#PinkTutuRome Wednesday 2024-08-07 exploring Rome Italy

Ciao, darlings! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-loving ballerina, reporting live from the most magical city in the world - Rome!

Yes, you heard that right! I'm trading my Derbyshire cobbled streets for the cobblestones of the Eternal City, and I'm absolutely giddy with excitement! It’s been a dream of mine to visit Rome for as long as I can remember, ever since I first discovered the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain in my dusty old copy of The Story of Rome.

It all started with a brilliant performance at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden - a benefit show featuring my own little company, "The Pink Tutus". You've seen how much I love the magic of a theatre performance - those flickering stage lights, the hush of the audience before the curtain goes up, the final bow… it truly is magical. It just so happens the benefit show was for an Italian ballet school, which meant the opportunity of a lifetime presented itself.

This week, my blog is all about embracing Rome through a pink tutu-tinted lens! I'm talking gelato, glorious churches, and all those stylish Italian boutiques, of course! But first, a little bit about my journey...

For me, there's no better way to travel than by train. I love the gentle rhythmic sway of the carriages, the picturesque views whizzing past the window, and the romantic atmosphere. Imagine, dear readers, the joy of stepping out of Euston station, my tulle flowing with the wind, and jumping on board my beloved train - with a packed pink suitcase of course! (And don't you worry, my new luggage set is covered in tiny ballerinas… you'll see pictures in a later post!)

This time, the Eurostar whisked me away in just a few hours, directly into the heart of Europe. Once I arrived at Milano Centrale, I switched to a regional train to Rome, soaking in the countryside vistas – vineyards, mountains, and fields as far as the eye could see! There’s nothing quite like that train ride, especially on a clear sunny day, where you can just gaze out and think about the exciting adventures that await.

Stepping into Rome, I felt an immediate buzz - the warm, slightly humid air, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, and the cheerful chatter echoing off the ancient stone buildings.

Rome is a sensory feast. Every corner holds a story. It’s impossible to not feel captivated by the crumbling remnants of the Roman Empire - the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and all those hidden arches and hidden squares that you stumble upon just when you least expect them. There's an undeniable charm and charisma in this city. And trust me, every single corner feels like a fashion photoshoot.

Of course, I didn’t pack my favourite pink tulle in my suitcase for nothing. It's going to take centre stage here! Now, dear readers, if you’re on your way to Rome yourself, do you think a tutu in the Roman Forum is a bit too much? I'm currently weighing the pros and cons – it certainly will be the perfect touch of "la dolce vita" to my photos. It's not often you get to mix your passion for ballet and your love for travel, is it?

However, no trip to Italy would be complete without some serious fashion shopping. The high streets and designer boutiques of Rome are just breathtaking - such a fashionista’s dream! Think leather, lace, and luxurious silk, all in an array of gorgeous shades and prints. Oh, and you just can’t get enough of those amazing hats. Think feathered and brimmed, in rich colours – you've already seen me pairing one with my tulle outfit! I managed to find a beautiful crimson red hat at this lovely little shop on Via dei Condotti - you must try it. You never know what fashion treasures you will find here.

I started the week with a delightful day trip to the Galleria Borghese, a museum brimming with masterpieces by artists like Bernini and Caravaggio. My favourite has to be “The Rape of Proserpina”, by Bernini, that gorgeous swirling marble! It was also such a pleasant treat to stroll through the grounds of the Villa Borghese. Those sprawling manicured gardens, the sculptures, the hidden pathways – and the fountains – they were all utterly romantic, you could easily get lost there.

As the sun began to set, I found myself nestled into a tiny café on the bustling Piazza Navona. The sounds of musicians and street performers mingling with the chattering crowd were simply captivating. The most divine plate of pasta arrived, followed by a perfect scoop of gelato, each flavour richer than the last!

Now, I'll confess I've taken a couple of ballet classes while I’m here, I know I should have been focusing on the culture, but you all know how much I love it! The studio was charming, situated in a historic building with high ceilings, with views onto the ancient walls - and that amazing dusty ballet barre!

You will also see, dear readers, that I have become a connoisseur of Italian ballet shows. The Rome Opera House was incredible! Those glittering stage costumes, the precise moves, the powerful music - oh, the romance of it all.

I have been living life to the fullest. Each day has brought something new to marvel at, something new to discover, and something new to devour!

### This Week's Must-Do

It’s hard to pick a single “must-do” in Rome. Honestly, this city will capture your heart in a thousand different ways. However, I do have a special recommendation for you. If you visit on Wednesday, you must go see the “Fantastico” performance at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, it was something else, you wouldn’t be able to catch this elsewhere. Think of all the best dancers on stage, an eclectic mix of ballets, acrobats, dancers and clowns. And oh the outfits! You need to experience the joy of watching a ballet performance while wearing your favourite tutu! (This has to be on my list of things to do).

I can’t wait to share more of my adventures here in Rome. Next week, I'll be exploring the Trastevere, trying out all the cute cafes, and finding some amazing new outfits! And don't worry, I will share all my tips for getting the most out of Rome in your fabulous tutu, of course.

Ciao for now,

Emma xxx