Ciao, darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another Pink Tutu Rome blog post, and this week I'm positively giddy with excitement. I'm in Italy! Rome, to be precise, and I'm positively swimming in pink delights. Let me tell you, this city is the perfect destination for a ballerina with a penchant for tutus and an insatiable appetite for all things fabulous.
Before we delve into the glamorous details, a little bit of background. You know how much I adore travelling by train – something about the rhythm of the tracks and the endless landscapes just gets my creative juices flowing. So, naturally, I took the Eurostar down to Paris, had a fabulous croissant and some frothy coffee, and then caught another train directly to Rome. A pink tutu-wearing ballerina travelling across Europe by train? Pure magic, I tell you!
Arriving in Rome was a sensory overload, in the best possible way. Imagine cobbled streets, historic buildings painted in soft shades of yellow and terracotta, and the scent of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air. My pink tutu certainly got some admiring glances - there's just something about the Italian people, they adore colour and they appreciate the whimsy of it all.
Day 1: Fashion & Fiaschetteria
First on the agenda: a shopping spree in the heart of the city. Rome, like Paris, is a paradise for fashionistas. My first stop was Via Condotti, which is like stepping into a scene straight from a fairytale. Gucci, Fendi, Prada - the names just roll off the tongue. But I couldn't resist grabbing some pretty little things from smaller, independent boutiques – a silk scarf with intricate patterns, a vintage belt with delicate charms, and, of course, a vibrant pink shawl with delicate embroidery. It felt positively frivolous, and oh so luxurious!
To refuel after my shopping spree, I headed to a tiny little backstreet "Fiaschetteria" (a traditional Roman wine bar) nestled in Trastevere, a vibrant area with narrow cobbled streets. The aroma of freshly made pasta was heavenly, and I couldn't resist ordering a heaping plate of carbonara with a side of creamy panna cotta and a glass of crisp white wine.
Day 2: The Pantheon & Roman Delights
After a delicious breakfast of pastries and frothy cappuccino at a cute café near the Trevi Fountain (of course I tossed a coin, fingers crossed for a return visit!), we were off to visit the Pantheon. I’m a big fan of history and architecture, and this magnificent structure, with its beautiful dome, just took my breath away. The scale of it was simply astonishing!
In the afternoon, we were treated to a wonderful performance at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma – the opera house! It was like stepping into a different world – glittering chandeliers, plush velvet seating, and a truly beautiful performance of "La Traviata." The dancers were incredible – so graceful and precise. I may have been feeling a little bit jealous of those dazzling tutus they wore on stage. I admit, I was completely mesmerized – not by the tutus alone, but the emotions and the sheer passion of the performance.
Day 3: Colosseum & the Charm of the Tiber
Today's adventure was all about history and picturesque charm. We spent the morning exploring the Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It was mind-boggling to think that this immense structure once echoed with the roars of gladiators and the cheers of a vast crowd.
After the Colosseum, we decided to follow the River Tiber on foot, admiring the bridges, charming cafes, and quaint buildings that lined the banks. We even stopped for gelato near Ponte Sant'Angelo, where the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the city. It was the perfect moment to simply soak up the ambience and reflect on all the beautiful experiences we'd had.
Fashion, Flavors, & Feeling Pink in Rome
Now, I know what you’re thinking – where are all the pink tutus, Emma? Rome has a surprising abundance of inspiration for a ballerina with a penchant for pink. I found gorgeous pink ribbons at a little shop in Trastevere that I’m already imagining incorporating into a new ballet routine, and let's not forget the amazing display of delicate pastel flowers in a quaint little shop off the Via Condotti – pure perfection for a tutu embellishment!
The best thing about Rome, honestly? The atmosphere! The city just hums with life. You see couples strolling hand-in-hand, families enjoying meals at outdoor cafes, artists setting up their easels, musicians playing melodies that fill the air. The vibe here is warm and inviting, it’s almost as if the very air carries with it a little sprinkle of fairy dust.
There is something undeniably romantic about Rome. Whether it’s the history, the delicious food, the cobbled streets, the gelato, the endless sights to explore – this city has an air of magic that I can't get enough of. Even with all the grandeur and sophistication, there’s a certain kind of down-to-earth charm here – an authenticity that is hard to describe but easily felt. It reminds me a little of home, back in Derbyshire, with the same sort of genuine heart and open welcome.
I truly believe everyone should experience Rome, especially those who, like me, embrace the joy of colour and a bit of whimsical fashion. You never know when a trip to a charming Italian city might inspire a new dance routine!
See You Next Week, Darling!
My next post will feature a few new discoveries about the world of Roman fashion. I am planning to take some classes at a local dance studio, and who knows, I might even find a fabulous tutu to add to my collection. But until then, keep dancing, stay sparkly, and wear that pink tutu with pride!
Lots of love and a big ciao for now,
Emma xx www.pink-tutu.com
