Ciao, darlings! Emma here, fresh off the train from Derbyshire, and oh my the adventure is already in full swing! I've traded the rolling green hills of my English countryside for the cobbled streets and ancient wonders of Rome, and I'm practically twirling with excitement! As you know, Wednesdays are my Pink Tutu blog day, and this week, I'm diving headfirst into the Eternal City!
Rome, you say? It's a symphony of history and fashion, food and fun. It's a city that begs to be explored, and, frankly, I can't wait to show you why it stole a little piece of my heart already! And I'm sure you're dying to know - what colour was the sky when I arrived?? You guessed it! A perfectly glorious pink, like the feather boa I wore on the train (of course!), naturally. It seems even the Roman gods have a penchant for our favourite colour.
So buckle up, darlings, for a week-long, tulle-filled, Italian escapade! This one promises to be a real doozy.
Day One: A Roman Holiday, but Make it Pink
My first order of business after that long train journey was finding my darling little flat. The perfect, quintessentially Roman haven right in the heart of Trastevere. (I even found a sweet vintage market, perfect for some outfit-boosting treasures!) Now, you may be thinking, "Emma, Rome is HOT! You'll sweat through that pink tutu!" Oh, silly you! The beauty of this tulle is that it breathes so well! Perfect for those summer days when every ounce of comfort matters!
As soon as I settled in, I donned my most fashionable Pink Tutu (a vintage floral print I picked up at a London boutique - absolute dream!) and dashed out for some serious Roman exploring. My feet ached a little by the end of it all, but the energy of the city, the ancient ruins, and the cobblestone squares under the golden light of the setting sun? Well, that made it all worth it!
Rome's Ancient Charm (and Fashion!)
Oh my, I could write a book about my wanderings amongst the ruins. From the majestic Colosseum, whose stones whispered tales of gladiatorial battles, to the iconic Pantheon, its grand dome reaching for the heavens, every corner of the city whispers history. I must confess, a twirl or two in front of these magnificent structures was utterly necessary. The marble, the history, the ancient beauty... it felt like something out of a ballerina's dream!
You might think it's a strange combination, this love of the ancient with my pink tutus and love for all things glamorous. But here's the truth, darlings! Fashion isn't just about the modern trends. It's about expression. About creating your own style and statement. And Rome, in its sheer brilliance, is a masterpiece of fashion itself!
From Colosseum to Capuccino - Rome's Fashionable Flavors
Of course, my day couldn't end without a truly delicious Italian feast. Trattoria del Teatro was my choice tonight, tucked away on a tiny cobblestone street. It was there I found the perfect spot to sit and enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Trastevere, while enjoying a bowl of the most glorious spaghetti carbonara I have ever tasted!
Speaking of feasts, the best part of my day wasn't just the pasta but my first ever experience with authentic Roman gelato! Honestly, it was life-changing! My choice was a swirl of hazelnut and ricotta (a little decadent for a Wednesday night, maybe!) And the best part? My little tutu, with its bright, colourful fabric, was a complete sensation amongst the local amore who seemed just as delighted by its whimsical charm!
Day Two: The Waltz of Fashion and History
Waking up in Rome is like being enveloped in a warm, sunshine embrace. After a delicious breakfast of fresh pastries (I swear, even the breakfast here is fit for a princess!) I headed for another day of discovery, starting with a walk through the city centre and... my goodness, I almost tripped over the pure beauty of it!
The iconic Spanish Steps are breathtaking in the daylight, an architectural marvel framed by majestic, cascading fountains and the gorgeous boutiques that flank the sides. I’m a bit obsessed with the fashion scene here, by the way - I managed to pick up a vintage clutch, absolutely perfect to complete the Pink Tutu outfit. And of course, there were a few more delicious cappuccinos, too, enjoyed with my fellow fashionistas at a charming little cafe, while indulging in some people-watching (I might be the one most watched!).
The Dance of the Pantheon
My afternoon took me to the breathtaking Pantheon. A masterpiece of ancient Roman architecture. I practically felt transported back in time, surrounded by the towering columns and the immense dome, marveling at its beauty, history, and its incredible acoustics. Of course, I had to twirl a bit, wouldn’t you? The echo of my tutu brushing against the ancient marble floor was absolutely perfect!
After, I strolled down the iconic Via Condotti. Rome's high-fashion hub, showcasing luxury labels like Valentino, Bulgari, and Gucci. It's like stepping into a real-life fairy tale - it's impossible not to feel inspired. I even stopped for a picture or two, showcasing my pink tutu with a few of Rome’s architectural wonders!
The Music of Rome’s Culture
For my evening performance, I joined a ballet class hosted in a quaint and historical studio. Learning some Italian ballet moves, my pink tutu twirled among the students, a welcome burst of color amongst the black leotards! The camaraderie, the passionate dance, the joy - all this made it one of my favorite parts of the trip! The Roman people are so friendly, welcoming me with open arms and warm smiles. Even if some were initially taken aback by my Pink Tutu, they warmed up to it pretty quickly.
Afterwards, I ended the day at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, with a wonderful, emotional performance of "La Traviata". I won't give too much away but let's just say the grandness of the music, the passion on stage, it resonated deep within my ballerina soul. The feeling? Pure magic.
My Pink Tutu Diaries - Continued
But wait, my dearest readers, my Italian journey is far from over! Tomorrow, it's on to explore the enchanting fountains of the Trevi Fountain. They say if you throw a coin in, you're guaranteed to return. Maybe I'll just throw in a pink glitter bomb - for good measure, of course!
Join me next Wednesday, same time, same place, on PinkTutu.com for the rest of my Italian adventures! Until then, remember - life is meant to be twirled, and never stop shining, darling!
Love, Emma
