#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2017-11-29 exploring Rome Italy

Hello my darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu travel blog! This week I'm whisking you off to the Eternal City - Rome! Oh my, where do I even begin? It's truly been an enchanting experience, every bit as beautiful as the films have made it out to be.

I travelled here from Paris, the most beautiful train journey! I absolutely love the European train system - so civilised! I actually started my day in a dance class, you see - I just couldn't resist squeezing in a pirouette before jumping aboard! I do think you can learn a lot about a city from its dance classes. Parisian dancers are incredibly technical and graceful, just like the city itself.

So, on to Rome! Arriving in the Termini station felt like stepping back in time - the architecture is just breathtaking. And the energy! It’s infectious! There's just a joie de vivre in the air, a feeling that anything is possible.

I checked into the most darling little hotel near the Trevi Fountain, and you know me, I had to dress for the occasion! My perfectly pink tutu (you wouldn't believe the amount of space I had to pack this one in!) flowed gracefully as I twirled through the streets.

Of course, my first stop was the Colosseum. I was floored by its scale! I could almost imagine the roar of the crowd, the spectacle of the gladiatorial contests. It's a truly moving experience to stand in the presence of such a piece of history.

From there, it was onto the Roman Forum, and oh, the history! Walking amongst those ancient ruins, I felt a real connection to the past. You can just feel the echoes of ancient Rome all around you. And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Pantheon. I'm completely enchanted by its design - the incredible dome, the perfect circular space, the beautiful light streaming through the oculus.

Of course, my wardrobe hasn't been neglected! Rome is a shopper's paradise! I discovered a wonderful boutique hidden away in a quiet alley, filled with vintage and bespoke pieces. And, I simply had to treat myself to some Italian leather goods! My pink tutu matched the fuchsia leather bag I purchased, it's just the perfect addition to any outfit.

Now, we can't talk about Rome without talking food, right? Pasta! Pizza! Gelato! All of the glorious food! And of course, it's essential to eat in style, so I found the cutest little café just steps away from the Spanish Steps. The pink gingham tablecloth was perfect for my tulle!

Tonight, I'm off to see an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma. You see, Rome's culture scene is alive and kicking! They have a phenomenal Opera season, and of course, it was an absolute necessity to catch a performance. I'm very much looking forward to getting all dressed up!

What to wear for tonight's Opera? It's all about a soft romantic style! Think sheer fabrics, delicate lace, and classic silhouettes. The perfect pink tulle tutu, obviously!

This trip to Rome has really rekindled my love of history and culture. I’m inspired by the beauty of this city and the joy that radiates from its people.

Tomorrow, I’ll explore the Vatican City - another amazing landmark. And of course, I’ll keep you updated on all my pink tulle adventures!

Until next week, keep dancing your hearts out!

Your Pink Tutu Girl,

Emma

Pink Tutu: a little slice of Derbyshire in Rome

And now, some more details of this trip to Rome.

A trip to Paris is always a treat and I'm incredibly grateful that my dancing has enabled me to do so. It's even better when I can slot in a ballet class in such a world famous dance city. This time, I went to the ‘Espace Danse’ - it has classes and workshops across the day and week - even weekends!

Details for anyone going to Paris:

‘Espace Danse’ 18, rue d'Aboukir - 75002 Paris. Website: www.espacedanse.com

I felt so lucky to find it and my teacher, was fantastic. I’ll have to admit to being a bit overwhelmed at the outset of the class but her friendly attitude and clear and structured teaching brought my anxieties quickly into check.

I also tried out another studio while I was in the city – ‘Studio Harmonic’ - I did a lovely class there in the morning which was more relaxed than the evening session.

Studio Harmonic details

Website: www.studioharmonic.fr

The two studios that I chose were about ten minutes walk from each other and from the Gare de l’Est station - it’s handy to know as you will need to factor in journey times when deciding which class is the best for you. I did two sessions – and had an absolute ball.

It really does leave you speechless. The history, the vast scale of the Colosseum is something I won’t forget! It made a lasting impression on me. My heart felt full to overflowing – and my photos did little to capture this magic - even with my pink tutu on!

Oh, you've just got to throw a coin in! The Romans believed it ensured a return to the city. I tossed in two coins! And who doesn't want a chance to return to Rome! It was busy, but if you arrive at dusk, you can almost have the Trevi Fountain to yourself – or, nearly to yourself, because this fountain has quite the crowd all around!

Absolutely magnificent! I think every room with a circular roof will always look second best in my eyes now! It's certainly been worth a visit to see something of this beauty.

Oh my goodness, what an incredible experience - seeing the ruined palaces, temple and other structures up close really gave me a deeper understanding of the sheer scale and ambition of Ancient Roman civilization!

My trip to Rome would be incomplete without some fabulous shopping and a bit of self indulgence, especially with the fabulous markets there! I had my eye on some stunning leather goods from some really beautiful independent stores. My purchases? A lovely Fuschia clutch to match my favourite pink tutu, of course!

And now for the food - as you know, eating is very important for me. Food makes a trip that much more delicious - and what’s the point of any of this travel fun if it isn't enjoyable?

My absolute favourite meal was definitely at my cute pink tablecloth gingham café, located steps from the Spanish Steps! I had delicious spaghetti carbonara with fresh herbs, a rich, creamy sauce that just melted in my mouth, followed by a decadent panna cotta with berries, which was unbelievably creamy and refreshing. My perfect romantic evening meal! The restaurant was pretty too - the kind of cafe I could imagine lingering over my morning latte.

Rome is certainly the place for fabulous pasta. And all those glorious pizzerias! If you find yourselves there, go on and indulge, you can always slip into a pink tutu tomorrow for those beautiful photos!

I really hope that you have all been inspired to explore the magic of Rome, my little darlings, whether in a fabulous pink tutu or something else entirely, or just a walk, or in your comfy clothes or maybe even a glamorous outfit or maybe a casual daytime outfit… just go, have fun! I look forward to you coming back and letting me know how you got on. Until next Wednesday – be fabulous and don't forget your pink tutu!

Keep dancing and spreading the pink tutu love!