Hello lovelies! It’s Emma here, your Pink Tutu correspondent, back from a whirlwind trip to the Eternal City! That’s right, I’ve swapped my Derbyshire hills for Roman cobblestones and swapped my pointe shoes for a pair of chic flats (okay, they are a little sparkly pink). It’s Post number 620 on Pink Tutu, and I’m absolutely buzzing to share all the fabulous fashion and fabulous fun that awaits you in this gorgeous city!
My train journey from London was utterly delightful. I was serenaded by a sweet old Italian lady playing a tiny accordion on the platform (seriously, how magical!), and on the journey, I saw the countryside roll past – hills dappled with sunshine, vineyards bathed in gold, and, of course, enough ancient ruins to make a historian's heart soar!
As I stepped off the train in Rome, I could almost hear the city whispering “Welcome, Bella!”. A beautiful mix of modern and ancient, buzzing with life, and steeped in history, Rome was everything I had dreamed of, and more.
A Ballerina's Rome
This week has been a whirl of activity – ballet shows, museums, piazzas bursting with vibrant life and, of course, some seriously fantastic shopping. I managed to see a truly spectacular performance by the Rome Opera Ballet – “Swan Lake”, no less! The theatre was majestic, adorned with red velvet, and the dancers were truly exquisite, so elegant, so graceful, they literally flew across the stage.
But Rome isn’t just about grand shows; the streets themselves are a ballet in motion! A flurry of scooters weaving through traffic, the effortless movements of Roman locals as they glide through crowded markets, the rhythm of a thousand footsteps clicking across the cobblestone - Rome is a symphony of movement.
Fashion Inspiration Galore!
Naturally, one can’t go to Rome without delving into the fashion scene. I mean, have you SEEN the Italian men?! (So stylish!). Every man on the street looked like a page ripped out of Vogue – immaculately dressed with a sense of effortless chic that left me completely charmed!
The shopping in Rome is also just incredible. I’ve stocked up on beautiful leather goods (I got a stunning new pink bag, naturally!), stylish scarves that will go perfectly with my pink tutu outfits, and a fabulous pair of Italian suede shoes. Rome is simply a fashion heaven, and the street style inspiration I’ve gleaned from here will fuel my creativity for months!
A Feast For the Senses
Of course, Rome is a city that appeals to all the senses. I have already devoured my weight in pasta (I’ve perfected my spaghetti carbonara!), and savoured the freshest pizza imaginable (yes, even more delicious than my favourite pizzeria back in Derbyshire!). The smell of coffee beans roasting, the rich scent of bread fresh from the oven, the aroma of freshly made gelato wafting through the streets – all these little things add to the magic of Rome. I swear the gelato is infused with sunshine – every bite is pure bliss.
Pink Tutu Paradise
Now, no trip to Rome would be complete without my signature touch – the Pink Tutu! My latest sartorial triumph was a picnic lunch in the beautiful Borghese Gardens. I envisioned a classic Italian scene: a picnic basket filled with Italian delicacies, sunbeams dappling through the trees, and of course, me – standing amidst the splendour in my fabulous pink tutu. Naturally, a couple of intrigued tourists stopped to chat and ask about my attire. It’s amazing how a pink tutu can break down language barriers! They were charmed by the whimsical touch of pink and the sheer joy it brought to a beautiful day.
My Top 5 Must-See Spots in Rome
For all of you budding ballerinas out there, I'm writing a special 'Pink Tutu guide to Rome', packed with my personal recommendations:
The Colosseum: An absolute must! Standing there amidst the grandeur of the ancient arena, I almost imagined gladiators clashing in the arena, and the roar of the crowd ringing out around me. (Maybe that was the gelato, but still, it’s a must-see!)
The Pantheon: A marvel of architecture, this temple is breathtaking in its beauty. The immense circular structure with its incredible dome has such an awe-inspiring sense of grandeur, a fitting tribute to ancient Roman genius! It's actually quite calming to sit there amongst the serenity and absorb the wonder. A moment of 'inner peace' amidst the bustling city, as if the Pantheon is whispering a gentle prayer in my ear!
The Trevi Fountain: The Trevi fountain is pure magic. The exquisite detail, the cascading water, and the legend of the lucky coin toss! Let’s be honest – it's more than a bit cliché. But even a ballet queen likes to be lucky! This truly is a magnificent monument – a testament to the power of art to transport you through time.
The Vatican City: A little piece of magic tucked into the centre of the city! It’s filled with so much beauty and grandeur that you literally feel lifted. This spiritual heart of the Roman Catholic world is awe-inspiring – with its towering domes, incredible paintings, and statues so breathtaking that I swear they seemed to come alive right before my eyes. It’s an unforgettable experience.
The Spanish Steps: Another architectural gem that stole my heart. Fashionably speaking, it's a perfect spot to observe the Roman style, all those handsome men, beautiful women, and fabulous clothes – a fabulous place for a pink tutu outfit, let me tell you! The energy here is exhilarating, vibrant and charming all at the same time.
Sharing the Pink Tutu Love
One of the best things about my travels is spreading the Pink Tutu love! I've inspired quite a few people to try a splash of colour. I even saw a group of Roman kids chasing pigeons in a park all dressed up in matching pink tutus. (Let’s be honest, a pink tutu on a child is even cuter, just pure, unadulterated joy and silliness).
Rome, with its history, beauty, and passionate energy, truly makes me feel alive. This vibrant city embraces every shade of beauty - and even encourages a touch of whimsy, just like the Pink Tutu!
Until next Wednesday, I’ll be continuing my ballet adventure! You can follow my daily Rome escapades on the Pink Tutu Instagram, and stay tuned next week for a post brimming with tips on how to make your very own 'pink tutu getaway' to Rome. Until then, embrace the sunshine, embrace the fashion, and embrace the joy!
Stay Tutu-tiful,
Emma
