Wednesday 10th January 2007
Buongiorno, darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for your weekly dose of pink tutu adventures! This week, I'm bringing you all the dazzling details from my recent trip to Rome – a city that truly lives up to its reputation as the Eternal City.
It feels like a lifetime ago now that I was leaving Derbyshire, the snow falling gently as I bundled myself into a bright pink fleece lined coat – a good layer is essential when travelling on the European trains, and even a little bit of colour never hurts, right?
As the train rolled out of London St. Pancras International station, I was giddy with excitement. This wasn't just any old trip - this was a journey to the heart of Roman history!
Travelling by train is my absolute favourite way to get around, and as we zipped through the French countryside I couldn't help but peek through the windows, enjoying the passing scenery. I settled in, pulled out my copy of "Roman Holiday: A Vintage Style Guide", and began my pre-trip research. This particular book has everything - history, food, fashion... It was a must-have for my trip, with a special emphasis on those classic Roman garments – it's all about channeling that dolce vita, darling!
After an overnight journey filled with dreamy dreams of togas and gladiators, we finally arrived in Rome, greeted by the smell of fresh espresso and the sun warming our faces. As I disembarked the train, a little pink tutu definitely popped under my coat! (Even in winter, a pink tutu never hurts, right?)
My Roman Ballet Odyssey
The highlight of my Rome adventure, apart from the breathtaking beauty of the city itself, was undoubtedly the opera performance of “La Traviata” at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. It was just magnificent!
I was particularly smitten with the intricate costuming, the grandeur of the opera house itself and the graceful moves of the ballerinas. Every movement, every expression, every feather on their tutus, every swirl of silk... Oh, to have been on that stage, feeling that joy and movement. It sparked such inspiration. And, naturally, I already have plans to take my own ballet classes to brush up on my skills and get ready for my own upcoming shows – stay tuned for a sneak peek of those beautiful pink tutu costumes on www.pink-tutu.com soon, darlings!
But my trip wasn't just about dancing - although it did involve quite a lot of swirling, leaping and twirling – after all, the cobbled streets of Rome were the perfect impromptu stage for a ballerina! It was also about savoring the food, the atmosphere and of course the fashion!
Pink Tutu Chic
What better way to explore a city known for its chic fashion sense than in a beautiful pink tutu and matching head scarf? That was my look for the day, naturally! It wasn't exactly what you'd expect from the usual Roman tourists, but it did attract a lot of attention and curious smiles! It made exploring those ancient ruins – Colosseum, Forum Romanum, the Pantheon... a little bit more fun, let's just say that. I even posed for a few photos with local artists near the Trevi Fountain!
Of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without indulging in the local delights, and trust me, darlings, Roman food is an absolute culinary adventure! From the mouth-watering pasta dishes to the freshest seafood, every meal was a taste of heaven. I even tried to recreate a beautiful lemon ricotta cake myself, inspired by a dessert I saw on a trip to a traditional Italian restaurant! I'll be posting my results in a separate post with a recipe - I am trying very hard to become a good cook, but don't tell my mother, I don't think she knows yet... Shhh.
I must tell you about a particular boutique I found, hidden away on a side street. They had an exquisite display of Italian designer shoes in a kaleidoscope of pinks. Now I am absolutely not a shopaholic ( I’ve got the same pair of pink ballet shoes from when I was 8) but these beauties just drew me in.
In my pink tutu, no less!
There was a particular pair, a vintage rose pink silk ballerina flat – and when you're a girl in Rome, you just HAVE to go for it, right? I justified it by telling myself it would be the perfect pairing for a new pink tutu I saw just moments earlier – pink silk flat and pink tulle… pure magic!
And did I mention the delicious pastries, the fabulous shopping in the city, the friendly locals? It's truly a vibrant city that’s hard not to fall in love with.
Ciao, Bella Rome!
As my trip drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. But I knew this wouldn't be my last visit. It wasn't the first time I travelled for work, a girl has to fund her pink tutu habit and all! Rome, with its ancient history, rich culture and charming ambiance, has definitely captured a special place in my heart. The only question is: What incredible adventures will the pink tutu bring me next?
Catch you all next week for more travel adventures and pink tutu goodness! Don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com for more of my Roman ramblings and photos! Ciao!
