Pink Tutu Rome: Week 792 - August 11th 2010 – A Fairytale City
Ciao bella! Welcome to another edition of Pink Tutu Rome, this week’s blog coming to you direct from the cobbled streets of the Eternal City! It feels incredible to be here, in a place steeped in history and brimming with charm. Oh, the sights! The smells! The deliciousness of simply being in this beautiful, sprawling city.
This week’s adventure started bright and early, after a delicious breakfast of cappuccino and freshly baked croissants (can you ever have enough croissants?). We made our way down to Termini station, and it was time to say "ciao" to Derbyshire for another week. Stepping onto the train with a tutu on is never quite as dignified as one might imagine. But it's worth every sideways glance and giggle - especially when you're whisked away to another magical destination.
Now, this week in Rome is about so much more than just admiring ancient ruins and sipping espressos - it’s about immersing ourselves in the local culture. There's a magic in this place that gets under your skin, a joie de vivre that fills every corner. I am absolutely thrilled to tell you, Rome has totally stolen my heart. It’s a little bit Paris and a little bit Hollywood, all mixed up with the most delightful gelato you can imagine!
I kicked things off today by exploring the neighbourhood where our apartment is located - it’s just outside the busy tourist zones and is brimming with a charm all its own. I am obsessed with the little bakeries, the vibrant fruit stands overflowing with ruby red strawberries, the scent of rosemary in the air. I discovered a darling little vintage shop bursting with 1950s-era dresses that made my heart skip a beat - of course, I came away with a beautiful silk scarf and a vintage hat that I absolutely cannot wait to wear in the evenings.
From Colosseum to Coliseum, and then Some…
One of the most magical moments of my day happened at the Colosseum. Oh, to be walking through that space where gladiators once battled. The feeling is absolutely indescribable! I spun in my pink tutu, imagining those long-ago battles. Did they wear pink tutus? Well, we may never know, but perhaps they should have. Maybe that would have saved some of their battles! Who can argue against a pink tutu?
My first real foray into the ancient city took me through a whirlwind of magnificent landmarks - the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, the Trevi Fountain. Seeing the Trevi Fountain at the end of a long day was absolutely breathtaking. Even though there were crowds of tourists gathered, it was hard not to be drawn in by the magic and wonder. Every corner here feels like a historical postcard, waiting for you to jump right in and discover something new. I even spotted a charming street performer wearing a vibrant red tutu - my inner ballerina did a happy dance right then and there.
A Day of Delights… and a Little Shopping Spree!
The day culminated with a delicious dinner of pasta and a perfectly chilled glass of Italian white wine at a lovely restaurant on Via dei Fiori. And speaking of delights, let's not forget about my shopping adventure! Of course, you know a Pink Tutu blog would never be complete without a mention of my favourite pastime, and this trip has been no exception!
A trip to the Via Condotti - Rome's luxury shopping street - wouldn't be complete without some fabulous purchases. You know, sometimes a girl just needs a little sparkly something! Today, my bag of delights includes a new blush-toned cardigan and a stunning turquoise leather handbag. I'm ready to step out in the Roman night with my new fashion flair!
The day's adventure made for one incredible, inspiring story! As I sip my evening wine, I feel that Roman magic already working its way through my very being! Every street corner seems to echo with history, each alleyway holding whispers of ancient stories, the sweet scent of jasmine and lavender clinging to the warm evening air.
Tonight's Performance:
Oh, the adventures of Pink Tutu are never quite done! This evening, I am beyond thrilled to be taking in a performance at the Teatro dell'Opera. Tonight's show, Romeo and Juliet in all its glorious majesty - a ballet to truly captivate the heart. What better way to close out the day than to experience the beauty and passion of this classic tale, nestled amongst the heart of Rome's theatrical world? I can hardly wait!
Stay tuned for next week's blog! Until then, keep dancing, keep shining, and never forget to embrace the magic of pink tutus. You never know what wonders await when you step out into the world in a pink tutu!
Until Next Wednesday… Arrivederci, and keep those pink tutus twirling!
Emma xx