Monday, 3rd June 2019
Hello my darlings! 🩰
It's Emma here, back from the Big Apple with a heart full of glitter and a wardrobe overflowing with new treasures. This week's Pink Tutu Blog takes us on a whirlwind adventure through New York City, a city that stole my heart (and maybe a few of my pennies) just as I'd hoped it would.
Remember how I said I was funding my travels through ballet performances? Well, this trip was all thanks to a lovely charity gala in Derbyshire. They were celebrating the 20th anniversary of a little ballet school, and they put on a delightful performance, the funds of which enabled me to whisk myself off to the land of dreams. 🗽
Now, I'm not going to lie, getting around this city with a large pink tutu wasn't always easy. There was a funny moment at Times Square (yes, the real one!) when I almost tripped over a pigeon in my hurry to get a good picture. But the Metro? Absolute bliss. You see, I think people here get used to all the eccentrics! 😉 I definitely attracted some attention, which always puts a little spring in my step!
Speaking of spring, what better way to embrace the sunshine and the city than with a jaunt to Central Park? Picture this: I’m twirling, laughing, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, and... someone stops to ask if they can take my picture! A little boy even clapped excitedly and said "I love your pink tutu!" Just delightful. 💖
And the food, oh the food! From the melt-in-your-mouth cheesecake to the most delicious pretzels (freshly baked and with the saltiest, most divine glaze!), New York didn't disappoint. I had a particularly lovely time trying a local Italian deli, nestled in the most charming corner of Greenwich Village, with an old-school feel that just screams "New York!". My taste buds danced, just as gracefully as my feet!
Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without some serious shopping! You know me and my love for all things fashion. I was especially excited to hit the legendary garment district, an Aladdin’s cave of fabrics and textiles. The sights, the smells, the textures, it was sensory overload! I have to say, I came away with some incredible finds for my summer wardrobe – I even treated myself to a stunning, sequinned dress (can you believe it?!) and a few unique vintage items from a quirky little store in SoHo.
Speaking of shopping, one of my highlights was the MoMA Design Store. Honestly, I just couldn't get enough! I went a little overboard with beautiful stationery, mugs (I’m always on the lookout for the perfect cuppa!), and even some art supplies for my latest painting project (yes, I dabble!). What's not to love about inspiring colours, geometric patterns and design ideas!
But New York isn't just about food, fashion, and frivolity (though that is a very important part!). I felt truly touched by the city's artistic soul, too. My feet took me to Broadway (where else!), and the energy, the music, the emotion, it all flowed right through me.
My trip culminated with a fantastic ballet performance. Imagine my excitement to see the renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT)! I managed to snag a ticket for a performance of "Giselle". The theatre was spectacular, with glittering chandeliers and velvet seats, and the dancing, my goodness, it was a breathtaking masterpiece! The dancers were exquisite, the music was so moving, and the emotions pouring from every step made me want to cry.
Of course, my New York experience wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns (though, those unicorn cupcakes I found at a little cafe were simply divine!). There were some challenging moments – those early morning commutes, with grumpy tourists and endless crowds (not that anyone else noticed me tucked away in my little corner!), weren't exactly the stuff of dreams. And, let’s not forget the long walks, where my trusty pink tutu (which I proudly wore throughout the city!) took its toll. My aching feet could have told a story about resilience and glamour in equal measure! 😉
And the food, well, there was one slightly unsettling experience in a questionable hotdog stand on the way back to my hostel – the aroma was more "spicy" than "delicious". Perhaps it was the jetlag making me a little more sensitive! But it definitely reinforced the lesson I’d learnt a million times before: when in doubt, stick to the cheesecake. 🍰
All in all, New York City gave me so much - memories I’ll treasure, new clothes to add to my ever-growing collection (it never seems to be enough, does it?!), and an experience I’ll forever be grateful for. The city that never sleeps did just that: it captured my heart, my imagination, and maybe even a little bit of my soul. I’m already dreaming about my next visit, because, in the words of the beloved Coco Chanel, “One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a little black dress. But Emma would add, “nor over-dressed or under-dressed with a pink tutu.”
So until next week, darlings, stay pink and fabulous!
Love,
Emma x
www.pink-tutu.com
