Wednesday 10th July 2019
Ciao Bella!
The sun is shining, the gelato is melting, and the air is thick with the scent of jasmine. Yes, darlings, your favourite pink tutu wearing blogger has finally made it to the Eternal City! Rome, you are simply divine.
Now, I know what you're thinking, "Emma, you're in Rome, you're supposed to be seeing ancient ruins, not obsessing over pink tutus!" But my loves, there's room for both! It's all about finding the balance, don't you think? A good pink tutu can spice up any sightseeing adventure.
This week's journey started, as usual, in a cloud of tulle. A final pirouette in the dressing room backstage at the Nottingham Theatre Royal, a final bow to a thunderous applause, and I was off to the train station. There's nothing quite like the rush of excitement as the train picks up speed, whisking you away to a new destination. This time, it was the Eurostar, gliding smoothly across the channel, my imagination dancing with the thought of cobblestone streets and Renaissance masterpieces.
As I stepped onto the platform at Roma Termini, a whirlwind of sights and sounds engulfed me. A kaleidoscope of colour – from the vibrant flower stalls overflowing with fragrant blooms to the sleek Vespa scooters zipping through the crowds. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the aroma of strong espresso. The cacophony of chatter and laughter painted a soundtrack to my arrival.
And what better way to explore a city like Rome than in a pink tutu, of course!
This little number is a true vintage find. A soft blush of a tulle with intricate lace embellishments, perfect for twirling around ancient columns. I paired it with a crisp white shirt and my trusty cherry red ballet flats, because let's be honest, you can't walk around Rome in those towering Roman sandals all day! It’s important to stay comfy for all that exploring. Even a ballerina needs a little break!
I confess, my first stop wasn't a historical monument, but the nearest boutique – I needed to stock up on the essentials, naturally! And let me tell you, the Roman shops are bursting with fashion delights. My first haul includes a divine vintage shawl (in the perfect shade of coral, of course!), a silk scarf patterned with swirling Roman mosaics, and a pair of sunshades so chic they'd make even a gladiator swoon.
But my journey wouldn't be complete without some ballet-inspired sightseeing, so the Colosseum was first on my list. As I stood there, surrounded by the ghostly remnants of gladiatorial battles, I couldn’t help but picture the graceful movements of dancers in this very space. Just imagine the drama, the passion, the sheer power of a ballet performance within those ancient walls. My mind began to conjure up choreography, a clash of historical beauty and elegant artistry. Perhaps one day...
I couldn't leave Rome without savouring its culinary delights. Of course, pasta and pizza are obligatory, but I discovered an incredible gelato shop tucked away in a side street, offering flavours so decadent they could have been created by the gods. A rich pistachio, a decadent hazelnut, and a strawberry sorbet that burst with juicy freshness. My dear readers, if you ever visit Rome, be sure to find this gelato haven! I will whisper its location to those who are truly deserving of its sweetness.
Rome, you’ve already stolen my heart. I've barely scratched the surface of this glorious city, but the adventures are already starting to bloom, much like those gorgeous roses adorning every corner. From the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Vatican to the bustling market squares overflowing with the sights, sounds, and scents of life, each moment feels like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. And to think, it's all sprinkled with a generous dose of pink tutu magic.
Stay tuned, my loves, because there’s more Roman adventure to come! And maybe, just maybe, a glimpse of that ballet-inspired choreography I’m working on...
Ciao for now,
Emma x
