#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2009-11-04 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao Bella, my dearest Pink Tutu followers!

It's Wednesday, which means it's time for a fresh dose of pink, sparkles and fabulous travel tales from yours truly, Emma, your friendly neighbourhood Pink Tutu blogger. This week, I'm whisking you away to the Eternal City, Rome, for an utterly delightful escapade filled with beautiful architecture, heavenly food, and even a pinch of Roman romance!

As always, I'm funding my travels through the magic of ballet. Last week I performed with the Derbyshire Youth Ballet in a charming production of Coppelia. It was absolutely magical. We played to a packed house, and the applause was enough to make even the shyest ballerina blush! Feeling inspired by all those cheering faces, I knew the time was right to chase another travel dream, this time to the heart of Italy.

I arrived in Rome yesterday, and let me tell you, it was a scene straight out of a fairytale! The train journey through the Italian countryside was absolutely breathtaking - rolling hills dusted with gold leaves, sun-drenched vineyards and tiny villages dotted along the way. And then, just when I thought my heart couldn't handle any more beauty, the magnificent cityscape of Rome unfolded before my eyes.

My home for this week is a charming little bed and breakfast near the Trevi Fountain, oh my! Stepping into the cobbled streets of the historic city centre was like stepping into a timeless painting, every corner a work of art. The aroma of fresh bread and espresso filled the air, a sensory feast for all the senses!

After settling in, I knew the only way to truly get to know a city is to immerse myself in its rhythm, its soul, its vibrant heartbeat. And of course, what better way than a good old-fashioned, Tutu-licious walking tour!

For the first leg of my exploration, I decided to start in the heart of ancient Rome, a glorious tapestry of history woven into every stone and monument. Walking through the Colosseum was simply magical. To imagine gladiators and chariots battling beneath its grand arches filled me with a thrill! I tried to imagine what the scene might have been like all those centuries ago, the roar of the crowd, the clash of steel… and I almost heard the faint whisper of their stories echoed across the centuries!

Next up, a trip to the Forum! The sheer scale of the ruins and the history they hold just boggles the mind. It's an incredibly powerful experience to walk where emperors once reigned and gladiators battled. I stood for a long moment, just imagining the everyday life of people in this time, trying to imagine them going about their lives just like I am today, their joys, sorrows and dreams echoing down the corridors of time.

From there, it was a quick skip and hop to the Trevi Fountain! Now, this is truly an enchanting spot! I admit, it wasn’t entirely the spectacle that surprised me, though it was beautiful beyond belief, sculpted marble shining in the sunlight. It was the sheer exuberance, the joy! People of all ages, nationalities and backgrounds were throwing coins over their shoulders, whispering their wishes into the rippling waters of the fountain. The whole atmosphere felt wonderfully hopeful, a reminder that dreams can come true, if only you have the courage to wish upon a falling star!

To keep the fairy-tale magic going, I found a sweet little spot overlooking the Tiber River. A tiny cafe, nestled in a quiet courtyard filled with colourful flowers and laughter. They even had an entire section of the menu dedicated to delicious Italian pastries and ice cream, which was very welcome after a full day of exploring!

### Roman Rhapsody: A Night of Theatre and Wonder

After my decadent feast of pastry, I was itching for more of the Italian flavour. So, what better way to embrace the Roman spirit than a spectacular night at the opera? Tonight, the beautiful Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is hosting a breathtaking production of "La Traviata." The story, the costumes, the music, it all feels so… romantic! And while the evening may be just a little out of my normal Tutu-style routine, let's just say, I couldn't resist the allure of experiencing something truly special. I will try to do my usual blog-post fashion recap afterwards, but as it's not all pink and sparkles, I will be a bit quieter on that front.

But let me tell you, it's everything I hoped it would be! The stage is stunning, with shimmering velvet curtains, intricately carved columns, and grand staircases. It's truly a feast for the eyes. And then, the music! It is pure enchantment, a wave of emotions that crashes over you, washing away all the everyday worries. I couldn't help but be captivated by the passion and power in the singing and the drama of the storyline, making me almost feel I was on stage performing alongside the lead roles!

I hope you can imagine the scene. It’s like a real-life Disney movie, except without the talking animals (although, with the sheer joy and energy, it almost felt that way!). After all, how could you resist being charmed by a beautiful city that speaks to the heart with such a symphony of sound and beauty!

### Pink Tutu Ramblings:

Now, let's chat fashion for a moment, because, let's face it, a pink tutu can truly bloom in any setting! Today, my ensemble was inspired by the soft hues and romantic charm of the city itself. I paired a delicate tulle skirt in the palest shade of pink with a fitted black top. To add a little touch of Italian chic, I wore a beautiful coral silk scarf draped over my shoulders. The look was all about feminine elegance, effortless grace and of course, just a touch of that unmistakable Pink Tutu flair. As the days unfold, I will be looking for new pieces in the gorgeous shops and boutiques hidden in the winding streets of the city centre. So stay tuned for more pink and fabulousness!

Oh, and just so you know, the famous Spanish Steps are the perfect place to indulge your love for gelato and admire the gorgeous fashion parade going by! I did find myself wondering if anyone would take up my Pink Tutu challenge and parade a pink tutu around the city, maybe the fashion scene of the Roman forum, maybe with the gladiators even, maybe on a balcony overlooking the Trevi Fountain - well, one can only dream! But if anyone feels inspired… I will be happy to pose with you and you can always join me at the famous Café Greco.

It’s getting late now. But before I sign off for this week, a little teaser of tomorrow’s plans: I will be indulging in the wonderful Roman history and ancient beauty of the Vatican City. The opportunity to see the majestic St Peter’s Basilica, The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican museums just feels too amazing to miss. I'm sure I’ll have a fascinating photo diary for next week's blog post!

Until then, keep the faith, my lovelies, and stay pink!

With love and twirls,

Emma, your Pink Tutu blogger