Bonjour, mes chérie!
Well, here I am in Paris - the City of Lights! How could I not be excited? I've been planning this trip for months, ever since my Mum and Dad said I could use my ballet performance money to finally take a little break to Paris. It's been on my "Pink Tutu Bucket List" for ages. The City of Love... and Ballet. Perfect.
The journey here was magical, by the way. I hopped on the EuroStar in Derby, my little pink backpack brimming with excitement. Now, if you're a ballerina like me, you know travelling is always a bit of a challenge when it comes to carrying our lovely, swirly tutus! The carriages were thankfully spacious enough to accommodate my travelling outfit - a perfectly pink tutu, a dainty floral top, and of course, my pink ballet shoes. The entire train was practically blushing when I sashayed down the aisle, giggling with delight. It's funny, really, how a pink tutu seems to brighten everyone's day!
And what was the first thing I did after reaching Gare du Nord? (Don't tell my Mum this, but it was definitely NOT sightseeing, despite all her grand plans of the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower!) Why, I ventured to the nearest shop for some fresh ooh-la-la - naturally! I had to find the perfect Parisian outfit for my first day, you see. After all, it's not every day you get to explore the most fashionable city in the world!
I emerged with a gorgeous flowing pink dress - something straight out of a Marie Antoinette dream! Picture a delicate floral print, with layers of soft pink tulle, the perfect complement to my pink ballet shoes. I couldn't wait to spin and twirl in this new dress, like a ballerina princess dancing on cobblestones. My, oh my, it was positively delightful.
And speaking of twirling, today has been all about the ballet! The moment I reached Paris, I set out to find the Opèra Garnier, one of the most breathtaking opera houses I've ever seen! It's just the way you imagine it, like something out of a fairytale, with sparkling lights and glittering gold accents.
*You're going to be happy to know, that right now, there is a "Giselle" ballet running! * Of course I was first in line for tickets, excited to see the beauty and emotion unfold on stage. There is something so special about being a part of the Parisian ballet scene, a real sense of history and tradition. The way they danced tonight, so fluid and passionate - you just know it's coming from their souls, it's pure art! The ballerina in me felt such an intense connection, almost a tingling in my toes as the pointe shoes glided across the stage. This, my dears, was magic.
Now, for a ballerina like myself, there's something truly satisfying about ending a day in Paris with a glass of bubbly and a light bite. It just felt right after watching "Giselle," such an emotional performance! But not before a delightful walk along the Seine, stopping to admire the bridge with its sparkling lights reflected in the river. It really is the perfect backdrop for my dreamy, twirling evening walk.
My legs might be a little tired from a day of exploring, and I may even have a slight ballerina's bun going on (let's face it, dancing on point shoes requires some impressive up-dos!) but this has been a truly memorable day! Paris, you are my heart's delight!
Here's a snippet of what else I did today!
- Musée d’Orsay (Of course, how could I not! So many beautiful Impressionist paintings, some of which were featured in my ballet back in Derbyshire - just had to check them out in their natural environment.)
- Afternoon pastry delight: Croissant, freshly squeezed orange juice, coffee and a tiny macaroon - sigh the perfection of Parisian afternoons.
Charming Street performers: Had a chuckle at the guy in the bowler hat and tweed, playing "Amazing Grace" on a pennywhistle. You wouldn't believe some of the talents they showcase in Paris!
Tomorrow, I have so much planned! I have already scoped out the Champs-Élysées for a little bit of fashion inspiration - you never know, I might pick up a little something for myself! The Eiffel Tower and some delicious local food are high on the agenda. Perhaps even some Ballet on the streets? I'll let you know how that goes, *oui?
Don't forget, ladies! Make sure you visit the pink-tutu.com blog each Saturday to hear all about my Parisian adventures. Until then, keep your tutu pink!
XOXO Emma
P.S. I am on the hunt for the most adorable pink tutu in all of Paris. Don't worry, you'll be the first to know where I find it! I’ll be posting photos to Instagram soon, follow me on @pinktutublogger
P.P.S. This is *Paris #144, and for those who are just joining my pink ballet world, my travels around the world are chronicled here, on Pink Tutu blog!*
