Saturday, 29th July 2023
Bonjour mes chéries! I'm so excited to be in Paris! It's finally happened. My Parisian adventure is here, and believe me, my pink tutu and I are ready for some seriously chic times.
This trip feels different, almost magical, because it's the culmination of years of dreaming. Since I was little, my imagination soared to the city of lights, a symphony of elegance and art, a paradise for pink tutus, and oh, those breathtaking ballet shows.
This time, my travels took a very special journey. I boarded the Eurostar - such a sleek and modern way to travel - leaving the lush green fields of Derbyshire behind, and embarking on my Parisian adventure. My darling pink tutu felt right at home on the train - the comfortable leather seats were made for twirling and dreaming of Paris. I just love the way train travel makes everything seem so romantic and full of potential!
It was as if the train itself knew I was going to Paris. The carriages seemed to shimmer and dance in the sunlight, with my fellow travellers whispering secrets about the magical things to come in the city of love.
As soon as we crossed the border into France, a little frisson of excitement ran through me - I was already starting to feel like I was in a ballet - the air, even on the train, felt electric!
And as we finally pulled into Gare du Nord, I was overcome by the sheer beauty and charm of the city. My heart fluttered. My eyes were wide, I couldn't wait to explore! Even the taxi journey felt like a scene from a movie. The iconic landmarks, the cobbled streets - it was pure magic. I could practically hear the music of Paris and felt my toes tapping and ready for the performance to start.
Once we reached my hotel - a darling boutique hotel on the rue de Seine - I dropped my luggage and immediately donned my trusty tutu. It was time for an exploratory wander! My senses were ablaze! The energy of Paris was buzzing all around. It was exciting, stylish and a little bit dangerous – the perfect blend for any self-respecting tutu-wearing Parisian.
After all, one simply can't travel to Paris without seeing a show, can one? So, I quickly booked tickets for a show that promised an enchanting evening. The Theatre de l’Opera Garnier, such elegance and a feast for the eyes! As I entered the theatre, a sense of excitement surged through me – this was a night I would never forget.
The show itself was a breathtaking spectacle. It wasn't ballet, but a delightful show that transported me to another world - it felt like I had been caught in a whirlwind of costumes, music and stories.
Then, a wander through the labyrinthine streets. Paris seemed to come alive at night, bathed in golden streetlights and the sounds of laughter echoing from cafes and bistros. The aromas of croissants baking in shops and the sweet scent of fresh pastries filled my senses. My heart just soared as I felt like I was in a painting by Monet, but with the added charm of Parisian chic and a dash of pink tutu magic.
This beautiful city just had this aura about it. My pink tutu swished with joy at the thought of all the adventures yet to come in this city, from seeing iconic shows like "Moulin Rouge," to shopping for couture dresses that whispered stories of romance and rebellion. I was in love with this city!
*Paris - My Shopping Adventures *
You know how I feel about a bit of retail therapy - I need to find a Parisian style for my tutu! This city was full of possibilities for me - it felt as if Paris had whispered its secrets of fashion to every shop window, and oh my! The colors, the styles, the way the dresses danced and flowed...
Let me tell you, dear readers, I had to indulge in some retail therapy! From vintage boutiques bursting with bohemian chic to designer stores boasting cutting-edge fashion. Each shop window offered a tempting glimpse into a world of Parisian style, a world that called to me, calling to my pink tutu, saying "you must wear me!"
But even with the lure of designer stores, I am also a bargain hunter. Wandering through the back streets of Le Marais, my favourite discovery was an absolute gem of a vintage clothing store tucked away behind a little cafe - so many hidden treasures and perfect places to discover your inner Parisian. My credit card may have shuddered but my tutu whispered "You must get it!" and it's just too hard to resist those kind of persuasive whispers. My wardrobe was soon bursting at the seams - I’d already gathered a selection of perfect outfits for each day of my stay. I could hardly wait to pair them with my favourite pink tutus! It was like a new kind of magic.
Food, Fashion and more Paris
Paris was such a delight for the taste buds. Every day seemed like a journey of culinary exploration. Fresh bread, rich croissants, and creamy pastries from the best bakeries; succulent steak frites from quaint bistros; and decadent desserts from classic Parisian patisseries... and the wine, oh the wine, it was so light and smooth! All my senses were tingling!
Even the everyday baguette shops had such incredible smells that my mouth watered, so of course, I had to buy some freshly baked loaves - and oh, were they ever divine. But the most amazing thing for me? Paris seemed to understand my love of a little sweet treat, and my shopping sprees always ended with a visit to Ladurée - that heavenly macaron paradise! Those pretty little macarons, delicately filled with flavors of rose, vanilla, and even champagne, oh la la! My pink tutu was doing pirouettes in celebration - even the pink packaging added to my pink-tutu-obsessed delight!
This wasn't just about clothes and shopping. It was the feeling, the air, the sense of history - and Paris seemed to radiate all of that.
Paris and the Art of Ballet
Of course, I had to embrace the heart of ballet. Seeing the iconic Palais Garnier – it was pure inspiration! Even though my favourite pink tutu and I missed the performance at the Paris Opera, just wandering around this glorious venue left me buzzing.
And a few streets away was another absolute highlight of this trip. The ballet studios of the Paris Opera - my dreams were swirling! The cobbled street that lead to these studios was bathed in a magical golden glow and every time I took a look at those glorious buildings I just felt my heart dance a little faster! Oh to be training here, to have the chance to learn the intricate techniques and traditions of this iconic ballet institution. I vowed that I’d have to make this dream a reality soon!
So, Paris has stolen my heart and sparked a flurry of inspiration in my soul! My pink tutu and I have certainly lived the dream, dancing through Parisian streets, and sipping cocktails at glamorous bars.
Paris, you've left your mark, my heart, and my wardrobe. I'll cherish these memories forever and every step in my pink tutu will be inspired by your magical, sophisticated charm! Au revoir, Paris. For now! I'm already making plans to return...
Now, dear readers, until next week!
Love always,
Emma
xx
