Hello my dearest tutu-loving friends! It's Emma, your friendly neighbourhood pink tutu-clad ballerina, and I'm back from the glorious City of Rome! This week, we're heading all the way to Italy, my #1045 blog post, and a special treat, you'll be joining me in my whirlwind journey through ancient ruins, vibrant fashion and divine gelato.
The train ride down was as dreamy as ever. The countryside whizzed past in a blur of emerald green vineyards, dotted with charming towns and villages. I settled back in my seat, a symphony of contented sighs emanating from every corner, while the rhythmic click-clack of the wheels became a comforting lullaby. My bright pink tutu was an instant hit on the train. Every passenger, regardless of age, nationality or clothing style, flashed a beaming smile in my direction. There is something about the simple joy of a tutu that melts hearts and inspires smiles. It's like a magical force field of pure positivity!
The moment I arrived in Rome, I knew I had fallen in love. It's a city that simply pulsates with life, where history whispers on every street corner and deliciousness wafts from every trattoria. The moment my suitcase rolled through Termini station, I felt a surge of excitement coursing through my veins! Rome is ready for my pink tutu magic!
I'm going to share all my top Rome highlights with you, just so you can see why you simply MUST put this enchanting city on your travel list, stat! But first, let's talk shopping...
A Fashion Lover’s Paradise!Oh, my darlings! Rome is a paradise for fashionistas, just like myself! I mean, think about it. Think silk scarves, designer leather handbags, handmade jewellery, incredible shoes - I'm talking shoes so divine, they almost defy description! And speaking of description, how do I describe the divine shoes I bought?! It was an experience. I felt like Cinderella at a fairy-tale ball! I ended up with three new pairs; a stunning pair of blush pink ankle boots for daytime, a pair of midnight blue stilettos for those evenings when I want to dazzle, and some whimsical kitten heels adorned with delicate hand-painted flowers (don't worry, I managed to bring them home without crushing a single petal!) Rome, you are the most amazing shopping wonderland. And for those of you who share my undying love for tutus... well, I’m saving my tutu-buying story for a future post! It was an adventure of epic proportions, just imagine, an entire shop dedicated to tutus, from the simple and elegant to the dazzling and dramatic. I emerged with an incredible rainbow assortment of colours, fabrics and lengths - so many beautiful twirls waiting to be performed!
But back to Rome... let's move onto a bit of historical fun!
Ancient Wonders, Whispers from the Past!As you already know, Rome has some incredible historic landmarks - from the majestic Colosseum, the glorious Pantheon, to the iconic Trevi Fountain, the place where you can make your dreams come true (especially if you toss a coin into it!) I just love exploring places with rich history like Rome - imagine all the stories those ancient stones could tell!
On the day I went to the Colosseum, a flock of pigeons flew overhead as I twirled across the arena floor, my pink tutu whirling in the breeze. I closed my eyes and pictured gladiators fighting valiantly in front of a roaring crowd, and could almost hear the echoes of their cheers, roars, and groans reverberating around the ancient structure. And in that moment, I understood what makes Rome so captivating. It’s a place where history and modernity dance together, where ancient stones whisper secrets from the past while a contemporary symphony of life plays out in its heart.
After my historical escapades, my wanderings took me to the vibrant streets of the Trastevere district. It was like stepping into a scene from a classic Italian film. cobbled lanes, quaint squares overflowing with overflowing with laughter, families dining together, the aroma of pizza and pasta hanging in the air, and, of course, I was completely enchanted by all the street performers.
A skilled juggler caught my eye, deftly balancing balls and batons in his hands - with a smile that could charm even the most grumpy passer-by. There was a troupe of street dancers showcasing Latin energy, while I imagined their routines were taking them to a joyous celebration under the Italian stars. Each artist, musician and performer, brought a unique flavor and excitement to the bustling streets. The streets were alive with energy, music, colour and most importantly, joy - the soundtrack to a quintessential Italian afternoon. I realised in that moment, I’d just stepped right into a dream scene of my ballet story.
### The Art of Fine Dining
Now, no trip to Rome is complete without indulging in the art of Italian fine dining, a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, culinary masterpieces and deliciousness! Rome is a culinary dream, and for a ballerina, it’s definitely the perfect combination of flavours, texture and presentation - there's so much attention to detail. And let’s not forget, pasta - all the different kinds!
This evening I enjoyed a traditional Italian meal: creamy carbonara, a delicious pasta dish seasoned with a rich sauce of cheese, pancetta and black pepper, followed by luscious tiramisu. And let’s not forget the bread. Italian bread - always freshly baked and so much better than the UK bread. I ate it with a little balsamic vinegar! There’s something divine about taking that first bite of Italian food, and my sweet little self loves a good Tiramisu - just divine.
Then there was the gelato! In every nook and cranny, in every bustling street corner, there are these tiny gelaterias filled with colourful creations: the perfect combination of sweet and refreshing, especially in this gorgeous Italian heat. And as a bonus, you just HAVE to try it! You haven't lived until you've tried pistachio gelato.
But now it’s time for a change of pace… ballet!
The Magic of a Ballet ShowNo matter where I go in the world, a ballet performance is always on my must-do list! And when in Rome, the Opera House is simply a must-visit. Now this place was magnificent. All the history, the sheer beauty of the building itself and the opulence… it made me wonder how many graceful figures have adorned the stage over the centuries. I'm certain the air still carries the whispers of famous dancers' pirouettes and leaps.
The ballet I saw was captivating and exquisite; a tale of forbidden love, fierce rivalries, and unexpected twists and turns - all intertwined with such beauty, power, and a raw emotion that took me completely by surprise. The dancers - oh, those dancers! - moved with incredible fluidity, every turn and arabesque leaving me breathless. It's these ballet experiences that truly feed my soul, remind me why I love to dance and why I wear my pink tutu, the beautiful little reminder to dance and make dreams come true.
As I’ve walked around Rome these past few days, I couldn’t help but feel inspired, it's a place that embraces beauty and style. It made me want to spin, twirl, and twirl even more. So if you ever find yourself in this enchanting city, make sure you take a moment to dance in its glorious streets, explore its stunning monuments, and savour the delights of Italian life. You may even find a hidden talent - one that sparkles from deep inside. As for me, I'm already planning my next visit back! Until then, dear tutu lovers, keep dancing!
Yours truly,
Emma
Remember to check out Emma’s Blog, PinkTutu on www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday for more exciting adventures!
