#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2016-03-16 exploring Rome Italy

Buongiorno from beautiful, bustling Rome! It's your favourite tutu-clad traveller here, Emma, ready to take you on a whirl through the Eternal City, where ancient history meets modern chic. And, of course, a dash of pink tutu magic! 😉

This week, I’m trading in my Derbyshire drizzle for the warm Italian sunshine. I'm so excited to be in Rome – this city just oozes romance and excitement, and let me tell you, my pink tutu feels right at home here amongst the vibrant streets and bustling squares.

This is actually my second trip to Rome, and you’ll never believe this – last time I was here, I popped into a quaint little shop and found the most gorgeous pink ballet shoes. Seriously, the perfect shade of blush! They are now my "lucky" travel shoes – I always pack them wherever I go. I think you'll be seeing a lot of them in this week's blog posts, so stay tuned! 🩰

As always, I opted for the train to Rome. There's something so romantic about travelling by rail, you know? Watching the landscape glide by, catching up on some reading, maybe even a little ballet practice (don’t judge, it’s how I keep my pirouettes on point!), it’s a much more relaxing journey than flying, even if it does take a little longer. Plus, I can fit a tutu (or two!) in my bag without worry!

Of course, I wouldn’t travel anywhere without my pink tutu companion, my signature piece that adds a sprinkle of fairy-tale magic to my adventures. My favourite train ride is always through the French countryside, especially around Lyon. It's a perfect opportunity for photos, with the bright pink tutu contrasting beautifully against the lush green landscapes. Oh, to have a studio window seat – then I’d truly be in my element!

One of the first things on my Italian itinerary was a visit to the Colosseum, the iconic Roman amphitheatre that was once home to gladiatorial combats. Standing in the arena, I could almost imagine the crowds roaring, the dust flying, the gladiators clashing swords. Such history!

My pink tutu felt a bit out of place among the crumbling stone and dramatic shadows, but that didn't stop me from twirling! The Colosseum is a massive monument, and it just begged for a full-on, ballerina-style twirl. I’m sure the ancient Romans wouldn’t have minded the bit of colour. Maybe it would have even added a bit of glamour to their lives!

After my dose of history, it was time for a little bit of Roman retail therapy. And let’s just say that I was not disappointed. From the cobbled streets of Trastevere to the luxury boutiques on Via Condotti, Rome is a shopper's paradise. My favourite part of travelling is discovering unique styles in each new place I visit. And let me tell you, the Roman fashion scene is seriously sophisticated!

I even spotted a little shop dedicated to tutus! You can bet I walked in there and snagged a gorgeous, new, sparkly pink one for my collection – one can never have too many tutus, right?

Speaking of sparkly things, I fell head over heels for the vibrant Italian jewellery. I picked up a stunning pair of pink pearl earrings that would go perfectly with my pink tutu.

Rome, it seems, has my name written all over it.

If there's one thing you can say about Rome, it's that they know how to cook. Seriously, their pasta is divine! You wouldn't believe the amazing pasta I've devoured this week – from the classic Carbonara with its creamy, egg-rich sauce to the fresh-as-a-daisy spaghetti al pesto.

This trip, I've been lucky enough to indulge in traditional Italian gelato. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness is simply addictive. Imagine, gelato, a twirl around the Colosseum, what could be better? 😉 And the bread… the bread! I’ve even tried a few different kinds of focaccia – and I have to say, this is definitely my new favorite way to eat bread. Oh, and the coffee? Forget what you know about Americano, these Italians know their coffee, I can assure you!

I’ve got a tip for you! Head over to Campo de’ Fiori in the evening and check out the food stalls, especially the mozzarella one. The aroma in the evening was divine – I think my tutu is going to get addicted!

Of course, a trip to Rome wouldn't be complete without a dose of opera! There's something magical about sitting in a plush theatre, the sound of voices echoing around the grand hall, and feeling the power of music wash over you. A visit to the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma is a must for every music lover.

I was so thrilled to finally witness the iconic Tosca, the timeless story of love, betrayal, and passion.

I even spotted a couple in matching tutus – maybe they were inspired by me!

This week in Rome has been utterly enchanting, from the romantic ruins to the delicious cuisine, from the bustling squares to the charming cafes. It truly has been an experience that I will treasure forever.

Remember, a pink tutu makes every trip that much more magical!

So, that's it for my Rome adventures this week, folks! I'll be back next Wednesday with more stories, tips, and travel inspiration. Until then, stay stylish and never forget to add a dash of pink tutu to your life! Ciao for now!

Emma xo

P.S. If you’re looking for some great ballet performances, check out the Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London or the Birmingham Hippodrome. You’ll find my pink tutu in the audience at both!