Hello lovelies!
Welcome to post number 1168 of Pink Tutu Travels! I'm in Rome! Yes, you read that right - Rome! The Eternal City. This has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. I've dreamt of the Colosseum, of Roman ruins bathed in golden light, and of throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain and making a wish. It's like stepping into a history book! The architecture, the food, the culture... it's all just breathtaking.
And of course, as a girl who loves a good tutu, Rome is proving to be a fashion paradise! I'm not sure whether my wardrobe can even handle all the amazing finds I'm coming across. We'll talk all about that in a little bit. But first, let's talk trains!
From Derbyshire to Rome
Remember when I told you I was funding this trip with some ballet performances? Well, you can't just snap your fingers and poof be in Italy, you know. My amazing dancers have helped me get there. They all helped to fund the cost of a train journey from Derbyshire to Rome, which is pretty much a full-blown adventure in itself! You know I love a good train ride. It's like a mini-holiday all on its own - time to catch up on my favourite novels, a spot of window-gazing, and plenty of delicious pastries!
Speaking of pastries... Italy is already living up to my wildest baking dreams. There's delicious pizza, heavenly gelato, and everything in between! I have to be careful I don't come home with a whole new set of curves... which I actually don't mind at all!
My Favourite Things About Rome: Day 1
We started our first full day with the highlight for most visitors - the Colosseum! Imagine, a 2,000 year old amphitheater that held 50,000 spectators. I felt like a gladiator, although maybe without the helmet. But there was something powerful, even humbling, about stepping into such an iconic piece of history. It really makes you realize the enduring power of art and the ingenuity of humankind. I'll be posting photos on Instagram later - keep an eye out for those!
Later that evening, after a delicious pasta lunch with all the cheese (it's just what your dreams are made of), we walked to the Trevi Fountain. You might have heard of it - you know, the one you're supposed to toss a coin into for good luck? Of course I did. Now, I might be a bit dramatic (but only a little bit!), and as I tossed the coin into the water, I had a whole tearful scene playing out in my head: "My darling Rome, I will come back! I promise!". The Italian sun was setting and reflecting in the water, and there were little gondolas bobbing along - so very beautiful!
To finish the day off, I just had to find the best place in Rome for pizza, so naturally I chose Pizzarium Bonci! It’s famed for being the ultimate artisan pizza spot. I even saw a chef from MasterChef come here - what's more fabulous than that?! And of course, everything on the menu was in Italian, which presented me with the perfect opportunity to break out my beginner Italian phrasebook. The man serving me had to give me a little "ciao bella" because he just couldn't help it, but of course, that's what makes the Italian experience so charming!
A Pink Tutu Dream
This week’s blog is just a teaser, I'm afraid. I’m leaving the rest of my adventures for my next post on Wednesday! But I just have to show you something I discovered today: the most beautiful pink tutu I've ever seen!
As we walked down one of Rome's enchanting, winding streets, I spotted a little boutique nestled amongst the historic buildings. It was called “La Boutique Rosa” (literally “The Pink Boutique”!), which of course is almost unheard of in the world, you just never find a shop like that! You guys know how much I love my tutus, so you can imagine I just had to walk in. And OMG! You'd be shocked, there was just about the most beautiful, flowing, elegant tutu in the most glorious shade of pink I have ever seen. Just the kind of thing you need to turn your head at the ballet.
Needless to say, I bought it! And I'll be showing you a proper "outfit of the day" photo on Instagram next week. But I just had to tell you, my little lovelies, I think it might be the most pink tutu in the whole world.
The Pink Tutu Challenge!
This is just a tiny snapshot of all the incredible things I’m experiencing here in Rome. I’m going to be blogging so much about it - the food, the art, the fashion, and everything in between. And you know I can’t come to a beautiful city like Rome without a new challenge! So I'm introducing... The Pink Tutu Challenge!
Starting tomorrow, I’m going to be trying to encourage as many people as I can to put on their pink tutus, embrace the fun, the femininity, and the love of life that this amazing colour symbolises. We’re going to have a bit of a laugh with it! It could be in the park, or walking through a shopping centre, or taking your pink tutu on a Roman adventure. Just find your own way to express your love for pink tutus!
So, who’s up for the Pink Tutu Challenge? If you take part, don't forget to send me your pics using the hashtag #PinkTutuChallenge!
Ciao Bella!
Until next Wednesday, stay beautiful and embrace your inner ballerina!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
