Ciao bellas! It's your favourite Derbyshire-born, pink-tutu-wearing, travel-obsessed ballerina back in the glorious city of Rome. It's Wednesday, which means another thrilling adventure to share with you from the Eternal City. And believe me, it's been an absolutely captivating week!
I arrived last Saturday after a magical train journey - oh, the joy of chugging through rolling hills and charming little villages. I know, I know, some people might scoff, but for me, there's just something utterly romantic about rail travel. And the views? Absolutely stunning. The train journey was the perfect way to shake off the travel cobwebs and set the scene for my Roman escapades.
Speaking of which, this city! I'm already smitten. I arrived just in time to catch a mesmerising street performance by some wonderfully talented street dancers in the heart of the Trastevere neighbourhood. Their costumes were incredible - think billowing skirts and colourful headbands, just a little bit like my own pink tutu style, but a bit more fiery! The air buzzed with energy and joy as these dancers captivated everyone around them.
And speaking of captivating… did I mention the food?! The Italian food! Mamma mia! It's already become a daily ritual to sample different culinary delights. This week alone, I've tried mouthwatering pasta dishes, delicate little pizza slices, and a heavenly ricotta and pear tartlet for dessert. All served with generous smiles and delicious Italian wine - a pure joy to every one of my senses.
My travels have been about exploring, indulging, and, of course, being inspired! This week, I've visited the Colosseum - absolutely magnificent! It’s like stepping back in time, feeling the echoes of ancient gladiatorial battles. The scale and sheer size of the place is mind-blowing. But the real beauty for me lies in the details: the intricate carvings, the ancient Roman brickwork, the feeling of a bygone era. Just be sure to take your camera because I promise you, you won't want to forget those breathtaking views of the Colosseum against the sun-kissed Italian sky.
I've also wandered through the enchanting Trastevere with its charming cobblestone streets, vibrant cafes, and independent boutiques brimming with leather goods, vintage treasures, and handmade jewellery. It's a truly captivating mix of old-world charm and contemporary cool. I managed to snap up a gorgeous pink floral scarf (of course!) which I’ll be sporting on my adventures.
For an afternoon escape from the city buzz, I found myself at the tranquil Villa Borghese Gardens. These immaculate grounds, designed to resemble a French formal garden, were a refreshing escape from the Roman heat, offering shady trees and a cool breeze to escape to. I spent a lazy afternoon picnicking amidst fragrant flowers, gazing at stunning sculptures and even spotting a cheeky squirrel or two! It was truly a dream come true for a girl who adores the finer things in life - sunshine, art, and, of course, a little pink tutu twirling!
I've also been to see some ballet shows - yes, I couldn't resist! And guess what? I’m feeling more than just inspired! There’s something exhilarating about being in Rome, feeling the buzz of the city, then slipping into a tranquil theater and letting the power of ballet wash over me. This city is truly a symphony for the soul! It’s almost as if every corner I turn there's a new masterpiece waiting to be discovered. And Rome doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dance!
I even managed to squeeze in a ballet class at a delightful studio tucked away in the heart of Rome. I had a fabulous time and it felt amazing to connect with other passionate dancers, learning new moves, and sharing stories of our favourite steps! You should know, my dear tutu-loving friends, that I will definitely be returning to this particular ballet studio on my next trip to Rome!
As you know, the beauty of a pink tutu is that it can be a perfect accessory to both an ancient colosseum and a modern theatre, an essential item for a delightful train ride and a vibrant street dance show. It makes my heart sing, and I hope that it encourages more and more people to add a touch of pink, fun and whimsy to their lives. And who knows? Perhaps in a few years, it'll be completely commonplace to see everyone donning their own pink tutu on a Thursday afternoon - who wouldn't want to have that kind of magic?
I'll be back next week with even more thrilling stories about my adventures in this fascinating city.
Until then, keep your pink tutu close and remember: life’s best danced in colour!
Yours, in pink tutus and Italian sunshine,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
