#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2016-07-13 exploring Rome Italy

Hello my lovelies! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, and this week, I'm bringing you a most special post from the heart of Rome! That's right, I've finally landed in the Eternal City and, let me tell you, this place is even more beautiful than I could have imagined!

Before we get to the sightseeing, I simply must share the joy of my journey. I love nothing more than settling into a train with my book and my headphones, sipping a hot chocolate, and dreaming up my next grand adventure. The train from Derbyshire to Rome was such a blast! The landscape whizzed by, transforming from rolling green fields to sun-drenched vineyards, mountains that reached for the sky, and eventually the sprawling beauty of Italy. And my fellow passengers? All smiles, full of warm wishes, and ready to share stories!

When the train finally rolled into Rome, my heart skipped a beat. A mix of awe and excitement buzzed through me. Imagine towering, ancient ruins bathed in the golden glow of the Italian sunshine. Cobbled streets winding their way through lively, bustling piazzas. And a cacophony of sounds – the tinkling of bells, laughter in a melodious Italian tongue, the thrum of music from nearby cafes… It was a feast for all the senses!

And what a welcome I received! As soon as I stepped off the train, I spotted a street performer – a young boy, barely 12, spinning and leaping through the air with the grace and agility of a seasoned ballerina. And to think, he was wearing… yes, you guessed it – a tiny pink tutu! The cutest sight I've ever seen!

No visit to Rome is complete without a splash of colour and drama! So, I popped into a little boutique near the Colosseum (so many chic vintage stores in this city!), and guess what I found? The most dazzling pink tutu imaginable. Layers and layers of shimmering pink tulle, adorned with tiny silver sequins and soft, flowing ribbons. Perfect for a grand entrance!

Naturally, I had to try it on. The boutique owner, a vibrant signora with a mischievous twinkle in her eye, helped me to twirl and spin, laughing heartily as I did so. This, I thought, was going to be my most exciting Roman adventure yet.

My first stop on this Italian escapade was, of course, the legendary Trevi Fountain. This architectural masterpiece is truly a sight to behold, so magnificent, it seems to whisper stories from ancient times. But it’s also a place for wishes. And my wish? To see every single person on this planet sporting a pink tutu. To see tutus sweeping through streets and waltzing on catwalks, twirling in meadows and dancing in theatres. Isn’t that a fabulous wish?

But there was another surprise in store. A group of local dancers were rehearsing a routine by the fountain, their pink tutus echoing my own. Talk about a lucky coincidence! I quickly joined in for a quick twirl. Imagine – pink tutus, a monumental backdrop, and the sun dappling down on our whirling silhouettes. Pure magic!

That night, I was swept away by an enchanting performance at the Teatro dell'Opera. The Roman Opera house is an impressive blend of baroque splendor and history. The atmosphere inside was electric, a blend of excitement, expectation, and of course, a certain level of reverence for the traditions of Italian opera.

The ballet that night, ‘La Traviata,’ was a tale of passion, love, and tragedy, the story danced and sung to perfection by gifted artists. The beauty of it all took my breath away, a true feast for the soul and the senses. Pink was everywhere – from the ballerina’s costumes to the theatre décor. My heart nearly burst with joy!

Now, you all know I adore shopping! And let’s just say that Rome’s shopping scene did not disappoint. A treasure trove of haute couture boutiques, vintage stores brimming with personality, and stalls selling everything from Italian leather handbags to artisanal ceramics. I spent an entire day indulging in the intoxicating world of Italian fashion, a place where elegance and chic merge to create truly timeless looks. I especially enjoyed a tiny, family-run shoe shop, nestled amongst the bustling markets. I discovered the most perfect pair of pink ballerina flats – a splash of vibrant fuchsia with elegant ribbons and shimmering embroidery – absolutely divine!

After the shopping frenzy, I was in need of a little bit of tranquility. And what better way to achieve that than with a charming little cafe tucked away in the quiet streets of the Trastevere neighbourhood? I chose a shady table on a quiet, cobblestone square, bathed in the warm glow of afternoon sunshine. It felt like a scene out of a movie, and my heart overflowed with happiness. I savoured a delicious cappuccino and observed the daily life of this ancient city unfold before me – a world of friendly smiles, gossiping grandmothers, and laughter shared between families.

Let's talk food. Every single meal was a celebration, and not just of the incredible flavors but also of the delightful ambiance of Rome. My evenings were spent indulging in the culinary wonders of local trattorias.

• I devoured melt-in-your-mouth pasta carbonara – creamy, cheesy perfection – and, of course, no Roman feast would be complete without pizza!

• A thin-crust masterpiece with lashings of mozzarella and fresh, vibrant basil, I ate it with a genuine delight.

• My biggest indulgence was the creamy, dreamy gelato – I simply couldn't resist trying every flavor, from sweet strawberry to rich hazelnut and creamy vanilla.

And naturally, all this indulgence was best enjoyed with a little prosecco! (A delightful bubbly with a hint of sweetness, truly a magical potion for a delightful evening).

As my time in Rome came to an end, I was filled with bittersweet feelings. I felt a deep sense of connection to the ancient streets and the magic that permeates this historical city. It had become my own personal playground, where a girl with a pink tutu could dance, dream, and discover a whole new world.

It's a feeling I can't put into words – it's like I've carried a piece of Rome with me, a sparkle of its history, a memory of its laughter and music, and a warmth that will last a lifetime.

But one thing is for certain - Rome is calling my name. And when I return, you can bet I'll be wearing the most gorgeous pink tutu ever! I will be bringing my ballet to this beautiful city once again. Until next time, my lovelies, remember to embrace the beauty, dance your heart out, and always wear your pink tutu with pride!

Ciao!

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com