#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2013-07-03 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao bella! It’s Wednesday, which means it's time for another fabulous instalment of Pink Tutu Rome, straight from the cobbled streets of the Eternal City! As I'm writing this, I can hear the delightful chatter of tourists outside my hotel window and the faint strains of a street musician playing a mournful accordion, giving it all a rather romantic air, even if it does seem like the accordion’s a bit off-key this morning! 😉

This week, it's been all about embracing the beauty and glamour of Rome, whilst, of course, channeling my signature pink tutu spirit! Yes, darling, the tutus have even made it to Italy – can you believe it? It's been an absolute whirlwind of sight-seeing, shopping, and more delicious food than I can possibly handle! Oh, and a rather unexpected ballet performance - more on that later!

But first, let's rewind back to the train journey. I swear, every time I step on a train, I transform into some kind of vintage travel poster - chic hair tied up in a stylish headscarf (because no proper Pink Tutu gal would risk her luscious curls to the elements!), sunnies perched atop my head, and my favourite little pink clutch bag overflowing with essentials – the ultimate travelling ballerina. This time, it was an overnight train from Paris, where I'd just completed a gloriously dramatic performance in Swan Lake - my pink tutu shimmering under the stage lights was everything. My fellow travellers were utterly captivated, and one little girl even asked for my autograph on her fluffy bunny – oh, how sweet!

Arriving in Rome was like stepping into a scene from a classic film. The bustling Termini station was a symphony of Italian chatter, luggage trolleys clanking against cobblestones, and the warm scent of espresso wafting through the air. A dapper young man even offered to carry my pink luggage (because my new Chanel, my darling, does have a habit of being rather heavier than I anticipated, bless it!), and as I handed it over, his eyes widened as he caught sight of the glorious pink tutu poking out of the bag - how simply divine!

The walk to my hotel through the cobblestone streets of Trastevere was absolutely magical. It was a feast for the eyes - pastel-coloured houses, quaint boutiques bursting with vibrant textiles and vintage clothes, and ancient Roman ruins peeping out between the buildings. I practically swooned! It really did feel like I was stepping onto the set of "Roman Holiday" and I swear I heard Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn calling out to me, beckoning me to embark on a daring escapade - sigh, how utterly romantic!

Of course, I couldn’t resist snapping a few photos for the ‘Gram. My pink tutu certainly caught the eye of several tourists, with many exclaiming "Bellissima!" as they posed for photos beside me - It’s almost like they know that I am bringing some much-needed pink and playful charm to this already exquisite city. After all, don’t you agree, darlings, that every place looks better with a splash of pink?

And the shopping, oh my! Rome is a haven for fashionistas, with an eclectic mix of high-end boutiques and independent stores overflowing with treasures just waiting to be discovered. On my first afternoon, I fell in love with a delicate, handcrafted lace scarf in a glorious shade of coral - the perfect addition to my collection, and a colour which I’ve been dying to incorporate into my signature wardrobe. After a delightful glass of limoncello and a plate of the most divine pistachio gelato, I continued my shopping spree through the charming boutiques and stumbled upon a beautifully hand-painted fan featuring floral designs and scenes of Rome. It’s already become a cherished memento, and an essential addition to any Pink Tutu traveller's accessories, especially for balmy Rome evenings!

This is the life!

One of the highlights of this Roman adventure (and definitely one that you must add to your bucket list!) was seeing a spectacular ballet performance at the Teatro dell’Opera. The atmosphere was electric, the costumes were breathtaking (it goes without saying that I simply had to get myself some stylish opera glasses – one simply cannot have too many fashion accessories, darling!) The whole performance was such an inspiring journey through music, storytelling, and, of course, dancing. Even though the opera was in Italian, it felt as though I understood every single emotion poured into every graceful pirouette and powerful leap - the sheer magic of ballet knows no language! It felt like I was floating, and there were even a few tear-jerking moments. A rather charming Italian man sitting beside me kept dabbing at his eyes, and said to me “Brava, brava,” as the curtain fell. I just nodded and whispered “Grazie, grazie" as a beautiful wave of applause rippled through the auditorium. It was a truly memorable night and it reminded me how much I love ballet.

Now, onto this delicious food, my darling! This Italian food, with its flavours and textures, really is something else, it simply melts in your mouth! You already know that I love trying out different things whenever I travel, and Rome has provided some amazing foodie discoveries! Pasta in every imaginable shape, size, and sauce imaginable! A glorious selection of pizza – each thin-crusted, crispy, and bursting with fresh flavour! The freshest gelato and fruit imaginable! Honestly, darlings, you must try a gelato at every possible opportunity - and especially try it at least twice! I’ve tried hazelnut and pistachio already, and each one was delicious!

So, if you're looking for a trip that’s brimming with culture, art, and incredible food, then a visit to Rome is simply a must. As always, my pink tutu will be waiting to make your Roman holiday even more special, full of style, and most definitely bursting with Pink Tutu magic!

P.S. Did I mention that this weekend, I'm performing at a charity gala for a local children’s hospital in Rome? It’s an honour to be asked to dance and share the gift of ballet with the young children - I even brought some of my favourite pink tutus from Derbyshire for a little dress-up session afterwards. After all, sharing the joy of dancing and tutus is always the best medicine!

Until next week, keep it pink, my darlings, and I’ll catch you here next Wednesday!

Ciao! Emma Xx www.pink-tutu.com