Wednesday, 17th November 2010
Hello, my lovely Pink Tutu People! It's Emma here, fresh off the train from Derbyshire, and feeling more than a little bit sparkly after arriving in the Eternal City! Can you believe it, my dears? Rome! The place of gladiators and emperors, delicious pasta and incredible architecture. All I can say is wow!
This trip has been a long time coming. You know me, I live for travel and discovering new cities. It's all about those unique experiences, the little cultural snippets that make your heart sing. Rome has always held a special place in my imagination. And it was definitely worth the wait!
I must admit, though, as a pink tutu-loving gal, the idea of navigating the bustling streets of Rome in my usual tulle and sparkles did raise a few eyebrows. Would I blend in with the Roman glamour, or stick out like a, well, a pink tutu? (Which, by the way, is exactly the point, right?!) But trust me, Rome is a city where everything goes! You’ve got people strolling around in fancy dress, street performers dazzling tourists with acrobatics and magic shows, and even the pigeons seem to have a bit of an attitude! So, there I was, a flash of pink amidst the stone and ochre, strutting my stuff with the confidence that only a tutu can provide.
Train Travel: My Happy Place
The journey down was, as always, a complete delight! I love the rhythm of the train, the rumble of the wheels, and the gentle rocking of the carriage. It’s the perfect time to curl up with a good book (in this case, a totally engrossing novel about a ballerina who travels the world, obviously), lose myself in my playlist, and of course, sneak a peek in the mirror for some good ol’ Pink Tutu admiring. I swear, my tutu knows how to make even a cramped train carriage feel like a first-class theatre box!
Ciao Bella! First Impressions of Rome
We arrived at Termini station in the early afternoon, the air filled with a warm Mediterranean breeze, a stark contrast to the crisp English autumn I left behind. Stepping off the train, my senses were flooded with sights and sounds: the chatter of locals, the tooting of horns, the smell of delicious street food and ... pizza? Yes, it seems that delicious, garlicky, cheesy aroma has the ability to infiltrate every nook and cranny of this city!
And oh my, the beauty! Buildings with peeling paint that could tell a thousand stories, fountains sculpted by the most skilled artists, cobbled streets winding their way through history. Everywhere you look, Rome whispers stories of its past. I was practically mesmerised!
Fashion Find! The Chic of Trastevere
Once we settled in our delightful, little, pink-hued boutique hotel (let’s face it, it had to be pink!), my first mission was to discover the magic of Trastevere, Rome's historic heart. Think charming cobbled streets, traditional shops selling everything from artisan ceramics to hand-painted leather goods, and cute, cozy trattorias overflowing with the aromas of Roma’s finest cuisine. And fashion? It’s a whirlwind of Bohemian chic - layers of lace, embroidered shawls, flowing dresses. The girls here have a style all their own. Think boho meets a little bit of Roman elegance!
I fell head-over-heels for this little boutique nestled amidst the charm of Trastevere. Imagine my joy when I stumbled upon a beautiful, beaded shawl in the most stunning shade of pink! It was love at first sight. I could practically see myself gliding across the city streets in a flowy, pink dream, embracing all the historical grandeur.
An Evening of Ballet Magic: Rome’s Teatro dell’Opera
This evening, my darling Pink Tutu lovers, we were blessed with a glimpse of true Roman beauty - a magical ballet performance at the breathtaking Teatro dell’Opera! My goodness, this grand old theatre is practically a masterpiece in itself! Imagine soaring arches, a crimson velvet curtain, and the soft hum of the orchestra filling the air before the show even begins! The anticipation is electrifying.
Tonight’s performance, La Bayadère, was a spectacle! Imagine ethereal tutus fluttering like butterflies, the dancers weaving tales of love and betrayal with each precise step. The costumes, the stage design - it all just… transported me to another world. And those delicate pointe shoes? Every little movement, a testament to the grace and strength of the dancers. My heart soared!
And the crowd, my loves, was simply wonderful! They roared with laughter at the comical antics of the supporting cast and applauded each graceful pirouette. You could feel the joy of shared storytelling, a vibrant thread that connected each one of us to the performance on stage.
The Power of Pink Tutu
My visit to the Teatro dell’Opera was a powerful reminder of the power of art. A beautiful, expressive language that transcends cultural boundaries. And guess what? It made me even more determined to bring the magic of dance to the world! Just like this ballet brought together strangers from different corners of the globe, I believe my pink tutus have the ability to bring a touch of magic and joy to any place, any time. Imagine walking through Rome, seeing people wearing their own colorful versions of the pink tutu - Wouldn’t that be absolutely delightful?
Tomorrow’s Adventure: The Roman Forum & The Pantheon
Now, my darlings, I must be off! My sleep is a precious thing as a traveling ballerina. Tomorrow's adventures promise a glimpse of ancient history – the grandeur of the Roman Forum and the ethereal beauty of the Pantheon.
But one thing is certain: this pink tutu is staying put! After all, you just can't explore a city as fabulous as Rome without a touch of tutu-tastic flair.
Until next Wednesday, keep spreading the love of the Pink Tutu, and remember: you don’t need a passport or a ticket to feel a little bit fabulous. Just embrace your inner tutu and go for it! Ciao!
*Emma - www.pink-tutu.com *
