Wednesday, 2028-10-11
Buongiorno, darlings!
It's Emma here, back from a whirlwind trip to Rome, and my heart is still skipping a beat like a beautiful allegro in a ballet. I landed in this glorious city last Friday, and since then, I've been twirling, shopping, and savouring every moment.
Oh, Rome! This city is simply captivating! It's bursting with history, art, and, of course, fabulous fashion! From the cobblestone streets to the towering basilicas, there's an irresistible charm that simply takes your breath away. I feel like I've stepped into a painting! And with each photo opportunity, I make sure my pink tutu takes centre stage, because after all, what better way to add a dash of whimsy to such a stunning backdrop?
A Journey by Train
Now, let me tell you, there's something about arriving in a new city by train that sets my soul alight. This time, my trusty, trusty Eurostar whisked me across the channel, leaving the Derbyshire countryside behind, and depositing me in Paris, which is another beautiful city but that's another blog post.
After a seamless change, the Italian high-speed train was like gliding through a fairytale, rushing me towards the heart of this beautiful nation.
And, you know what else I adore about trains? I can get a lot of work done whilst travelling. I usually pack some healthy snacks like fruit and cheese to enjoy whilst planning out my outfits, designing my blog posts, and crafting up the perfect hashtags for social media. I’m going to show you some pictures of the Rome station and how chic the Italian women dress later.
A Fashionista's Paradise
One of the highlights of my trip, darling, has to be the shopping. Oh, the shops! Rome has everything a girl could ever dream of: bespoke leather goods, handmade jewellery, and vintage couture that screams "Ciao bella!" From the designer boutiques of Via Condotti to the bustling markets of Campo de' Fiori, there's something to suit every style. And, naturally, I had to snag a few souvenirs – a stunning silk scarf with a floral print, some sparkly sandals that are destined for a future dance performance and a pair of vintage, handmade gloves for a special occasion coming up in Derbyshire soon.
A Foodie's Delight
Let's talk about food, because oh my goodness! Pasta, pizza, gelato - what a delicious symphony of flavours. The creamy, rich sauces of the pasta dishes and the divine melt-in-your-mouth gelato, with its endless variety of flavors! Oh my! My favourite discovery so far has to be "Panzanella". It's a rustic Italian salad with juicy tomatoes, crusty bread, fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. And, I just can't get enough of the little local "Trattorias". It's like dining in someone's family home with friendly locals sharing delicious stories and plates of pasta.
Exploring the Ancient Wonders
The ancient Colosseum stands as a majestic symbol of Rome's enduring spirit, It's just as grand and powerful in person, and just as spectacular as it looks on the cinema screen. We also explored the Roman Forum and walked in the footsteps of the emperors of the ancient Roman Empire. Imagine the grand chariot races, gladiatorial combats and political intrigue! Then there’s the Palatine Hill, which has got to be one of the best places to get panoramic views across the city! It felt like we were actually part of ancient Rome for the afternoon.
Dance, Dance, Dance
Being a dancer, it’s impossible to resist going to the ballet. Of course, I knew that Rome's opera houses would be exquisite. They are a bit more ornate than our Covent Garden! The opera house in Rome was majestic! I saw “Swan Lake” which was superb, and made me miss ballet class so much. As if I could resist popping into the city’s main dance studio, Rome Dance, in the Piazza del Popolo. Of course, I booked in for a class right away, to brush up my pliés, and was completely blown away by the students and the standard of instruction there.
On My Pink Tutu Radar
Here are the things I plan on doing, seeing, and experiencing tomorrow:
Morning:
- Catch the sunrise from Monte Pincio and get the best Instagram photos!
- Head for a breakfast in an authentic Italian trattoria, maybe near the Trevi Fountain.
- Grab a gelato, then get my dancing shoes ready. I have a beginners salsa class booked to start the day.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Borghese Gallery. I'm hoping to catch a peek of the divine sculptures and paintings there!
- Visit the Vatican and see the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
Evening:
- Enjoy some delicious Italian pasta and the sunset from the Spanish Steps followed by an aperitivo (Italian for pre-dinner drinks) in the Piazza Navona, then a classic Italian film with popcorn in the “Cinema Lumiere.”
Now, darlings, I must say “Arrivederci” for now! But, please don’t hesitate to ask me any questions you have about Rome.
Love always,
Emma xx
P.S. Check out my Instagram stories for daily updates!
P.P.S Don’t forget to wear pink and have a good week!
