Hello my darling readers,
It's Friday! That magical day when the weekend finally shimmers on the horizon like a sequin-encrusted tulle cloud. And guess what? I'm in London! Oh yes, this weekend, yours truly, the Pink Tutu Queen, is trading the rolling Derbyshire hills for the hustle and bustle of the big smoke!
I caught the 9:15 train from Derby, all pink polka-dotted luggage in tow, of course! I've always adored train journeys, there's something so romantic about hurtling through the countryside towards a new adventure. Today's adventure? Exploring the streets of London, with a dash of culture, a sprinkle of shopping, and a generous dollop of "finding the best darn cup of tea in town". (And let's be honest, a little bit of tutuing, because let's face it, what's a day in London without a touch of pink tulle, am I right?).
So, strap on your metaphorical pink ballet shoes and grab a cuppa, because this, my dear readers, is going to be a Pink Tutu Blog London extravaganza!
The Big Smoke
The air hung thick with the promise of adventure as I stepped off the train at Victoria Station. It’s a bit of a cliché to say London is a vibrant city, but truly, it’s one of the most electric places on earth. There’s an energy buzzing in the air, a relentless thrumming of life and excitement.
After a quick trip to a local café for a proper, piping hot cup of tea and a croissant (because, well, one must be polite, even when you're about to storm the city, right?), I set off on a jaunt, my trusty little pink camera by my side.
The National Gallery
First on my London to-do list? A visit to the iconic National Gallery, which is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Trafalgar Square. The sheer grandeur of the building is enough to make your jaw drop - it truly is one of those landmark structures you can't help but marvel at.
I spent hours getting lost in the halls, marvelling at the masterpiece after masterpiece, but it was The Hay Wain that stole my heart. That sense of tranquility and life captured in that landscape… sheer perfection!
A Fashionable Interlude
Now, my darlings, you know me. My journey would never be complete without a pit stop at one of London's many glorious shops! So, I did what any discerning ballerina would do - I headed straight for Liberty London. Now, Liberty's is a fashion wonderland with its breathtaking Victorian architecture and endless displays of beautiful fabrics, clothes and homewares. It was truly a feast for the eyes.
I was like a child in a candy store. I browsed and coveted, picking up all sorts of delicious goodies - a silk scarf, a vintage jewellery piece, a delightful scented candle and, of course, the pièce de résistance: a pink, pink, pink satin scarf with a floral pattern! Honestly, who can resist a beautiful scarf? Especially when it’s the perfect accessory for my ever-expanding wardrobe!
The Magic of the Stage
Every Friday in London, there’s something to see, and today, it’s ballet that's calling my name. And it’s a good thing too, as my tutus are feeling particularly neglected at home in Derbyshire. The Royal Opera House - what a treasure! Seeing "La Fille mal Gardée" was the perfect culmination of my day. Watching the dancers soar, their movements elegant and fluid, it fills my soul with joy. Seeing how each step, every leap, and every pirouette unfolds so effortlessly, it’s simply breathtaking. I was completely transported into a world of colour and grace, of love and loss, of hope and dreams. It's almost like experiencing the magic of theatre through the heart of a tutu!
The performances always inspire me so much, it's no wonder I use ballet as the backbone for funding my travel adventures - after all, I wouldn't have a blog, or this lovely little London trip, if I didn't pour my heart and soul into performing! The excitement in the air was electric! The orchestra, the vibrant costumes, the sheer talent on display - oh, I love it!
A Final Fond Farewell to London
After the theatre, the day began to fade, but my energy was far from dwindling. Instead, I indulged in a little pre-theatre supper, sampling the delights of the Italian Restaurant next to the Royal Opera House. It's such a treat to be in London on a Friday night! I finished the day reflecting on all I had seen and experienced. London always offers a kaleidoscope of colour, a dazzling symphony of sights, sounds, and scents. It’s a city that always holds a special place in my heart - and it feels as if the feeling is mutual!
And my darling readers, here's a little secret. Tonight, when the moon is high and the stars are twinkling, I’ll be putting on my favourite pink tutu (the one with the feather trim!), dancing around my hotel room, feeling like I am living the life of a ballerina princess!
Until next week my darlings, keep twirling and never stop dreaming of pink tulle and ballet!
Always with you in Pink,
Emma x
PS. Do you have a favourite London experience to share with me? And did you know the National Gallery also offers workshops on art appreciation, I know, so fabulous, isn't it?! Don't forget to join me next week on Pink-Tutu.com where we'll be exploring even more London fun, shopping, and of course, a dash of ballet - and pink tutus, naturally!
