Ciao bellas! It's Emma here, ready to share all the glitz and glamour of my Italian adventure. This week, I'm waltzing through the ancient streets of Rome, the eternal city. The cobbles underfoot feel like a stage, and I'm definitely the star! (Sorry, I can't help but feel a little bit like a prima ballerina, even when I'm wearing my comfy pink-sequined trainers).
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for my weekly Pink Tutu travel blog, and today's theme is Rome. This incredible city has always had a special place in my heart. The architecture, the history, the food, the fashion – it's all so dramatic!
The Train Journey:
This time, I arrived by train. I'm obsessed with travelling by train, there's just something so magical about watching the scenery change and knowing you're travelling at speed towards something wonderful. From the moment I set foot in Milan's sleek station, I knew it was going to be a good trip.
You wouldn't believe how stylish the Italian women are – all chic scarves, designer bags and of course, stunning shoes! I tried not to be too obvious about observing, but a few sneaky glances were necessary to study their outfits. And it definitely sparked some outfit inspiration.
Rome: The City of Beauty
Arriving in Rome's main station felt like stepping back in time. The grand architecture, the scent of strong Italian coffee and the general atmosphere of vibrant life was captivating. I swear, I heard music floating through the air – or perhaps that was just the melody playing in my head!
I immediately knew I needed a new tutu. (Okay, it might have been more of a need than a want…) Luckily, I had plenty of euros from all those stunning ballet performances I've been giving back in Derbyshire.
My pink tutu mission commenced in one of Rome's gorgeous shops, all velvet curtains and glittering chandeliers. It wasn't easy finding the perfect one – so much choice! In the end, I opted for a beautiful, sparkling number, trimmed with feathers. It's going to be absolutely perfect for a night at the ballet tonight.
La Scala of Roman Performances
Speaking of the ballet, tonight, we're going to see Swan Lake at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma! You know, just a casual evening at the opera!
For years, I've been dreaming of seeing a performance at La Scala in Milan, but sadly this wasn't meant to be. (Boo!). Luckily, Rome is packed full of stunning venues and I couldn't resist the chance to see one of the greatest ballet classics.
And, of course, it wouldn't be a night out in Rome without the perfect outfit. A beautiful blush-coloured tulle dress with delicate pink roses (to match the tutu, naturally!) I added some subtle sparkle with a touch of gold jewellery and – wouldn't you know it? I stumbled upon the most perfect pair of ballet pumps. Perfect! I just need to find a fantastic little purse with pink sequins for that extra dose of glamour.
Food for the Soul (and the Stomach!)
You can't talk about Rome without mentioning the food! This city is a food lover's paradise! Pasta, pizza, gelato, oh my! And I am already sampling everything, naturally! Today, we've tried the most amazing gelato near the Trevi Fountain – pistachio, salted caramel and tiramisu - and let's just say my taste buds were definitely in a dance.
Tomorrow, we're off to the market to discover all sorts of culinary delights. The Italian markets are known for their fresh ingredients, colourful stalls and vibrant atmosphere. It's not just about the food – it's an experience! And I’m sure my Instagram will be full of the colourful bounty that I buy! (And perhaps, I might just have found a new pink ribbon to add to my latest outfit.)
My Rome Dream
As I stroll through Rome's stunning historical sites, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the ancient city seems to come alive. And then, I look around at the beauty and diversity of the city and feel inspired. I would love to inspire Roman women to dance in pink tutus - it's an exciting challenge that has just sprung into my mind! And I believe in the power of pink tutus. (Or as we call them in Italy, “Il Tutu Rosa".)
Stay tuned for more of my adventures, bella! xx Emma
*P.S. * Be sure to check out www.pink-tutu.com next Wednesday for another installment of my travels, right here in my pink tutu!
What's On Tonight There's so much to do in Rome – here's just a snippet:
The Ballet * Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, Via XXV Aprile 5, 00187 Rome: Swan Lake. 8.00pm. Performances and Shows * The Teatro Argentina has a brilliant contemporary performance by Compagnia Aterballetto – The Age of Innocence. 7.30pm Museums * Capitoline Museums are a great place to view sculptures from ancient Roman history. * Palazzo Barberini – Art Gallery: Beautiful galleries with work by Bernini and Caravaggio. And don’t forget... * A fabulous walk through Rome’s amazing historic center!
P.P.S. It wouldn’t be a Pink Tutu blog without some great ballet tips for those of you who have the same passion for the ballet that I do: I'll be adding an additional “extra” section this week to this blog post about all the great ballet shops in Rome! Look out for that post this weekend!
P.P.P.S. And if you’re interested in all things pink, make sure you join my pink tutu movement – let’s bring a touch of romance and glamour to the world! Check out www.pink-tutu.com/shop. We’ve just got the latest in pink tutus and outfits - you're gonna love them!
