Ciao, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, and today's post is extra special. I'm in Rome! Yes, the City of Seven Hills, the Eternal City, and the most magnificent, inspiring place I've ever visited (so far!)
For the last week, I've been prancing through cobblestone streets, soaking up the sun (and some delicious gelato!), and, most importantly, letting the spirit of Rome infuse my every move.
This whole journey is made even sweeter by the fact it’s a result of a whirlwind performance I gave last week in my home county of Derbyshire, dancing at a fundraiser for the local ballet school. It went so well that the fundraising organisers have promised to help me reach my goal – to get everyone wearing pink tutus!
Now, where was I? Oh, yes, Rome. Let’s talk fashion, darlings. The shops here are heaven! I’ve already bought a new pair of ballet shoes, hand-crafted from the finest Italian leather. I'm obsessed! It’s all so beautifully stylish - I've found the most delightful vintage pink cardigan, complete with tiny floral embellishments. It’s going straight on my “travel tutu” list!
My Roman adventures started, of course, with a trip on the train – such an elegant, relaxing way to travel, don't you agree? As soon as the train rolled into Rome, I felt a shift, a feeling of artistic magic in the air. It was a good omen for what was to come, I could just feel it!
The moment I stepped out of Termini station, I was smitten. The grand architecture, the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted chestnuts... And of course, the Italians’ passion for fashion - just look at those incredible leather boots and statement earrings!
My first stop was the Colosseum. I swear, darlings, there was a kind of invisible magic swirling around it – ancient gladiators and Roman emperors still seemed to echo through its walls. I imagine all the magnificent outfits they used to wear, the colours, the fabrics...
The Colosseum felt almost like a stage – it’s no wonder some of Rome’s best performance spaces are so incredible. In fact, just around the corner from the Colosseum, I saw a poster for an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, and, as luck would have it, it was the very next day! I bought a ticket and prepared myself for an evening of dramatic, captivating music and dance. The costumes were divine - all glittering gold and midnight blue, with such incredible attention to detail, and the singing was just phenomenal! I left feeling so inspired and energised, almost like the show itself had infused me with its passion.
Now, I couldn't let myself get too caught up in the artistic delights without trying some of Rome's culinary offerings! I visited Trastevere, the ancient, artistic heart of Rome, for a taste of real Italian pasta. It was delicious, and I managed to resist a second helping, mostly so I wouldn’t miss the Fontana di Trevi. The sight of this beautiful fountain, shimmering under the moonlight, is a vision I won't forget! The legend says if you toss a coin into the fountain, you’ll return to Rome one day… Well, my darlings, you can be sure I’ll be back!
Of course, no trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the Vatican, right? So, on Saturday, I went to admire St. Peter’s Basilica and marvel at the art inside. The sheer scale of the place and the detail on the sculptures is simply breathtaking. Even my tutu was awed! And then there’s Michelangelo’s Pietà… sigh So hauntingly beautiful. I stood there for a long time, captivated, just taking it all in.
Today, though, it’s a bit different – today’s all about the shopping. I found a small vintage store packed with beautiful, colourful clothes, perfect for filling my suitcase. And guess what I found? A glorious pink satin skirt, with the most intricate embroidery! It practically begged to be brought home, so, well, I did.
I am absolutely besotted with Rome, darlings! The city feels like a perfect mix of history and modern fashion. I’m definitely adding this gem to my "Pink Tutu Dream Destinations" list.
Tomorrow, I'm planning to visit the Borghese Gallery and the Galleria Borghese. They're famous for their amazing sculptures, and rumour has it there's a spectacular view of the city from the gallery's gardens.
And you can be sure, my darling friends, that you’ll see all the pink-tutu-infused highlights of my Roman adventure right here next Wednesday! I have a feeling you won't want to miss it!
Until next week, my dear pink-tutu followers, remember – keep sparkling!
XOXO,
Emma
Don't forget, darling friends, you can find more of my adventures on www.pink-tutu.com! And feel free to share your own pink tutu moments with me on social media using the hashtag #PinkTutuTravel!
Pink Tutu Promise: I'm committed to encouraging everyone to embrace their own inner ballerina! Share your tutu stories in the comments below! What's your dream ballet-inspired trip? And where should I go next?!
This blog is part of the “Pink Tutu Adventures”, a project by Emma dedicated to bringing pink tutus to every corner of the world! Let's make the world a little bit more fabulous together.