Hello darlings! It's Wednesday, so it must be time for a brand new #PinkTutuRome blog post! 🩰
As you know, I love nothing more than a good train journey. I'm lucky enough to fund my travels through ballet performances – think "pink tutus for train tickets," haha! So this week I've swapped Derbyshire's green hills for the sunshine and beauty of Rome, and I couldn't be more delighted! 🇮🇹
My Italian adventure began on the overnight sleeper train from Paris – how decadent, eh? There's just something about arriving in a new city at the crack of dawn that fills you with an irresistible excitement, and Rome was no exception.
First things first – coffee! ☕ I practically sprinted out of the station, fuelled by the promise of an espresso, and stumbled upon a charming cafe tucked away on a cobblestone street. Oh, to be able to describe the intoxicating aroma – like sunshine and hazelnut – a little bit of heaven.
The cafe itself was so pretty – all pastel pink walls, lace tablecloths and giggling Italian ladies sipping on cappuccinos. Naturally, I ordered a cappuccino myself, a tiny pink pastry on the side, and a glass of iced peach tea. It was the perfect start to my day – it would have been even better with a pink tutu, of course! 🤫
After caffeination, it was time for some serious exploring. I was so overwhelmed with the beauty of it all, I couldn't even begin to take it all in – magnificent buildings, ancient ruins, bustling streets filled with colourful characters and even a couple of cute Italian gentlemen vying for my attention! (They were absolutely besotted with the pink tutu – "Bella!" they whispered. 😉 )
One of my first stops was the Colosseum, which is utterly breathtaking in its sheer scale and power. It was humbling to think about the thousands of gladiators who had fought their battles there. Imagine the energy of those crowds! I can only imagine the roar as the chariot races whipped past – a true spectacle, surely!
The highlight of the day, however, had to be a trip to the Borghese Gallery, a museum showcasing an incredible collection of art. It was so full of beauty and grandeur – like walking into a fairytale!
One painting especially caught my eye - a depiction of a graceful ballerina, surrounded by swans and a sparkling lake. The colours were so vibrant, and her pose so captivating, it truly brought the world of ballet to life! I felt so much at home amidst the stunning works of art - I think it was the inspiration I needed to plan my very own "Pink Tutu Gala" – a special ballet performance that celebrates the power and joy of the pink tutu. Imagine a thousand dancing girls, twirling in their pink tutus, like a sea of shimmering silk! (Think about it, it's truly a wonderful idea!). 🩰
After my dose of artistic inspiration, it was time for a spot of shopping! I'm a firm believer that every day deserves a bit of sartorial delight, don't you agree? 🛍️ I found some absolutely stunning vintage items in a small boutique on Via Condotti - delicate silk scarves in muted shades of rose, a vintage-inspired beret with a cute pink feather, and a pair of ballet flats that were just the perfect shade of bubblegum.
The day wasn't quite over yet – in the evening, I found myself sitting in a delightful little theatre tucked away in Trastevere, a charming neighbourhood I discovered through a happy accident while browsing the backstreets of Rome. It felt so authentic and so charming – perfect for a romantic stroll after dinner.
Anyway, the theatre! The play was absolutely delightful – a poignant love story set against the backdrop of a bustling, noisy Rome – something out of a classic movie, except it was happening live in front of me. And they even had an absolutely amazing ballet scene! A beautiful young ballerina danced with such grace and passion, I practically had tears in my eyes. I knew I had to learn that particular dance routine – a pink tutu is absolutely essential for its finale, so I must make a note of that, for future performance.
After the play, I decided to grab a slice of pizza on my way back to the station. The thin, crisp crust with tangy tomato sauce was utterly heavenly – the perfect end to a day spent exploring the beauty of Rome. 🍕
It really was a magical day, darlings. The kind of day that makes you realise there is nothing more beautiful than exploring a new city, soaking in its history and culture, and simply enjoying every moment. And of course, rocking my pink tutu throughout the adventure! 💖
I'm off to a ballet class this morning before making my way to the beautiful, majestic Vatican. I can't wait to see what wonders tomorrow holds! I’ll tell you all about it in next week's post. Don't forget to pop back to www.pink-tutu.com to catch up. Until then, keep dancing!
Love, Emma 💖
