#PinkTutuBlogParis - Post 559 - Saturday 10th September 2010: Paris, je t’aime!
Bonjour mes amies!
It's Emma, and I'm finally in Paris! The City of Lights! It's just like all those beautiful movies, only even more stunning in real life. My journey from Derbyshire began with a morning train ride down to London, where I boarded the magical EuroStar - a perfect way to start my Parisian adventure.
The moment the train pulled into the Gare du Nord station, I felt my heart flutter like a butterfly in a tutu. You know, like when you spot that perfect vintage dress in a charity shop or hear that first chord of a symphony you love - that feeling. Pure magic.
This trip has been a long time coming. Ever since I was a little girl and saw pictures of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral in my beloved fairy tale books, Paris had a special place in my heart. To finally be here, pink tutu twirling and camera clicking away, feels like the greatest dream come true.
And my pink tutu? Oh, it's a beauty! I call her "Gigi." She's a fluffy, ballerina-inspired masterpiece with soft, pink layers and shimmering sequins. She twirls so effortlessly with every gust of Parisian air - quite frankly, it's hard to choose which is more graceful, me or the Eiffel Tower itself!
But let's rewind a little, shall we? My Parisian adventure kicked off with a grand performance in Derby yesterday, with an audience enthralled by my ballet piece "The Pink Flamingo." (Let’s face it, they can’t resist the combination of pink, a tutu, and an emotional performance!) The proceeds from this show were going to pay for my travel and some fabulously pink Parisian purchases, which I'm so excited about! (Yes, I am absolutely addicted to all things pink!)
Today was about getting my bearings in the city. I walked, oh, I walked, miles and miles of Parisian streets, soaking up every moment. There were charming cafes with tiny tables, overflowing flower stalls with blooms in every imaginable hue (naturally, pink was the standout!), and friendly, chatty Parisian women who, much to my delight, seemed to love the pink tutu just as much as I did! I felt like I was in one of my favourite classic movies, only with a twist of pink and sparkle.
The streets here are so alive, bursting with life, with history whispered in every corner. I paused at every photo-worthy corner to snap a pic or two with Gigi, the Eiffel Tower looming large in the background. And even though it’s just the first day, I already know I’m going to miss this place the second I leave!
Of course, my favourite part of the day? The magnificent Palace Garnier Opera House! My dear friends, this building is breathtaking, like a giant pink ballet shoe from a fairy tale. Even though it was closed today (Sunday is their day off!), I stood outside, transfixed, lost in the sheer artistry and grandeur of this magnificent palace of performance. Oh, the stories it could tell, the whispers of costumes, the soft tapping of dancers' shoes, the thrum of a symphony. I can't wait to step inside on Wednesday and be transported by the magic of an opera performance - another big dream for me.
The day culminated in a lovely picnic by the Seine River. I felt a little fancy, dining on freshly baked croissants and drinking from a pretty porcelain cup (with the Eiffel Tower embossed on it, of course). The sunshine dipped behind the buildings as dusk set in, and the city became bathed in a warm, golden glow, everything looking more magical under the twilight sky.
This is truly the most beautiful city I’ve ever seen. Every cobbled street, every cobblestoned corner, every Parisian park… It’s all so…dreamlike. Even the gentle hum of the city feels like a sweet melody, an enchanting rhythm. It’s the kind of city that stays with you, that nestles into your heart and fills you with a happiness you didn't know you needed.
But don’t think for a moment that I'm going to let myself just float away in Parisian bliss, all frills and fun! This is my pink-tutu-tastic journey and it's time to see how Parisian fashion compares to London’s. And to do that, tomorrow we hit the shops, baby!
Oh, my tutu is calling! It’s telling me there’s a sale on pretty floral accessories at a charming shop around the corner. Time to shop till I drop!
Stay tuned for the adventures in the pink paradise!
Au revoir mes amies,
Emma xoxo
P.S. If you haven't been to Paris, do it! Don’t even think about it, just book your ticket and get ready to have the time of your life. And don’t forget to wear your tutu - the city deserves it! ;)
And don't forget to check out my website www.pink-tutu.com! I'm always updating it with fun stuff - photos from my trips, ballet tips, fashion finds and more. Join me on this crazy, wonderful pink journey!
Love, Emma xxx