#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2007-12-26 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao bella! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where tutus are a must, pink is the power colour and a life without travel is simply unimaginable!

Today's blog post is a special one – I'm writing it from Rome, a city that, frankly, should be illegal with how gorgeous it is. It's my first time in the Eternal City, and I'm absolutely head over heels (pun intended, of course!). And who knew the Roman Holiday would include a full pink tutu? (Honestly, it was quite the sight in Piazza Navona!).

As many of you know, I fund my adventures with a little help from my tutu! I've been performing ballet at a lovely theatre back in Derbyshire, and the recent festive season was a whirlwind of performances and sugar plums – or rather, prosecco – galore! All this culminated in a lovely little bonus for yours truly. Now, you can't beat a good bargain, can you? So, the festive money went straight towards booking a train ticket, a fab pink beret, and a suitcase bursting with fabulous outfits. And you know, travelling by train is such a delightful way to get about. All that time to people-watch, daydream and, of course, plan my outfits!

Rome's just… WOW! Every street corner reveals another masterpiece, another historical landmark, another place to take a picture that makes you look effortlessly chic. And did I mention the food? I'm already making plans for a repeat trip – you just have to try the gelato here, even if it means squeezing in that tiny pink dress I bought in Milan! Speaking of fashion, oh, let's just say this is heaven on earth for a fashionista like me! I'm already making a shopping list longer than a spaghetti carbonara – it's simply rude not to buy a whole wardrobe when in a city that oozes style.

So, today was an exploration of the big ticket items on my Roman to-do list. Let's dive in, shall we?

Morning: A Roman Holiday of Food and Fun

My day started with a little Italian magic – breakfast of pastries, coffee and the kind of sunshine that makes you believe in fairytales. The pastries here are a sight to behold! It was time to try one of my favourite Roman traditions - an impromptu breakfast in the open air. Imagine, cobblestones, gelato, and the sound of laughing children, the morning sun, a tiny cup of strong espresso and a pastry made of fluffy pastry dough, filled with whipped cream, and topped with strawberries and blueberries! All of this, bathed in the beautiful Roman light. It's everything I ever dreamed of and more!

Midday: History Meets Fashion

It was then off to the Colosseum. Of course, it was even more magnificent in person than on the screen! It just doesn't seem real. All that history, those incredible stories just whispering from the walls… I imagined gladiators in their feathered helmets and gladiatorial battles being waged with gusto – imagine that fight scene with the choreography I learned at school – but of course, nobody wants a ballerina fighting, right? Anyway, I also spotted the most fabulously dressed Romans who knew how to accessorize their chic looks perfectly – let’s just say I'm already working on a new style to channel my inner Roman!

Afternoon: The Eternal City by Sunset

The sunset was stunning! Walking over the Ponte Sant’Angelo (such a beautiful bridge!) watching the sun paint the sky, sipping wine in one of Rome’s amazing, hidden restaurants, sharing plates with other travellers and talking to everyone about how fabulous life is with a tutu – really makes you realize that even in this very old city, it’s all about embracing life. My pink tutu was attracting looks - which I guess was my plan really! And every single one was a ‘love’ not a ‘look.’

Of course, I've been documenting every second on Instagram and TikTok (give me a follow @EmmaPinkTutu if you're not already!). The Roman spirit just oozes from every cobblestone, every sculpture, every gelato – I just can't get enough! But I don't want to keep you waiting. I’m planning to visit Vatican City tomorrow, explore some secret Roman gardens, perhaps learn a little Italian and even try a dance class!

Remember, if you are in Rome, give me a shout. Let's grab a gelato, talk tutus and take some pictures in front of that stunning architecture.

Ciao, for now.

Emma

Speaking of Roman romance… There’s something about the city, about its energy, that just seems to spark love. Maybe it's the way the sun sets over the ancient buildings, casting long shadows that make the city look mysterious and magical. Maybe it's the sense of history that hangs in the air. Or maybe it's the passion in the eyes of the Roman people.

This romantic spirit certainly extended to the shopping experience. There's just something about the fashion sense in Italy – that effortless blend of elegance and sass that always takes my breath away. I managed to snap up a pair of beautiful, buttery soft leather boots, a vintage silk scarf with swirling, decadent patterns and a flowing pink linen dress (naturally!), all in one afternoon. These are pieces I’ll treasure for years, and they have that unmistakeable, Parisian style – perhaps I should plan a Parisian trip for next year!

Oh, and let's not forget about the food! Every bite is a celebration of life and pleasure. From the perfectly creamy ricotta cheese to the divine seafood, every taste bud exploded in delicious joy. Oh, and the pasta? The pasta here is just… sublime! It’s my new religion. I love pasta with a creamy carbonara sauce and the Roman style, ‘alla gricia,’ a sauce with cured pork and pecorino cheese and a little black pepper. Oh yes! I may or may not be getting another plate as I write this.

What else is Rome? Well, it’s definitely magical. This is a city of endless possibilities – the magic comes with finding new places to explore, new ways to make your dreams happen, new opportunities to make life colourful. And in a city this special, of course I embraced all that by bringing out my pinkest tutu – yes, I really did go for it!

Now, here’s the thing: sometimes people can give you a ‘look.’ In Rome? Not at all. Everyone thought it was fabulous – it even inspired another lovely ballerina, Lucia, who was dancing in a classical performance to start wearing a pink tutu. What can I say, sometimes pink just makes a statement and spreads joy. It's about stepping out of your comfort zone, putting yourself out there, and letting the world see you for who you truly are – a fearless and fashionable ballet dancer who dares to wear pink! I’m convinced that pink has the power to transform the world, one tutu at a time! Now, if that's not magic, I don’t know what is!

I’m off to the Roman Forum. Keep up with the next adventures – on Wednesday.

Ciao Bella.

Don't forget to check out my Instagram and TikTok - @EmmaPinkTutu for all my Rome adventures and inspiration!