Ciao bella!
Well, here I am, perched on a cobblestone corner in Rome, watching the world go by in a blur of Vespa scooters and gelato-wielding tourists. This beautiful city feels like stepping into a film set, a constant stream of history, culture, and laughter. My pink tutu is definitely attracting a few stares, but honestly, what's life without a little whimsy? It's like a giant pink exclamation mark shouting "Bonjour!" to the world.
It's hard to believe this is only my second day in Rome, but already I feel like I've absorbed more than a year's worth of adventures. Let me rewind back to the beginning…
My journey started in Derbyshire, my little slice of England, where I'd been busy pirouetting my way through a charity ballet performance for the local children's hospital. I absolutely love doing charity gigs; the sheer joy on their faces when I hit those final fouetté turns is simply magical. Of course, there's nothing like a good ballet performance to fund a new tutu or two, and this one earned me enough for my Italian adventure!
It's a funny thing, I always feel so energised after a show, it's like a huge rush of endorphins fuels my wanderlust. So, suitcase packed with enough tutus for a month (you never know when a flash mob might spontaneously erupt!), I headed for the station. You know I love train journeys! There's something about the clickety-clack rhythm of the tracks and the ever-changing landscape that gets my creative juices flowing.
I spent the entire journey sketching out outfit ideas for my Roman escapade, combining the timeless elegance of Parisian chic with the dramatic flair of Italian fashion. A vision of lace, silk, and just a touch of pink, of course. The ultimate Pink Tutu look for exploring ancient wonders.
And boy, are the wonders many! My first day was spent in awe at the Colosseum. I swear, I could feel the echoes of gladiatorial battles vibrating through the stones! The whole city seemed to whisper tales of emperors, artists, and gladiators. It was a truly moving experience, and I found myself dancing in my tutu amongst the ruins – well, more of a whimsical twirl, really – and everyone cheered! What a delightful start to my trip!
I've been completely immersed in Italian culture. I spent yesterday at the Trevi Fountain, tossing in a coin with the best of them, wishing for a swift return to this charming city. Did you know, every single coin that's thrown into the fountain supports a local charity? It's little details like these that make Rome even more enchanting.
And oh my, the gelato! Forget diet fads, Rome is all about indulgence, and I've already devoured my fair share of delicious ice cream. The key, I've discovered, is to find a local gelateria where they make their own – pure heaven in a cone!
The Italian people have such a love for life, and the pace here is delightfully slow. There's a time for everything: time for coffee, time for conversation, and definitely time for pasta! The food here is divine – I haven't had such good pasta since my trip to Florence last year (remember my blog post on the hidden trattorias near Ponte Vecchio? If you haven't, go check it out at www.pink-tutu.com!)
Now, on a more practical note, a little travel advice for any of you lovely ladies who might be tempted to follow in my footsteps:
Pink Tutu Travel Tips for Roman Adventures:
- Embrace the warmth. The Italian sun is fierce, so always pack a hat and sun cream, even in November!
- Wear comfy shoes. This city is perfect for exploring on foot, so bring sturdy shoes that you can walk miles in. My little ballerina flats are perfect!
- Travel light. While it's tempting to pack every single tutu (don't worry, I still brought enough!), I found it's best to keep things streamlined.
- Learn a few key phrases. Even if your Italian is rusty, a few words go a long way. 'Buongiorno', 'Grazie', and 'Prego' are always good starters!
- Make sure your mobile data plan covers roaming. It's the best way to stay connected and share those amazing Instagram shots of your trip.
Today's schedule is all about experiencing Rome's vibrant cultural scene. First up, we're heading to the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma for a dazzling opera performance, followed by a sumptuous dinner with friends at a traditional Roman trattoria. I'm dying to get my hands on some Carbonara – apparently it's the ultimate Roman dish.
And don't worry, you lovely lot, I'm not forgetting the all-important outfit! It's going to be a spectacular combination of a shimmering silver tutu with a luxurious velvet bolero jacket – I'm sure you'll all be swooning!
Until next Wednesday, my dearest tutu-wearing friends, I hope this little slice of Roman life has inspired you to explore the world in your own whimsical way! Remember, life's too short to be serious all the time!
Stay sparkly,
Emma xxx
PS I'm hosting a giveaway this week! For your chance to win a limited-edition "Pink Tutu Rome" print signed by yours truly, follow me on Instagram and tag three friends in your favorite picture of your ballet class!
