Hello darlings! It’s Emma, your pink tutu-clad correspondent, back from the City of Lights with a whirlwind of Parisian delights! Today, my suitcase bursts with the fabulous memories of our latest EuroStar adventure to Paris, where the cobblestone streets whispered tales of romance and the air buzzed with a palpable joie de vivre. It's always an absolute joy to step into Paris, a place that embraces everything I love - art, culture, fashion, and a sprinkle of Parisian magic!
This week’s blog post is a little different from usual – think "Bonjour, Paris!" and “Ooh La La!” instead of barre work and pointe shoe technique! (Don’t worry, ballet lovers, I’m still hitting the dance floor when we’re back home!). Today, it’s all about capturing the quintessential Parisian spirit and falling head over heels with its charms!
As always, a journey to Paris starts with a whisper of Parisian dreams as the Eurostar glides me away from the English countryside. Just a hop across the Channel and, boom – we’re at Gare du Nord! I love those big, brassy Parisian train stations! It’s like a scene from a movie. From the train, to the taxi, and then… oh la la! Here it is – our Parisian apartment! Tucked away in a charming courtyard, just a skip and a hop from the Seine. A perfect setting for our adventures!
You know me - I love a good Parisian plan. So we hit the ground running (okay, maybe a little pink tutu skipping) on our first full day. Armed with a trusty travel guide and my “to do” list, we made our way to the iconic Eiffel Tower.
First Stop - The Eiffel Tower
Oh, my goodness, it truly is as breathtaking in person as in photographs. Just gazing upon this magnificent steel marvel leaves you feeling speechless! As we climbed the dizzying stairs, the views just got better and better! From the top, the panorama of Paris stretched out before us in a symphony of Parisian rooftops, the Seine glittering like a silver ribbon.
For someone as fascinated by fashion as I am, of course we headed straight to the Avenue des Champs-Élysées. This iconic boulevard, lined with designer shops and historic cafes, is like a playground for the senses. I admit, I was a bit on a budget after paying for the EuroStar, so the window shopping was intense - but even seeing the fashionistas and the elegance in every store front, made the experience fabulous. I did sneak a tiny pink tutu-shaped pin into my purse at a small shop down one of the side streets - it just called to me!
The Art and Charm of Musée d'Orsay
Next up on the agenda – Musée d'Orsay! Imagine paintings by Renoir, Degas, Manet and Monet right there, just for you! It’s no surprise that we spent hours lost in this artistic wonderland. They were so realistic. Some of the paintings felt so alive, like you could reach into the picture!
There were these magnificent sculptures of ballet dancers in a gallery - their tutus swirling and graceful figures. It really was so very inspiring to be in that setting, and I can't imagine what the Parisian Ballet School is like! I have a ballet recital coming up this June, and these sculptures have already provided me with tons of creative ideas.
Bonjour, Bistro!
A trip to Paris isn’t complete without a little bit of bistro charm. It's amazing how just finding a small table for two in a tiny cafe with a waiter dressed in a black and white checkered apron just fills the entire experience with a certain Parisian essence. You really just want to take everything in with slow sips of strong coffee and delicious pastries, you know? Oh and let's not forget about all the wine and cheese! They were really indulgent, but I definitely didn’t mind! I have been putting in some serious time at ballet practice, and have been doing quite a few recitals for special occasions and fundraising – I’ve definitely earned my treat!
We had such fun wandering through the Latin Quarter, taking in the charming street performers, browsing the shops, and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic district. Everywhere we walked was just overflowing with a mix of ancient history and modern energy, It is just so amazing to feel a bit of the Parisian lifestyle, like we’ve really become a part of their story!
Shopping Adventures - A Touch of Parisian Style
Parisian shops, darling! Let's just say - my debit card got quite the workout. (You’ll have to forgive me, I know that ballet can be quite costly!) My bank balance took a dip from my Parisian purchases, but they’re going straight into my upcoming recital wardrobe and for my spring performance costume. A pink tutu can always be dressed up with Parisian accessories, and of course, it wouldn't be a true Parisian trip without indulging in a new pair of sparkly ballerina flats, right?! Parisian style is all about feeling chic and put-together without even trying!
One thing that’s really changed my view on Parisian shopping has to be all of the markets! I found a charming antique market filled with antique furniture, books, and curios. This is just such a Parisian thing! There was even a vendor selling an array of tutus in every colour of the rainbow, but of course, the pink one called to me like a siren. A must-buy, it was, just because you never know when you might need to add a splash of pink!
A Ballet Under the Stars!
And to end our incredible Parisian adventure, we treated ourselves to a captivating evening performance of Romeo & Juliet. Seeing such a powerful performance of the ballet, performed in the grandeur of the Opéra Garnier, the feeling was unforgettable! The theatre itself was a beautiful blend of classic and contemporary styles - every bit as amazing as I had envisioned.
Just imagining that elegant theatre, those graceful dancers with the incredible backdrops, and the magnificent costumes. The whole production just gave me that little bit of inspiration I needed for my own ballet routines! I will never forget that ballet under the Paris night sky. It was like we were a part of the Parisian fairy tale that I love to read about!
Well darlings, that was my Parisian adventures in a pink tutu. Of course, this week was about exploring the romantic and magical essence of Paris, but you can expect my blog to go back to the things I love most about ballet - from costume design to performance practice - very soon. Keep those tutus twirling and never forget to spread some pink sparkle wherever you go!
Catch you next week on the blog!
XOXO
Emma
