Bonjour mes chéries!
Well, here I am, back in the City of Lights for the weekend. Paris - oh Paris - where else in the world could you be whisked away to a fairytale land just by stepping off a train? That's the magic of the EuroStar for you - zipping you from dreary old Derbyshire to Parisian chic in a matter of hours. And guess what, darling? This weekend is all about tutus!
EuroStar Glamour
You know I always pack a special tutu for train travel, and this week it was a darling pale pink number, adorned with sparkly, silver butterflies. Perfect for waltzing down the carriages! It certainly got some admiring glances, with even the most serious French businessman pausing to smile and nod their approval. What can I say, the pink tutu has a magic touch.
La Gare du Nord: First Glimpse of Parisian Wonder
The moment we arrive at Gare du Nord, a wave of that classic Parisian magic washes over me. It's the bustling energy, the air buzzing with chatter and laughter, the smell of fresh bread wafting from nearby boulangeries, the sound of Parisian street performers playing a haunting melody on a battered accordion… all of it just whisks you away!
I have to tell you, dear readers, that it doesn't take much to make me happy. In fact, all it really takes is a train station! Perhaps I am a bit silly, but there's just something utterly delightful about the hubbub of a grand railway terminus.
Hotel Dreams in Pink
We check into the most charming little hotel in the Latin Quarter - the name escapes me at the moment, but oh, it was lovely. Think quaint, with little balconies draped in bougainvillaea, and walls painted a vibrant rose pink (I may have screamed a little!). After settling in, it's time for the ritual… a whirl around the room, twirling in my new hot pink tutu, and of course, a selfie for the 'gram!
La Seine, Café Crème and Ballet Dreams
A leisurely stroll along the Seine, stopping for a perfectly formed crème brûlée and a strong cup of coffee is a classic Parisian activity, don't you think? This time, I'm adding a touch of magic! The highlight of my trip so far was witnessing a captivating street performance by a talented group of dancers on the Pont Neuf bridge. The way their movements flowed and echoed the curves of the river was absolutely breathtaking, and, dare I say, inspired my own dancing soul!
Le Bal des Demoiselles
Tonight is the real highlight of the trip: "Le Bal des Demoiselles" at the Grand Palais. This is an opulent gala showcasing the latest ballet trends and talents. Oh, it will be fabulous, I just know it. A chance to be amongst the movers and shakers of the ballet world.
What to wear? This, dear reader, is the question that consumes me! I've narrowed it down to a choice of two: my sparkling, sequined purple tutu that shines under the theatre lights, or my crimson masterpiece with tulle layers that twirl beautifully. Such a dilemma!
Tutu Travels, Tutus Everywhere
It's so funny how often my tutu is a topic of conversation, even on my travels. This afternoon, I met a couple from Texas on the Metro who were absolutely captivated by my pink tutu (it was my "Little Red Riding Hood" one - you know, with the hood and the frilly sleeves!). We got to chatting about ballet, and the wife confessed that her dream was to join a class but she was too shy. I insisted that we all have to start somewhere, and she promised she'd go to her first class tomorrow. Who knows, maybe she'll even don a pink tutu of her own!
The Paris Shoping Experience
A Parisian trip is incomplete without indulging in some retail therapy! The department stores along the Champs-Élysées are pure joy. I'm dreaming of a delicate lavender satin scarf to complement my new ballerina-inspired, ivory silk dress that I've fallen in love with. I love how Paris evokes an air of sophisticated femininity that is just begging to be dressed up!
The Tutu-ful Future
Tonight is about indulging in the exquisite ballet world. The energy in Paris is so vibrant and exhilarating, and I am fully embracing the Parisian magic, and of course, the sheer joy of wearing my favourite pink tutu. The journey so far has been beautiful, and I'm sure tomorrow will hold more Parisian adventures, from exploring charming little patisseries to catching another fantastic street performance, perhaps even joining a spontaneous flash mob, if I feel brave enough!
Stay tuned for my next Paris blog post - I'm sure it will be a tutu-licious delight!
Bisous!
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
