Saturday, 22nd December, 2007
Well, darlings, I've finally done it! I've conquered the Chunnel! (I know, it's a bit of an exaggeration - it's just a train, really - but to a little girl from Derbyshire, the EuroStar feels like the most glamorous way to get to Paris!) And let me tell you, I've packed my pinkest, most fabulous tutu just for this occasion. We're going to be exploring the City of Lights for the next week and I plan on leaving a trail of pink tulle wherever we go.
After a wonderfully luxurious, perfectly pink afternoon tea in the plush carriages of the EuroStar, we arrived in the Gare du Nord feeling utterly transported to a magical world. I was so excited! The architecture here is incredible – all those gorgeous grand buildings, the intricate stonework, and the soft, buttery glow of the streetlamps. I couldn't wait to get exploring!
And let me tell you, exploring is precisely what we did! Paris is just bursting with things to see and do. It's hard to know where to start. Of course, we began with a stroll along the Seine – with the iconic Eiffel Tower rising in the distance, I felt like I was straight out of a ballet, floating through the streets with graceful pirouettes! The romantic air of the riverfront is utterly intoxicating and the atmosphere is so lively and exciting. I swear, Paris feels alive in a way that's quite different from anywhere else I've been.
We ended up spending the afternoon wandering through the charming streets of Montmartre. Every corner is filled with unique boutiques and art galleries, not to mention delicious boulangeries and quaint cafés. I picked up a little silver Eiffel Tower charm for my pink ballet shoes, of course! The perfect souvenir to remember this wonderful day.
Speaking of ballet shoes, I couldn't come to Paris without paying a visit to the Opéra Garnier, could I? It's the most majestic opera house I've ever seen – with ornate gold decoration, elegant chandeliers, and velvet-lined boxes. I imagined myself twirling on that magnificent stage in a shimmering, pink tutu, under the gaze of the most esteemed Parisian audience. Maybe one day, darlings, maybe one day!
Later in the evening, we made our way to the vibrant Latin Quarter to experience Parisian nightlife. We found a cozy little café filled with the chatter of locals and tourists alike, sipping their wine and indulging in decadent desserts. It was the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.
As for today's ballet, I took a class in the very heart of Montmartre, with a troupe of talented young ballerinas who were as passionate as they were graceful. There's something so powerful and transformative about ballet, especially in a place like Paris. It’s like magic!
But let's be honest, Paris isn't just about ballets and grand buildings! Shopping here is a whole other kind of magic. I spent an entire afternoon at the famous Galeries Lafayette department store – what a dazzling wonderland! Rows upon rows of dazzling outfits, from haute couture to chic Parisian street fashion, enough to make any girl dizzy with delight! And let me tell you, I found some real gems. A shimmering silver scarf that matched my ballet shoes perfectly, and a delicate pink lace dress for an evening at the theatre – it's so wonderfully feminine and elegant, it makes me feel like a Parisian princess!
This week is going to be an absolute whirlwind, with so much more to discover! Tomorrow we're going on a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Tuileries Garden – I've got my most romantic tutu ready, and hopefully the horses will be happy to let me touch their pretty snouts. Then on Monday, it's off to the Louvre Museum for a dose of art and culture! The Mona Lisa will finally be getting the attention she deserves with a pink tulle spotlight – she might have a Mona Lisa smile, but I'll have a full-on Parisian ballerina twirl!
So, darlings, make sure you pop back next week for more Parisian adventures, pink fashion, and all things ballet. It's going to be fabulous, and I can't wait to share it with you.
À bientôt,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
