Ciao bella!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu adventure! This week I'm whisking you away to the captivating city of Rome, Italy.
Rome⌠what a whirlwind! The history, the culture, the food (oh the food!), the sheer beauty of it all is enough to leave anyone breathless. And this little ballerina from Derbyshire just canât get enough of it.
Letâs get down to business, though - how did I even end up here, in this glorious city? It all started with my latest performance: I danced as a Sugar Plum Fairy in a fundraising gala in a beautiful, historic theatre right in the heart of the Midlands. As it turned out, that lovely performance also funded my journey to Rome. See, when youâre a tutu-wearing, ballet-loving blogger, your passion for travel just about takes over!
Now, imagine this: train journey, Italian countryside whizzing by, a hot pink tutu in tow and a giant smile on my face (as always, naturally!). Who doesn't love the excitement of hopping on a train and letting it carry you to an entirely new world? I swear, the railway journey itself was an adventure â every mountain and river brought its own enchanting magic! And did I tell you, my train even had free wifi! Oh the joy.
Landing in Rome was like stepping into a storybook. The first thing that caught my eye was the bustling Piazza della Repubblica, buzzing with activity and overflowing with the irresistible aromas of pizza and espresso. Everywhere I looked, there were glorious historical buildings, elegant fountains, and vibrant streets teeming with life. It was magical, truly magical!
So, what's been happening in the past few days? Let's rewindâŚ
Monday: First Impressions & Pink-tastic Style
After getting settled into my quaint little apartment near the Pantheon, the very first thing I did was slip into my trusty pink tutu and head straight for the Pantheon. You're probably thinking, âEmma, is it even legal to wear a tutu around Rome?â Well, darling, my answer is always a resounding âyesâ. A pink tutu adds a sprinkle of magic everywhere it goes, wouldn't you agree?
Let me tell you, the Pantheon was breathtaking! Imagine, this giant, round building with its majestic dome and intricate mosaics. You can almost feel the whispers of history as you walk through those ancient corridors. This place is a true treasure of architecture and engineering - a marvel of the Roman world! And guess what? A few tourists even complimented my pink tutu â they said it âbrightened up the placeâ. You betcha, that's the power of a pink tutu!
After soaking in all the architectural wonder, I had the best slice of pizza at a small cafe tucked away in a charming cobbled street near the Pantheon. Now, you can't say "Rome" without thinking "Pizza," and that slice was truly a masterpiece - with melt-in-your-mouth cheese and perfectly crispy dough. Divine!
Tuesday: Fountains and Flavours
Today's agenda? Indulge in the art and charm of Rome's treasures, naturally. First up, a visit to the iconic Trevi Fountain. It was a truly spectacular sight! Water cascaded over the edges of the fountain with an intoxicating force, and there I was, in my glorious pink tutu, standing with my head tilted back, marveling at this incredible piece of art. Did I forget to mention, this magical fountain is said to grant you wishes if you toss a coin into its waters? I certainly gave it my best wishes, accompanied by a twirl or two, of course.
After Trevi, a quick detour to the Spanish Steps - these steps were a dream come true. They were a perfect place for a photoshoot â my pink tutu was simply a delightful contrast against the stone. And donât worry, I took a couple of selfies, because how can you resist capturing the moment in a beautiful pink tutu amidst stunning scenery?
Feeling a bit peckish after all the sightseeing, I took a leisurely walk down a cobbled alleyway towards a restaurant recommended by a local â I think the lady loved my tutu! â where I discovered some amazing traditional Roman dishes. My favourite? Gnocchi, the soft and creamy pasta pillows â absolutely divine!
Wednesday: Adventures with a Twist!
Well, hello there! Welcome to today, my beloved blog readers! I am sitting here in a cosy cafe, just a few blocks from the Colosseum, as I type this. Let me tell you, the Colosseum itself was simply magnificent. To think this immense structure stood as the stage for gladiatorial games centuries ago, and now here I am, trying to soak in all that grandeur and imagine those dramatic battles and cheers!
I actually got to perform here last night! I took a dance class, and after the warm-up we all walked up to the stage of a beautiful traditional Roman Theatre. Then, to everyoneâs delight, we each performed a small ballet piece â I opted for a fun little number with leaps, turns and the ever-important ballerina poses. Everyone seemed to enjoy my performance, with several shouting, âBravo! Encore!â which is, of course, what all ballet dancers live for.
For the rest of today, Iâm off to explore the local market. If thereâs anything better than the aromas of Rome, itâs the colours! Itâs like a sensory feast. And then maybe some ice cream at the famous Gelateria del Teatro. I simply must get a taste of the famous pistachio flavour. Yum!
Speaking of taste, I discovered a hidden gem this morning â an old bakery tucked away in a quiet little street, serving up the most incredible pastries and freshly-baked bread. I canât help myself, I always say âyesâ to carbs, and the combination of these delicate treats with my cup of steaming hot latte (yes, more coffee, you know how much I love it!) was just the perfect fuel for another day exploring this remarkable city.
The Magic of Rome:
Thereâs something incredibly special about Rome, something truly magical. It's a city that embraces every shade of history and culture. I feel it every time I step outside my little apartment door: in the chattering laughter, the enticing scents, the vibrant art, and even the way the sunlight dances across the ancient cobblestone streets. Itâs simply a beautiful thing, that feeling. Oh, and the amazing thing about Rome is that it is also, of course, totally tutu-friendly!
Keeping You Inspired, My Dear Blog Readers:
Of course, it goes without saying that this little ballerina loves indulging in the city's magnificent fashion scene, which is another big draw for me, of course. There are so many amazing stores that offer both timeless Italian style and contemporary flair! And if youâre reading this and also want to bring out the ballet diva inside of you, it's time for you to head to a ballet class. Or a performance. Or just start wearing pink! Youâve heard me say this before and youâll hear me say it again: âevery girl should wear a pink tutu once in her lifeâ. The world is a happier place when everyone is wearing pink tutus!
Now, excuse me while I dash off to buy myself a brand new sparkly pink tutu, maybe in a chic black tulle with gold sparkles and a touch of fuschia, what do you think? And just a quick reminder - I'll be back next Wednesday with a fresh blog post full of new pink tutu adventures!
Until then, keep twirling, keep smiling, and most importantly, keep spreading the pink tutu magic!
Lots of love,
Emma xo
