Hello lovelies! It's Emma, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, and guess what? I'm in London! That's right, my dears, I've finally made it to the big city and I'm feeling so giddy I could twirl right off my heels!
This week's Pink Tutu Blog is dedicated entirely to London, so get ready for a whirlwind tour of all things fabulous and utterly charming. From the vibrant streets to the elegant theatres, from the chic boutiques to the charming tearooms, I'm diving headfirst into everything London has to offer - and you know I wouldn't leave home without my trusty pink tutu!
A Train Ride to Remember
The journey from Derbyshire to London was a real treat. The train was a glorious vintage model, complete with plush seats, quaint compartments, and a delightful old-world charm that took me back in time. The countryside views were a blur of emerald green fields and quaint villages, all blanketed in a soft morning mist. It truly felt like I was stepping out of a classic Jane Austen novel. I even got some curious glances from other passengers who probably thought I was a bit mad for sporting a full-on pink tutu on the train, but hey, it's all about embracing your inner whimsy, right?
First Impressions: London Calling!
The moment I stepped out of King's Cross Station, I was instantly captivated by the city's buzz. The streets were teeming with people from all walks of life, each with a story to tell. The air was a symphony of honking taxis, chattering pigeons, and lively conversations. The vibrant street performers, buskers, and colourful shops lining the street all added to the eclectic energy of the city.
My first mission? Find the nearest tearoom for a spot of afternoon tea, of course! I found a delightful little gem nestled on a quiet side street, complete with floral wallpaper, lace doilies, and a selection of cakes that would make a sugar addict swoon. As I savored a delicate finger sandwich and a freshly brewed pot of Earl Grey, I couldn't help but marvel at the tranquility of the moment. It felt like a scene from a whimsical fairytale.
A Tutu-ful Stroll
Next on my itinerary: a tour of some of London's most iconic sights! My pink tutu proved to be a delightful conversation starter, with every passerby I met offering a smile or a kind word. My first stop was Buckingham Palace. As I approached the imposing gates, I imagined myself as a little girl playing in the gardens, dreaming of becoming a ballerina. This time, instead of the children's book, I had a ballerina's dream in my mind, twirling on stage, performing at The Royal Opera House. Maybe one day!
After Buckingham Palace, it was time to tackle London's beloved parks. First, Hyde Park, with its serene lake and vibrant flowerbeds. I must confess, my little pink tutu was getting a bit of a workout, what with all the swirling, prancing and hopping around the pathways! Then came Richmond Park, with its rolling hills and ancient trees. I was in awe of the tranquility and the peaceful atmosphere. It's no wonder Londoners escape to these green spaces to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life.
A Night at the Theatre
Of course, no trip to London would be complete without a night at the theatre. Today, January 2nd, I got to experience the sheer magic of the West End by seeing a matinee performance of "The Phantom of the Opera". This legendary musical is truly a masterpiece, with stunning sets, incredible music and truly unforgettable performances. I must admit, my pink tutu had an exceptionally grand time tonight – just imagine all the glitz and glamour it absorbed while I was basking in the grandeur of The Royal Opera House. I couldn’t help myself, as the orchestra started up and the curtain rose, my pink tutu just had to perform a small pirouette, twirling me right into the beautiful spectacle that was "The Phantom of the Opera"
A Fashion Feast
I couldn’t come to London and not shop, so off I went, to the very chic Liberty Department Store. I was like a kid in a candy store, just gasping and saying “oohs and aahs” at the beautifully displayed, high-end garments. I indulged in a little window shopping. My goal today was not to buy anything. My goal is always to look my absolute best and always to be wearing the prettiest shades of pink. In this store I saw the most beautiful pink shoes I have ever seen in my life, but they would have made a sizeable hole in my wallet. Perhaps I should try to make these for my readers – a tutu inspired shoe line. After this delightful trip I hopped on the underground to my favourite street - Oxford Street. This shopping experience was entirely different, it was an overload of colours, styles and prices – every need imaginable could be satisfied. And this is where I finally made a purchase. I found the most wonderful pale pink knitwear cardigan, just what I need for those brisk Derbyshire evenings. I had to take a few snaps for my Instagram feed – a lovely little ballerina blogger wearing her newly acquired knitwear on Oxford Street in London.
London’s Secrets
Every day, I make sure I have a “secret” stop, tucked away in a corner of my guidebook, hidden from the throngs of tourists, and just for me. Today my stop was "The Queen's Gate Market", located at the bottom of the street, away from all the buzz, I found an array of stalls filled with artisanal goodies and quirky treasures, a place to wander at a slow pace, just enjoying the beauty around me. There was so much to see; I found gorgeous vintage scarves in silk and wool. My new purchase was an exquisite silver ring with an image of the famous Kensington Gardens.
A Perfect Ending
After a full day of exploring the delights of London, I returned to my cozy little guesthouse. I enjoyed a relaxing evening, catching up on my blog writing, admiring the night views from my window, and reminiscing about the incredible adventures of the day.
And you know what? As I lay in bed, I knew that this wouldn't be my last trip to London. This city, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities, has stolen a piece of my heart. It's a city that never sleeps, where dreams are born, and magic is always around the corner.
Stay Pink, Stay Glamorous!
As I end this week's blog post, I can’t help but think of how lucky I am to be able to travel the world, performing ballet, inspiring you to embrace pink and wear a tutu, and writing this blog, I can’t believe how much fun it all is. What adventures will next week bring? Who knows? I'll be sure to update you all in next week's Pink Tutu Blog. In the meantime, stay pink, stay fabulous, and don't be afraid to twirl your way through life.
XOXO, Emma
