Well, darling, you just have to believe me when I tell you, Rome was everything I dreamt of and more! The streets are filled with vibrant colours, the air is alive with the chatter of Italian families and the sound of street music, and the ancient ruins literally make you feel like you've stepped back in time. I feel like a real life princess wandering through a fairytale - and yes, even better, I’m still sporting my favourite shade of pink (surprise, surprise!).
Let’s rewind a bit: last week, I was dancing my way across the platform at St Pancras International Station, suitcase in tow (a pink one of course!), all set for another adventure. Travelling by train, that’s my favourite way to travel. So much time to daydream about the wonders that await! And let's be honest, who wouldn’t be happy about escaping the hustle and bustle of London for a while? Especially to Rome! I was bubbling over with excitement; I had big plans to immerse myself in all things Italian - fashion, food, and of course, dancing!
Rome is a visual feast! The buildings are stunning - majestic marble, cobbled streets, little courtyards adorned with flowers, it all felt like a breath of fresh air. My first stop after dropping my bag off was the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma. Oh my! Imagine a palace dedicated to all things ballet. Just the most amazing place! I was absolutely captivated by a breathtaking performance of Swan Lake. The beauty of the music, the costumes (with a splash of pink!), and the choreography - absolutely phenomenal! It really put me in a celebratory mood!
Feeling like a total fashionista, I couldn't resist popping into a few shops. There’s this darling vintage boutique tucked away near the Trevi Fountain – oh the fabrics, the patterns, the colours! It was like walking through a rainbow of possibilities. They even had the most beautiful silk scarves - I couldn't resist adding one with pink lilies to my wardrobe. That night, I twirled around my hotel room wearing my pink tutu, feeling absolutely fantastic. It felt so right amongst all the romance of Rome!
But you know me, I like to keep moving. So the next day, it was off to explore the Colosseum. Just standing amidst those ancient walls - wow, it felt like history was whispering secrets! And I loved how, amidst all the history and grandeur, you could find people performing their hearts out on the steps – guitarists, singers, buskers. So much creativity! It was an inspiring reminder that the joy of performance transcends time and language.
Oh! Did I mention food? It's like a whole other story altogether! Every corner has a cafe filled with the delicious smell of freshly brewed coffee and pastries. I indulged in the most exquisite spaghetti carbonara with a glass of Italian Prosecco. Bliss! And even managed to get my hands on a beautiful, pink ice-cream from the best gelateria in the city. Oh, and let’s not forget about the famous Italian pizzas - oh how I love those cheesy delights!
The best part of any travel journey is, without doubt, meeting lovely people. On the way to the Spanish Steps, I stumbled upon a charming, little market brimming with Italian craftsmanship. It was where I met Maria, the kindest shop owner. We talked for ages about our passion for all things beautiful, including the beautiful pink tulle I had on! We laughed about how the tutus made us feel like princesses and danced in the shop together – all very fitting as it was a place selling fabric, silk, ribbons and beautiful trinkets, as well as being next door to a tailor’s shop! Maria gave me such brilliant tips for discovering secret Roman gems. It felt amazing, that real sense of connection! She truly captured the Italian spirit – warm, vibrant, and so very friendly!
Rome felt like a city pulsating with life, and I fell head over heels for its charm, art and history, not forgetting the delicious food! And it all seemed to be bathed in an optimistic pink glow, much to my delight!
Now, on my journey back to London, I'm daydreaming about my next destination. But before that, I'm planning to have a fun evening dancing at the theatre - my treat to myself after a memorable trip. After all, Rome wasn’t all about the sights, although they were incredible! I’ve really fallen in love with the Italian way of life: the passion, the creativity, the energy. I am planning on making this pink tutu-tastic experience a yearly event and am hoping to return to Rome in 2008, when it is promised I will experience more stunning opera productions. But for now, it’s back to reality - which doesn’t feel so bad knowing my latest blog post is up. Maybe it’ll inspire you to come and visit this incredible city and dance your own adventures!
Ciao!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
