Ciao Bella! It's your favourite tutu-clad travel blogger, Emma, back from the Eternal City, and what a trip it has been! Rome, you have captured my heart (and my camera)! I'm sitting here, nestled in a sunny little cafe, scribbling away in my notebook, fuelled by delicious Italian coffee and an almond croissant. This city is full of magic, history, and, of course, some fantastic fashion. So, settle in, my dears, and let me share some of my Roman adventures with you!
As I've mentioned in my past posts, I love train travel. It's the perfect way to soak in the scenery and enjoy the journey. This time, it was a whizz through the Tuscan countryside, a patchwork of vineyards and cypress trees bathed in the warm autumn sun. It was truly a picturesque setting for a train ride, with fields ablaze in orange and yellow hues and quaint little villages dotted around. The Italian landscape truly feels like stepping into a Renaissance painting!
A Whirlwind Tour of Ancient Wonders
Landing in Rome, my first mission was to be transported to the heart of history - The Colosseum. My tutu twirled with delight as I imagined gladiators battling under the Roman sky, a thrilling whirl of energy in the air. You can almost feel the echo of those ancient cheers in the very stones. It was a surreal moment, standing in such a monumental place, the echoes of history reverberating around me. It wasnāt just the size of the Colosseum that captivated me; it was the feeling of connection to a time so long ago, a glimpse into a bygone era.
Naturally, my next stop had to be the Trevi Fountain! This was where the tutu and I decided on a "Roman Holiday", a spontaneous decision that was destined to become a legend in the making. I'm sure those who've seen the film with Audrey Hepburn will understand what I mean. It felt so dreamy! Throwing a coin into the fountain with a wish (well, for another fabulous tutu, naturally) while admiring the majestic carvings was an enchanting experience. Let's just say, with this beautiful fountainās magic, it would be churlish not to return to this charming city in the future!
The Fashion Scene: From Chic to Sweet
As you all know, I love a good shopping spree, and Rome did not disappoint! From designer boutiques to quaint, tucked away stores bursting with handmade treasures, Rome truly is a haven for fashionistas. One of my favourite finds was a chic pink handbag that would look simply divine with my collection of tutus. And speaking of tutus, I was quite taken by a beautifully-crafted leather bag that mimicked the shape of a ballet shoe! Such artistic whimsy and it fit so perfectly into my everyday lifestyle. You can see photos of both new items in the photo album section of this blog!
Rome, You Steal My Heart!
Rome is more than just beautiful buildings and exquisite shopping. Itās a symphony of sights, sounds, and flavours! The vibrant street life, the melodic strains of street performers, the tantalising aromas wafting from local trattorias, the warm laughter shared among locals... it all adds up to a truly enchanting experience.
The city feels like a living museum, with history palpable at every turn. Every street corner has a story to tell. Every cafƩ, every alleyway, every ancient ruin evokes the spirit of emperors and gladiators, artists and poets, all weaving a tapestry of stories across the ages. My visit to Rome feels as if I am now part of this narrative, my personal chapter written in a new exciting way.
This trip wasnāt all about history and sightseeing though, there was the wonderful Italian cuisine! Oh my, where do I begin? From the steaming, fragrant plates of pasta to the rich, decadent tiramisu, every mouthful was an explosion of deliciousness. And what's more, every dish is presented as a work of art, like a painting on a plate, bursting with flavour and colour.
I sampled all the delicious classics: a perfectly cooked carbonara with crispy guanciale, an ethereal seafood risotto, a melt-in-your-mouth creamy tiramisu, and, of course, lots and lots of fresh-baked bread! Each day in Rome seemed to have its own new and delectable Italian surprise.
A Cultural Whirlwind
Oh, the theatres! I had the most wonderful experience catching a ballet performance at the Teatro dellāOpera di Roma! The building itself is stunning ā a magnificent example of architecture and grandeur, a palace for the art of dance. The performance itself, a vibrant rendition of "The Nutcracker" brought tears to my eyes with its heartfelt and delicate movements. I couldnāt have imagined a more enchanting evening! I even spotted a few ballet-inspired fashion items in the gift shop. Itās hard to escape the power of the graceful movements and exquisite beauty of ballet even in a city as grand as Rome.
Speaking of which, did you know Rome boasts a dedicated āstreet-balletā scene? The dancers, with their flamboyant moves, filled the cobbled streets, turning routine city corners into mini performance stages. It added a touch of artistry to the busy city streets and gave a glimpse of a passionate art that comes from the heart and takes us back to the fundamentals of the most wonderful form of physical art, ballet!
This post feels as if it is taking us down the same streets as āLa Dolce Vita,ā with the fashion, food, and the beautiful culture making the days unforgettable. My journey in Rome continues and I am already plotting my next tutu-inspired excursion with a bucket list that will stretch from The Colosseum to the Spanish Steps with every historical and fashion highlight of this iconic city waiting to be discovered!
Remember to keep an eye out for more posts on www.pink-tutu.com each Wednesday. Ciao, and stay fabulous!
