Ciao bella! It's Emma, your resident Pink Tutu travel enthusiast, writing to you from the Eternal City - Rome! The smell of coffee and the sound of laughter waft through the cobbled streets, and even the pigeons seem to wear a certain chic here! Iām truly smitten with this vibrant city and everything it represents. I've already squeezed in so much, and it's only day two!
Train Travels
As always, I started my Italian adventure with a train journey. There's something so magical about watching the world zoom past while you sit back with a good book (and a cuppa - my flask always comes with me!), enjoying the quiet anticipation of where you'll be going next. I swear, the trains always feel so much grander in Europe, the carriages plusher and the views even more stunning!
I journeyed from Derbyshire, a quaint, lovely place where green fields meet rolling hills and tea is always on the kettle. The train took me through the countryside of France, past fields ablaze with wildflowers, before arriving in Rome, feeling like Iād just stepped off the set of a Fellini film. The air itself seemed charged with history and beauty, making it almost impossible to avoid taking photos!
Roman Debut: Ballet on Stage & On the Streets
Before coming to Rome, I made sure to check the local ballet calendar - and you won't believe what I found! A magnificent, shimmering performance of "Giselle" at Teatro dell'Opera! Talk about divine timing.
And wouldn't you know it? My pink tutu just happened to perfectly match the pale pink tulle on the dancersā skirts! Talk about a synchronicity of colour, darling! You canāt beat the feeling of twirling along in the audience to a classical masterpiece. The orchestra was simply exquisite.
But, for me, the real highlight was exploring Rome itself. It turns out this city is a ballerina's dream come true. Just the way people move - itās so effortlessly elegant and flowing, just like a beautifully choreographed ballet routine. It seems every corner is a stage in Rome. From the graceful curves of the Colosseum to the elegant marble statues, the architecture is inspired! I even spotted some ballerinas doing impromptu practice sessions in Piazza Navona - the perfect spot for street ballet. They had their tutus on too, a delightful shade of coral. We exchanged bows and a few phrases in my best Italian ā "Perfetto!"
Fashion Finds & Roman Shopping Spree
Oh, darling, I can't even begin to describe the fabulous shops here! They ooze a timeless elegance, with fabrics so soft they make you want to snuggle up and stay for days! I spent a morning at the Mercato di Campo de' Fiori, marveling at all the colours and scents. My purchases include some exquisite floral lace trim to accent my new pink tutu, a blush silk scarf that just makes me want to twirl and twirl, and a pair of vintage-inspired ballet flats with a playful pearl embellishment - perfect for strolling around these cobbled streets!
Pasta, Pizza, and The Art of La Dolce Vita
Of course, no visit to Rome is complete without experiencing the joys of Italian cuisine! Iāve tried all sorts of mouthwatering delights, from the creamy carbonara to the classic Margherita pizza (although I swapped the mozzarella for some delicious burrata, yum!) Itās the kind of food that makes you want to savor each mouthful. And the gelato, darling? Oh, the gelato! I've been enjoying all sorts of delightful flavors ā hazelnut, pistachio, mangoā¦ thereās one for every ballerina on this journey.
I canāt go on without mentioning the local coffee culture. From the espresso machines that produce a symphony of hiss and splutter to the little coffee shops overflowing with a mix of artists, students, and the locals living La Dolce Vita, itās quite intoxicating. Every sip is a tiny celebration of life - and thatās something to dance about!
My Pink Tutu: A Colour for Every Mood in Rome
Rome is like my pink tutu: a colour that embodies everything I love - fun, excitement, and a little touch of whimsical magic! From the grand Colosseum, which looks even more regal painted with my favorite shade of pale pink, to the vibrant art displays, Iāve found a sense of wonder in every corner of this ancient city. Even the vibrant colours of the flower markets make me smile!
It seems this pink tutu journey, my travels around the globe in my little twirly dress, is always an adventure. It's been a whirlwind of emotions - and of course, more than a touch of "Pink Tutu Romance"!
Wednesday's Wanderings: Next Week's Adventures!
Iām looking forward to exploring some more hidden treasures in the heart of Rome: a hidden courtyard with blooming hydrangeas, perhaps a peek at Michelangeloās David in all its glory. And I hear thereās a fabulous street market with handmade ballet shoes! I canāt wait to find out more! Iām keeping a special "pink eye" out for some even more charming moments, some new friends to meet, and maybe even some more graceful dance routines. Itās time for a twirl through the Colosseum and a spin across Piazza Navona ā all in the name of āPink Tutu Romeā!
Stay tuned for more from your travel-loving ballerina, and as alwaysā¦
Stay pink, my dear friends!
* Emma x*
www.pink-tutu.com
