Saturday 28th December 2002
Bonjour from the City of Lights! I'm just back from my favourite way to travel - the Eurostar. Oh, the excitement! Being whisked away from my little corner of Derbyshire to this vibrant, romantic city. The carriages are so plush, like stepping into a dream, and you know I'm always dressed to the nines, naturally with my pink tutu swirling about. A pink tutu on the Eurostar just makes the whole trip more special, doesn't it?
Today was all about exploration. My suitcase is packed to the brim with fabulous outfits - all tutu-ready for Paris, naturally. I’m on a mission to spread the love of tutus, so naturally I've been planning a whole bunch of tutu-themed activities. I think you'll adore this!
I arrived in Gare du Nord early this morning and right away the atmosphere was magical. The station is such an architectural marvel with all those amazing chandeliers. It's a fitting entrance to this wonderful city!
Then it was straight to my gorgeous little hotel. A quaint place on a charming, cobblestone street. Think gables and window boxes overflowing with bright pink geraniums. Totally fitting, don’t you think? I found the hotel online, and honestly, it felt like stumbling on a little Parisian secret.
After settling in, my day began with a pit stop for a much-needed dose of French pastry and cafe au lait. The cafe was tucked away down a quiet side street, and oh, that delicate flaky croissant with my hot, sweet coffee... utter heaven! I've always said there's nothing more delightful than finding hidden gems in a city.
My favourite place to start my Parisian adventure is the Musée d'Orsay. Honestly, you can get lost in there for hours, wandering through the dreamy art. I spent a good chunk of the afternoon just admiring the impressionist and post-impressionist works. My inner artist was just singing! It’s a little Parisian heaven.
From there, I sashayed my tutu over to the Opera Garnier. Oh, the extravagance of it all. This grand dame of a building is just so dramatic, even with a plain dress. Imagine with a tutu - that's a look I might save for tomorrow. It really captures the grandeur of Paris, with its stunning interior and sweeping staircase.
Next, it was shopping time! You simply can’t come to Paris and not hit the shops. I mean, that would be like visiting the Louvre and missing out on the Mona Lisa, right? And, you can't resist buying just one more pink tutu in the Parisian boutiques. That's how they get you! (It’s fine, I don’t mind at all.) I actually have a plan for a full tutu outfit – a classic pink tulle with layers upon layers and a matching shrug. I might wear that to the Moulin Rouge tonight, if I can find the time.
A little insider tip for the Parisian shoppers: wander away from the big tourist spots. There are loads of amazing little independent boutiques nestled down backstreets, filled with quirky finds.
After all that, you know a tutu-loving gal needs to catch a ballet performance. The programme for this week at the Palais Garnier features Giselle. The music is exquisite, the choreography is beautiful, and just to top it off, my beloved pink tutu just shines under the stage lights! Of course, this will require a little more fancy than my casual afternoon look - perhaps with an elegant black or silver tutu and some elegant, sparkly ballet flats? Oh, it’s just so much to choose from! What I love most is the feeling that I'm truly living out a dream. That’s what it’s all about, don't you think? Sharing that joy is the most amazing thing in the world.
Today’s evening performance had a grand finale – the Parisian parade. A perfect end to a wonderful Parisian day. It was spectacular! Oh, I’ll have more to share about it all in my next blog post - I’m saving the best for last. But for now, just think twinkling lights and glorious Parisian charm. I may be back home in Derbyshire next week, but I know for sure that I'll be dreaming of Paris all through next week’s performances!
Well, I'm off to get ready. What’s a Parisian evening without some glamour? Tonight, it’s tutus and glitter for this ballet-loving Parisian!
Until next time!
Stay pink, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
