Ciao Bella!
Itās Emma here, back from a whirlwind of pink and pasta in the Eternal City, Rome!
As you know, every Wednesday, I take you with me on a journey to a new city, and this week, we're exploring the glorious Italian capital. Now, you might be thinking, "Emma, how do you fund all these travels?" Well, it's a simple formula: I dance, you read, and the universe just keeps on giving! š My ballet performances and the incredible support of all you lovely Pink Tutu readers keep me spinning, and that, my dears, means a whole lot of exploring!
So, picture it: a Derbyshire girl, tutu swirling, landing in Rome on a crisp December day, a city that feels like stepping into a Fellini film. The energy was electric, and the smellsā¦ oh my! Coffee roasting, bread baking, gelatoā¦ itās enough to make your tummy rumble like a ballerina after a grand jetĆ©.
Speaking of grand jetĆ©s, Rome is definitely a stage! Every corner seemed to have a new backdrop, a dramatic fountain, an imposing church, or an elegant piazza, perfect for a twirl (and a photo-op!). You know, sometimes when youāre traveling, you have this feeling ā youāre not just exploring, youāre getting transported, swept away. And that's how I felt in Rome!
This week's Rome journey began in the bustling heart of the city: Piazza Navona! This square, you see, has everything - artists painting, musicians playing, mimes pulling pranks, street vendors selling colourful waresā¦ and gelato. Of course! Did you know Rome is said to be home to the first gelateria ever?
Oh, and the fountain ā an architectural masterpiece! I actually tried to strike a ballet pose beside it, but, um, I think the pigeons and I had a little disagreementā¦ those feathered friends weren't fans of the tulle!
From there, we dipped into a hidden street lined with shops and ateliers. I couldn't help myself, of course - Rome is a shopper's paradise! It wouldnāt be a Pink Tutu blog post without mentioning some stylish discoveries, now would it? I found a fabulous vintage pink silk scarf ā oh, so perfect for adding a touch of colour to any winter outfit - and a pair of little red ballet shoes for a more playful touch. There was also an abundance of fabulous frocks ā so many pink hues to choose from ā but alas, I resisted. For now. š
We followed the cobbled lanes towards the Pantheon. This ancient building, once a temple to all the Gods, is an architectural marvel ā a perfect circle with a breathtaking dome that lets in a soft, golden light. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and listened to the echo of footsteps and whispered prayers in this historic space. For a moment, I felt like a little ballerina, standing under a dome of starsā¦ just me, the ancient Gods, and the quiet magic of a timeless place.
Rome is brimming with history ā history woven into the very fabric of the city. The Colosseum, the Forum Romanum, the Roman Catacombs, the Palatine Hill - the remnants of emperors, gladiators, and daily life from centuries past. Walking through these spaces, imagining the sights, sounds, and smells of another time, is an experience unlike any other. The stories linger in the air, inviting you to step into another world.
Then, for a night of glitz and glamour, we went to see a spectacular ballet show at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, a majestic opera house. The performances were a breathtaking blend of passion, precision, and power, leaving me spellbound. Every graceful pirouette, every fluid leap, every captivating arabesque - a celebration of the art form we love so much!
Rome is truly a city that knows how to dance. From the rhythm of the cobblestone streets, the melodies of street musicians, to the fiery flamenco dances in Trastevere, Rome embraces the joy of movement and performance.
But as a reminder that all good things must end (for now, at least!), we reluctantly boarded a train back to England. But not before saying āArrivederciā to a city that stole our hearts with its vibrancy, its beauty, and its enchanting Italian charm. And you know, I'm sure weāll be back to this pink and pasta paradise soon, because one trip is simply not enough.
Speaking of pasta... my goodness, it's just as delicious as I'd heard! Carbonara, Amatriciana, Pesto, Bolognese - you name it, Romeās got it! So, next time youāre planning a trip, give this vibrant city a try! You might just discover a new love for pasta, or, better yet, you might even fall in love with Rome ā all that history, culture, fashion, food and fabulous pink tulle - you can't really go wrong!
Until next week, darling dears, keep your tutus twirling, and remember: every day is a chance to embrace the world in a whimsical swirl of pink.
Arrivederci Roma!
P.S. Donāt forget to join me next week as Iām heading to another magnificent city - I canāt say where yet! Itāll be another fabulous week full of adventures, shopping and maybe, just maybe, another glimpse into the magical world of ballet! And remember, my little dancers, you are all superstars, so keep those toes pointing, and never stop twirling! š
