#PinkTutuBlogParis - Saturday 2011-05-07 Exploring Paris

Bonjour mes amis! Welcome back to my little corner of the internet, where all things pink and twirly are celebrated. Today, I’m whisking you away with me on an enchanting trip to the most romantic city in the world – Paris! I know, I know, how absolutely cliché, but seriously, who doesn't adore Paris? The croissants, the cafes, the chic fashion, the beautiful architecture, the museums…and the ballet! (Cue the dramatic violins).

It’s been a while since I’ve graced this space with a blog post – busy schedule you see! (Who needs sleep when you have dance rehearsals and performances to conquer?) But I wouldn’t dare leave you hanging. After all, it's Saturday, and you know what that means… Paris Blog Day!

As a ballerina, my heart belongs on stage, and as a dedicated adventurer, my feet always yearn for a new city to explore. Combining both passions, I decided to take a trip to the French capital - and what better way to do it than by EuroStar? There’s something about the thrill of high-speed train travel, coupled with the chance to admire the rolling countryside landscapes.

The moment I set foot in Gare du Nord, I knew this was going to be a magical week. The aroma of fresh pastries in the air, the enchanting sound of French chatter, and the stylishly-dressed Parisian ladies all around me… it was a ballerina’s dream!

But before I delve into the heart of Paris, I need to tell you about how I made this trip possible. Remember when I told you about that ballet competition I entered? Well, let's just say my hard work paid off! Thanks to my winning performance, I received a generous bursary that I carefully saved to fund my dream Parisian escape. (Remember: dance is your ticket to the world!)

Now, I can’t keep you waiting any longer - let’s dive into my Parisian adventures!

Saturday, May 7th, 2011. I made a bee-line to the Gare du Nord’s famous Boulangerie – oh la la, those croissants! - and devoured a decadent pastry for breakfast, feeling like I had stepped straight out of a whimsical Parisian film. After my breakfast delight, I headed to the legendary Palais Garnier. It’s considered one of the world’s most prestigious opera houses - truly breathtaking architecture, you’ve just got to see it! I walked around the exterior, marveling at the ornate details, and dreamt of being one of those amazing ballerinas on the grand stage within.

I spent the rest of the afternoon wandering around the charming streets of Le Marais. You could say this is where I fell in love with the Parisian vibe – quaint cafes, trendy boutiques, charming boutiques filled with all things vintage and fabulous, and an energy that makes you want to twirl and laugh like a Parisian spring!

And of course, as always, I wore my signature pink tutu! It turned out to be a total ice-breaker – Parisian strangers smiled, offered compliments, and even tried to twirl with me! My pink tutu became my key to opening doors to conversation and laughter. It seems the French adore anything pink and sparkly!

This evening, my biggest dream was fulfilled: a real ballet show at the Palais Garnier! I was lucky enough to snag a ticket to see a production of Swan Lake. My heart pounded as I entered the iconic theatre – the golden chandeliers glimmered, the plush velvet seating looked positively decadent, and the air hummed with a mix of excitement and hushed anticipation.

I watched, spellbound, as the dancers floated across the stage. It was simply incredible – the grace, the skill, the passion… and that breathtaking costume! It was as if a dream had come to life right before my eyes.

On Monday, I indulged in a little retail therapy! Who can resist the allure of designer boutiques and Parisian fashion? From Hermès and Louis Vuitton to quirky independent shops, I discovered hidden treasures on the iconic Rue Saint-Honoré. It's definitely where every fashionista dreams of finding a bargain!

You know I adore a classic monochrome outfit - I paired my pink tutu with a sleek white tank top, a crisp white blazer, and chic black tights. It felt very French - chic yet effortless!

Did you know? France is renowned for its vintage shops! - so on Tuesday, I hit the streets, searching for unique treasures. I stumbled upon a delightful vintage boutique nestled in a quaint, cobbled street. My hunt resulted in an exquisitely patterned, hand-stitched lace skirt that looked absolutely divine with my pink tutu!

The Eiffel Tower has been on my list for ages. Imagine my delight when I saw it up close on Wednesday morning! I’ve got to admit, even in person, it’s just as magnificent as all those photographs I’d seen. As if to make it even more magical, I witnessed a ballet troupe practicing near the Seine - and their beautiful moves, set against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, created a magical tableau. Talk about inspiration!

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, I decided to see what a real Parisian evening felt like. So I booked myself a diner at a traditional bistro in the Latin Quarter - a place locals and tourists alike flocked to, judging by the lively crowd!

Oh la la! The food, the atmosphere, the sheer Parisian charm… it was unforgettable!

The waiter’s suggestion was a delectable creamy mushroom soup, served with freshly baked bread. My meal was accompanied by a glass of fruity Pinot Grigio. The soft twinkling lights set a romantic scene and it truly was a culinary and sensory feast!

And I've got to tell you - after enjoying a decadent crepe at a quaint street cafe, I had the most wonderful *dinner theatre experience! I’d stumbled upon a small Parisian theatre, hidden down a side street, where I was entertained by the most delightful cabaret performance! From beautiful singing to dynamic dancing, the show was a joy to watch and experience. I'd found another hidden gem, a tiny pocket of Paris that truly shone!

It’s been a wonderful whirlwind of Parisian adventures, and today, it’s time to head home. As much as I wanted to stay in Paris forever, real life calls. And yes, I’ve bought a beautiful pink Parisian beret to remember my trip by! - a fabulous addition to my tutu wardrobe!

So I’m saying au revoir to this magical city. Paris, you’ve stolen my heart, with your charm, your elegance, your passion for the arts, your delicious food and your beautiful language. I know I will be back one day - in fact, I'm already thinking about planning another trip, maybe for next spring, or even later this year!

In the meantime, my lovely followers, you can bet I’ll be incorporating French touches into my life - whether it’s whipping up classic French dishes, learning a few new French phrases, or dancing up a storm inspired by my Parisian experiences.

Remember, dear reader, always wear your tutu with confidence! Embrace the pink, twirl with joy, and let your heart guide you wherever your adventures take you. Until next week, au revoir, et bonne semaine!