Saturday, 30th August, 2014
Bonjour, mes chers amis! I’m writing to you from the most romantic city in the world – Paris! Yes, I’ve finally made it! I’ve been dreaming of this trip for ages, ever since I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time on a school trip when I was just a little girl in Derbyshire. Back then, I was convinced it was the real-life castle from Cinderella. It may not be made of glass, but there’s something about Paris that truly makes you feel like you’re living in a fairytale!
My trip here has been a long time coming. You see, as a professional ballerina, my travel plans are often dictated by performances. I spent the past few weeks performing in a beautiful production of Swan Lake in the gorgeous town of Edinburgh, which was a wonderful way to spend the summer. Edinburgh’s beautiful scenery made for a rather idyllic background for our Swan Lake ballet! But now, it's time to switch things up, leave my pointe shoes behind (well, for a while anyway!), and embrace the delights of Paris!
Speaking of embracing delights, let’s talk about the journey here! I must confess, the EuroStar was everything I'd hoped for. It's so convenient, like stepping into a stylish capsule and arriving in another country in mere hours! It was all so beautifully efficient, with friendly staff and ample leg room. And, best of all, they provided me with delicious little snacks and a glass of wine (what's a girly girl to do after a performance?). By the time we arrived in Gare du Nord, I felt like I was ready to take on the City of Lights!
The first thing I did was hop into a taxi and head to my hotel. Let me tell you, finding the perfect Parisian hotel is a dream come true. My heart skipped a beat when I walked into my room, with its charming views of the rooftops and elegant décor. Of course, I wouldn’t be me without adding my own personal touch. A smattering of my signature pink, courtesy of my gorgeous pink silk scarf and some strategically placed cushions, instantly made me feel right at home!
But I couldn't spend too much time luxuriating in my lovely hotel. Paris was calling! It wasn’t long before I was strolling down the chic boulevards, breathing in the intoxicating scent of fresh bread and coffee. There was something electric about the city - the buzz of conversation, the soft click of heels against cobblestones, and the laughter of happy people.
I decided to begin my exploration with a little walk down the Seine, mesmerized by the magnificent Eiffel Tower glittering in the afternoon sun. Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without a few pictures for my beloved Instagram, and I knew this iconic monument would be a must. The iconic lady herself stood gracefully, adorned in a symphony of shimmering lights, as though celebrating the very beauty of the city.
The charming little streets around the Eiffel Tower were full of sweet cafés, adorable bookstores, and shops filled with elegant Parisian treasures. I found myself wandering in and out of them, trying to absorb as much of the Parisian charm as possible.
But my sweet tooth couldn't resist the siren call of a beautiful Parisian bakery. I couldn't help but snag a fresh croissant, crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and as delicious as the croissants I remember from childhood holidays. My taste buds were doing a little dance of joy, I promise you.
After a sweet and decadent treat, I decided to venture a bit further afield. My love of ballet knows no bounds, so I planned to treat myself to a matinee performance at the Opéra Garnier, a gorgeous grand palace of an opera house! Just as I imagined, it was absolutely breathtaking. The ornate architecture, the soaring ceiling, the elegant balconies, everything felt so timeless and majestic. It’s no wonder so many people fall in love with the grandeur of Paris!
The ballet I chose was a new interpretation of Giselle. I had seen Giselle countless times before, but there's always something magical about witnessing the story unfold in a new way. It’s remarkable how a tale of love and tragedy, set in such a fantastical world of nature and the supernatural, can still feel so incredibly relevant today. And with the impeccable costumes, the brilliant dancers, and the powerful music, it was an absolutely breathtaking experience. The ballet is like an enchantment, and the emotion carried in every movement captivated my soul.
After the ballet, I strolled back to the hotel. As I was walking down the streets, a wonderful scent of freshly baked bread and roasting coffee filled the air. The bakeries here in Paris just seem to possess a secret ingredient - something utterly enchanting and deliciously irresistible!
Tomorrow, I’ll explore some of the many wonderful museums and art galleries Paris has to offer. Of course, no visit would be complete without shopping! I can already envision myself adding to my wardrobe with some beautiful vintage pieces, all perfectly matched with my pink tutu, of course!
It's amazing how one day can be filled with so many breathtaking experiences in this beautiful city! And while I may not be twirling on stage tonight, Paris itself is already offering me a show-stopping performance. I'll be sharing my Parisian adventures with you next week.
Until then, keep twirling!
Love,
Emma
xx
www.pink-tutu.com
