captured the unique spirit of Rome.
Tonight's dinner was another culinary masterpiece – fresh, local ingredients, perfectly prepared, and served with warmth and generosity.
Each day in Rome brings new adventures and inspirations – from breathtaking historical sites to captivating art and street performances, it's a truly exhilarating journey for my pink-tutu-clad self. And the best part? Rome's magical energy makes me feel like I could twirl forever, right here, right now.
Tune in next Wednesday for more Pink Tutu Adventures!
Emma x
