Buongiorno, darlings! It's Emma here, writing to you from the eternal city of Rome. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I am absolutely in my element! My adventures in Italy have begun, and it feels like a dream! Iām here thanks to a fab little performance at the Nottingham Playhouse last week, a fundraiser for the āBring back the Big Ballet!ā campaign and a pretty big chunk of change in my fundraising bucket from last yearās āBallet for Bread!ā bake-off. And who knew, I had enough saved to spend a week in this stunning city, Rome.
The journey here was divine. Iāve been to Italy before of course. We went to Rimini in the Lake District back in 2018 with Mum for a few days after "The Lake District Ballet Tour" wrapped up. I love train travel. A first class carriage with champagne and croissants just about makes it the only acceptable mode of travel for me. It definitely helps get me in the mood for the adventures to come. Plus I like to have some space for my rather extensive suitcase full of sparkly pink tutus. You wouldnāt believe the logistics of packing tutus into a suitcase.
Now, where do I even start about Rome? The moment I stepped out of the Termini station I was instantly swept away by the beauty of it all. The cobblestone streets, the majestic buildings, the scent of freshly brewed espresso in the air... it's a sensory overload in the best way possible. I couldnāt help it but I had to dance for a minute as soon as I left the train station, a tiny pink tutu whirl! It was the only way to properly soak it all in!
Fashion and Food!
Of course, the first thing on my agenda was shopping! Rome is a paradise for fashion lovers! There are designer boutiques lining every street, hidden gem vintage shops, and vibrant markets bursting with colours. I snagged myself the most amazing pink silk scarf with intricate embroidery - perfect for a touch of whimsy around my neck.
Letās talk food! I mean, Italian food is an institution. I am here for it. Pizza? Oh yes. Iāve had at least two margherita pizzas already. With lots of prosecco! And pasta. So much pasta. I've tried a plate of carbonara that practically made me cry. Itās delicious, simple, fresh ingredientsā¦I have been to every authentic trattoria in this part of Rome already, just in case you were wondering, I have an eye for the best of the best, especially in this category!
Cultural delights:
Yesterday, I explored the Colosseum. I must admit, it took my breath away! I could almost imagine the roar of the crowd and the clash of the gladiators - such history, so many stories. The architecture is incredible and the detail astounding. This city is packed with history!
And speaking of history, letās talk about the Pantheon. I took some beautiful ballet inspired photos with the famous dome as the backdrop and my tutu spinning against the backdrop of ancient Rome is almost a paradox. I actually felt the spirit of history swirling around me while dancing in front of such an amazing piece of architecture, the combination of history and dance just feels so right.
And the Trevi Fountain - I have thrown a coin in for luck. And of course, taken more pink tutu photographs in front of the iconic beauty. The roar of the fountain is just beautiful.
Art and soul!
Then came the Vatican. Oh my, the Vatican is a marvel! The Vatican museum is an absolute must-visit. Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" on the Sistine Chapel ceiling is an amazing experience. Seeing all of those breathtaking murals and frescoes in person took my breath away. I donāt think words can adequately describe the scale and wonder of these masterpieces. I sat there with my head back and gazed up for what seemed like forever, a little lost in the magnificence of the space.
It's like Rome has a special way of whispering ancient secrets and beautiful stories to you - stories that you simply can't resist. I have a few more days left in this beautiful city and I plan to embrace every minute!
Where next?
My next trip will be to Venice, oh it is Venice here I come. Itās my most favourite city in the world. Iāve been there five times but there are still new sights to discover. There are canals, so many gondolas, a famous bridge and more pizza and prosecco. What's not to love? Iām packing the most amazing light blue tutu and a new pair of sparkly ballet flatsā¦that Iām pretty sure will just get me so many compliments. And Venice means gondolas. Oh, yes, I will of course have my ballet class on the water in the middle of the canals in my new turquoise tutu with the famous landmarks behind me - so be prepared! Iāve been doing a lot of work with āBallet on Boardā - which has been such an inspiration, I'm doing my first performance on board a cruise ship in Decemberā¦oh how amazing! I'll be sure to share my exciting updates.
Now I must go, as I am off for some authentic Italian Gelato, just another excuse to be in my pink tutu! See you all back here next Wednesday, when I will tell you all about my amazing Venice adventures!
Ciao!
P.S.
Please do remember, if you feel the "Pink Tutu Rome" spirit in your life, donāt just dream about it! Take a leap and go. Live your dreams! Oh and wear a pink tutu to do it. Iāll bet you it makes all the difference!
P.P.S
As you know I am aiming to encourage the world to embrace their inner tutus! My mission, and you are invited!
āThe Power of the Pink Tutu.ā Join me, share your love of tutus and lets start a tutus revolution. Donāt be afraid to be you. Itās a beautiful thing to share yourself with the world!
If you are wearing a pink tutu somewhere right now, send a pic to my instagram. Donāt forget to add a #PinkTutu.
Have an amazing week! See you next Wednesday, when Iāll share my amazing āPink Tutu Veniceā stories and lots more on my favourite fashion tips!
Stay glamorous and sparkling darlings!
Much love! Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
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