#PinkTutuBlogLondon Friday 2009-01-02 Exploring London

Hey darlings! It's Friday, the 2nd of January, 2009, and guess what? Your girl is in London!

I know, I know, I've been saying it for weeks now, but I'm finally here, and I'm officially buzzing! Derbyshire may be home, but my heart beats a little faster when I step onto the bustling streets of this incredible city.

Honestly, who else would travel by train to London just for a day trip? Well, this pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, that's who! And let me tell you, it was the perfect way to kick off the year!

First things first, I have to gush about the journey. The train journey from Derby was like a mini adventure in itself. I donned my most vibrant pink ensemble, with a feather boa for good measure, naturally. The carriages were packed with cheery Londoners heading home after the holidays, and I made sure to chat them up a little bit. You'd be surprised how many people smile when you're sporting a full-blown pink tutu! I even taught some fellow passengers the 'Tutu Twist'! They seemed a bit shy at first, but by the end of the ride, we were all practically waltzing down the aisles!

The journey passed in a flurry of chatter, watching picturesque English countryside melt into the industrial sprawl of the city, all the while daydreaming of London's delights. I love the anticipation, the anticipation of new discoveries, the sheer joy of being lost in the exciting city for the day!

The moment I arrived at London St Pancras station, my heart swirled with joy! That incredible glass roof just draws you in, doesn't it? It feels grand and magical, just like London itself. Then the rush, the sounds of busy people, the aroma of coffee mingling with fresh doughnuts! Oh, the excitement!

But of course, first things first, I needed to check in with my good friend Penelope! Penelope is a dancer who lives in a tiny, chic flat in Covent Garden, just a few minutes from Royal Opera House, my haven for beautiful ballet! I felt so blessed to have a place to leave my bags, and Penelope made a wonderful cup of tea while we gossiped about everything and nothing. Just like old times!

Right after teatime, we dashed to the Royal Opera House. The production tonight was "The Nutcracker" – a classic and a favourite! The music, the costumes, the dancers, everything felt so perfectly aligned. I felt as if I was truly in a magical world!

Penelope whispered to me as we were leaving, “Emma, I love the energy you bring. You brighten up the whole place!” I know I was just wearing my pink tutu and sparkly ballet shoes, but her compliment made me beam for the entire walk back to Penelope's. I truly felt that pink tutu energy radiating, brightening the whole evening for everyone. That's my goal, after all, isn't it?

I woke to a beautiful, frosty London morning, the city glittering under a blanket of frost. Breakfast in Covent Garden was a delightful mix of pastries, fruit, and coffee – it set the perfect tone for my day of exploring!

With my ballet bag and a bright pink feather boa to keep my neck warm, we were ready to hit London's streets. First, we stopped at a shop called "Twirl and Sparkle". They have a dazzling collection of ballet shoes, costumes, and accessories. I couldn't resist a few new pairs of satin pointe shoes in blush pink, of course! Penelope, being the fantastic friend she is, helped me choose!

Then we strolled along the Thames. Penelope showed me the London Eye, and it was quite an impressive sight, but it was just a bit too touristy for me. What I really love is the feel of the city itself. The quaint little cobblestone alleys, the smell of hot chips coming from a food stall. You see, my favourite moments are about the unforeseen.

Penelope had a few errands in Bloomsbury, so we wandered through the streets stopping in the shops she frequents. I was immediately captivated by the sense of tradition and history, a place of great thinkers and dreamers. We paused at one particular antique shop and found some exquisite vintage pieces - brooches, necklaces, earrings, and pins - all a gorgeous deep pink! I added a couple of vintage pendant necklaces to my collection and a brooch shaped like a ballerina - the perfect memento of our trip! Penelope had also found some vintage jewellery. She looks fabulous in scarlet, she says she is a "scarlet flame!"

After our shopping spree, Penelope took me to her favourite spot, The Orangery in Kensington Gardens. You simply cannot visit London without experiencing afternoon tea in a beautifully ornate garden café! And we weren't disappointed! The scones, the tea, the delicious cakes, it was truly decadent! They had the most beautiful china cups too! We were completely surrounded by all sorts of flowers and greenery – what a perfect place to unwind.

We both agreed we felt refreshed, ready to explore more of the city – London simply has so much to offer. We strolled around the Royal Albert Hall for a bit, admiring the architecture and history. We stopped for a photo next to its grand facade, Penelope in scarlet, and of course, me in pink, both smiling brightly.

Next we headed towards the heart of the West End, where London’s magic shines bright! The West End was buzzing! People hurrying here and there. We even caught a glimpse of the beautiful red buses as they rumbled past. It was the perfect finale to our wonderful London adventure!

Our day culminated with a spectacular show at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. It was the classic musical "Phantom of the Opera". I can honestly say it took my breath away! The musical score was incredible, and the costumes, particularly the chandelier scenes, were just awe-inspiring! It was an utterly captivating experience, reminding me why the West End theatre truly holds a special place in my heart.

The day ended just as swiftly as it began. I found myself on the train again, headed back to Derbyshire. But London has this magical ability to make you feel like you have lived a lifetime in a few hours.

I had spent a day following my pink tutu passion – ballet, shopping, theatre! I found so much beauty and excitement everywhere I looked, and it filled me with the desire to keep on dreaming pink! And of course, the trip made me realize how important it is to keep exploring and sharing my joy of life through the lens of my pink tutu!

And that's the beauty of this little pink tutu life, isn't it? Each new adventure, whether it's exploring London, stepping on stage, or simply going to the shops, becomes a beautiful chapter in this life of sparkling pink tutu magic!

I hope you've enjoyed this journey with me!

I’ll be back next Friday, with more adventures from the world of pink tutus! Until then, keep those twirls high and your spirits sparkling. Remember, you don't need a pink tutu to sparkle – just let your inner light shine through!

See you next week, and until then, be fabulous! 💖✨

Stay tuned for more pink tutu fun at www.pink-tutu.com !