Saturday, 23rd December, 2006
Bonjour mes amies! Well, here I am, back in the City of Lights, and oh, how it's dazzling! Paris is truly the most magical place on earth, especially during the festive season.
This trip's a bit different than usual – a festive treat before the end of the year. You know I'm a girl who loves a good celebration, especially when there are Christmas markets, hot chocolate, and a chance to spin in my favourite pink tutu, even in the cold December air!
Getting here was a dream. The Eurostar zipped us through the Channel Tunnel, leaving behind the green fields of Derbyshire and the chilly winter air, and delivering me to the vibrant heart of Paris, feeling as though I was travelling through a magical, enchanted wonderland! I even found a fellow tutu enthusiast on the train – she was a darling little girl who couldn’t help but admire my swirling pinkness. You can't help but be cheered up by the sight of a little girl in a tutu!
Fashion Frenzy & Frosted Fingertips
After leaving the station, I had a shopping spree, of course! My first stop was Galleries Lafayette – a magical department store where the Christmas tree is adorned with twinkling lights and giant candy canes. I just couldn’t resist grabbing a couple of the beautiful cashmere scarves with sparkly details - the perfect way to stay warm in style while enjoying the Parisien magic.
Paris in December is so full of romance and sparkle! There are twinkly lights everywhere, beautiful decorations, and the aroma of hot chocolate and gingerbread lingering in the air. It's utterly charming! And while the weather’s crisp and frosty, it doesn't stop me from getting out in my pink tutu, even though my fingers get numb!
Christmas Markets and a Twinkling Eiffel Tower
You can't come to Paris without visiting a Christmas market. My favourite was the one on Champs-Élysées, the legendary Avenue of Lights! There were so many twinkling lights and delicious treats, and I even got to try my hand at fortune telling, all while wearing a glittering silver scarf to go with my beloved tutu.
And just a short walk away, the Eiffel Tower – she sparkles so beautifully in the dark, covered with tiny white lights. I almost forgot I was in the city as I gazed up at her grandeur, mesmerised by her glittering spectacle! A true Parisien fairytale, don't you think?
A Christmas Ballet and an Ode to Paris
As the night descended, I couldn't wait to experience some real Paris magic. Tonight, it’s the Nutcracker at the Opéra Garnier. This incredible building has a real air of opulence and grandeur, the perfect setting for such a timeless and beautiful story. There's nothing like being enveloped by the magical sound of Tchaikovsky’s music, seeing the dancers swirling through the stage, the incredible costumes, the vibrant sets – it was simply exquisite. I almost cried! I think my tutu and I will always have a soft spot for the Nutcracker.
The Nutcracker got me feeling all Christmasy! So I treated myself to macarons – the quintessential Parisian delight, with pink ones in honour of my tutu! – and hot chocolate to celebrate my festive escapade!
I love this city, its beautiful architecture, its friendly people, its love of culture and art, and, of course, its delicious pastries!
This week in Paris was pure bliss! Even if I have to return to England, the magic of the city and its winter enchantment will live on in my heart until next time, I hope! As they say in French: "Vive la Paris!" I couldn't have wished for a better end to 2006. It has been a fantastic year for this pink-tutu wearing, dance loving, Paris loving girl! Au revoir, mon Paris, jusqu'à la prochaine fois!
Pink Tutu Blogger, out!
Keep up with my Parisian adventures at www.pink-tutu.com
