Ciao, darlings! It’s Wednesday, and you know what that means! Time for another pink-tastic Pink Tutu Rome adventure, straight from the cobbled streets of the Eternal City. This week's escapade was jam-packed with so much fabulousness, you'll need to put on your dancing shoes and hold onto your tutus for this one!
You see, the thing about Rome is, it’s like a delicious Italian gelato sundae; all layers of sweetness and beauty. It’s not just the ancient history and magnificent architecture; it’s the incredible shopping, the mouth-watering food, and the passion that bubbles over from every corner, that truly captures the heart.
Today's adventures began as all great adventures do; with a hearty Derbyshire breakfast of Earl Grey tea and homemade toast (always with a smidge of pink jam, naturally!) at our adorable little apartment just outside the centre. It was a tiny haven of pink decor and sunshine – I love having my own little space, even when I'm flitting around the globe, it makes it feel like home.
Then, it was time to set off for the station. Let’s be honest, train travel is one of my greatest joys, and a truly fabulous way to take in the sights! I adore that feeling of settling in with my latest book, a steaming mug of chamomile tea and gazing at the landscape flashing past the window.
Once in the city, my senses were utterly overwhelmed – not in a bad way, darling! The air buzzed with the chatter of excited tourists, the melodious tune of street musicians, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked bread. I love that atmosphere – it feels so vibrant and alive, so full of opportunity for delightful adventures.
Of course, any adventure is incomplete without a touch of pink tutu magic, so after a quick change in the loo of a nearby café (don’t judge, my darling, the city's been begging for a touch of pink!), I headed straight for the Colosseum! This grand old amphitheatre was truly captivating – and with a pink tutu swishing around me, I felt a million years of history, glory, and… well, PINK! Every shot I snapped felt like a dream sequence, and every selfie brought me one step closer to my mission – a pink tutu in every city in the world. (Watch out, Dubai!)
The Colosseum was amazing, but my heart really belonged to the shopping, and darling, Rome did not disappoint! From the boutiques around the Pantheon (that view! Those clothes!), to the tiny, winding streets overflowing with leather goods, the fashion frenzy swept me away!
Speaking of fashion, I couldn’t help but notice all the locals; men and women, young and old, all looking stylish, yet comfortable, effortlessly pulling off the “Rome look.” It’s this kind of unpretentious elegance I find so alluring – it makes me want to start twirling, which, as you know, is my default state anyway.
However, even a seasoned shopaholic can't stay out all day. My stomach had started grumbling, a chorus of rumbling, demanding Italian pasta! So, I opted for a small family-run restaurant tucked away on a side street. I adore discovering these gems, it's about the experience as much as the food.
Let me tell you, this place, with its flickering candlelight, its aroma of freshly cooked herbs, and its friendly waiter, was a feast for all the senses. And the pasta… Oh darling, the pasta! This perfectly al dente, creamy, garlicky, parmesan-sprinkled masterpiece had me singing opera in my head.
You'd think after all that, I'd be ready to call it a day, but the Roman night had only just begun!
There's nothing more magical than a night out in Rome. As dusk fell, painting the ancient buildings in hues of apricot and lavender, the city truly transformed. There was music in the air, a sense of celebration and, of course, more stunning shops! (I did, of course, have to pick up a souvenir pink tutu for my beloved Nan. She loves Rome almost as much as she loves my pink tutu. Can you believe it, even at her age? It's inspiring!)
As my time in Rome came to a close, I realised this week’s adventures weren't just about the city, they were about the feeling of discovery, of connection, and of being enveloped by this breathtaking city. Rome, with its history and culture, is indeed captivating, but it’s the people who really bring it to life – from the cheerful vendors in the markets, to the lively locals sharing a coffee on the corner, and everyone else I met, I felt so much warmth, hospitality and laughter. It makes me believe that no matter where in the world you are, if you follow your heart and embrace the unknown, you’ll be amazed by the beauty that surrounds you.
Oh, and by the way, you know how I mentioned I'm funding my travel through ballet? Well, I had the pleasure of watching a performance at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, and let me tell you, it was an experience I won’t soon forget. The skill and artistry of the dancers had me in awe; their passion poured out onto the stage, telling their stories with the graceful language of movement. There was such power, beauty, and emotion, and for a brief moment, I felt connected to centuries of ballerinas who have graced those same boards.
And that's a wrap on Pink Tutu Rome! But, darling, don't think I’m finished just yet! My next blog will be full of pictures and stories from the streets of Rome – my adventures are just beginning, and with a little bit of pink tutu magic, I know we’re in for a whirlwind of a time!
Until next Wednesday, stay chic and keep dancing,
Emma xxx
