Post #218: Wednesday 30th June 1999
Hello my darling tutu-lovers! Itās Emma from the pinkest place on the internet, your favourite ballerina blogger, here from the magical, enchanting, utterly irresistible city of Prague! Just a little while ago, I arrived on the glorious, elegant, swish train from Vienna ā my little pony, Poppy, was happy to enjoy a snooze, all tucked up in the luggage compartment, bless her. Pragueās railway station feels so glamorous, all golden arches and chandeliersā¦it's like stepping back into a storybook. Honestly, darling, youād need a pink tutu just to do it justice!
But I havenāt time to swoon about the station for too long! The reason I'm here, darling, is for tonight ā a special treat thatās already got my toes tapping: The National Theatre production of La BohĆØme. This is one of those operas that, no matter how many times Iāve seen it, it takes my breath away, particularly the beautiful "O soave fanciulla". Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine! The ballet parts are so utterly divine! Itās going to be sensational!
Now, Prague, or Praha as the locals call it (isnāt that cute?!) is the most stunning city, simply brimming with romance, culture and of course, fashion! Itās an absolute haven for pink tutu-loving girls, so get your shopping shoes ready and letās dive into my pink-hued escapades!
Prague: A Ballet Ballerinaās Paradise!
You can feel the magic of this place just breathing it in. It's practically bursting at the seams with breathtaking architecture ā gothic, baroque, art nouveauā¦and the vibrant colours of its history, all in stunning contrast to the shimmering Vltava River. Iāve spent the last day, simply marvelling! Prague Castle with its intricate spires, the beautiful Old Town Square with the legendary Astronomical Clock, the Charles Bridgeā¦honestly, itās just impossible to get tired of looking around.
I've been taking my morning coffee on a little balcony overlooking the Charles Bridge, people-watching with a glass of lemonade, the sweet, juicy flavour, all summery and fruity, reminding me that I'm truly on holiday! My perfect ballet-themed Prague breakfast. Every time, a delightful little orchestra appears in my mindās eye, accompanying my thoughts. And it doesnāt end there! I'm a huge ballet history fan, so when I discover the exquisite Estates Theatre, where Mozart himself performed, my imagination truly runs wild. This beautiful building is where āDon Giovanniā premiered! Itās still an active venue, even today. I might even see a performance while Iām here.
But firstā¦ SHOPPING!
A Fashionistaās Paradise
Prague is a true shopping paradise, even more so for a tutu-loving fashionista like me. Honestly, you can just feel the style oozing from the city walls.
Old Town Square: I was completely floored by the variety! The charming little shops brimming with gorgeous trinkets, traditional Czech glassware, and of course, gorgeous clothing. Just perfect for picking up a unique accessory for my latest tutu creation! I'm on the hunt for a gorgeous antique necklace or bracelet for my "Pink Flamingo" tutu, youāll be seeing pictures of that very soon, darlings. You simply have to get lost in the winding cobblestone streets, especially those around the Charles Bridge ā thatās where I found the most exquisite boutique with the most delicate, exquisite vintage lace, absolutely perfect for creating the final touches to my "Pink Dream" tutu! I can already picture it ā elegant, graceful, and dripping with Parisian charm.
The Jewish Quarter: I adore the historical depth and intrigue of this place. Every building seems to whisper tales of the past. You could wander its narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets for hours, taking in the breathtaking architecture and discovering a hidden treasure around every corner. But what really caught my eye were the little vintage clothing shops scattered throughout the area. They have so many gorgeous pieces of retro flair, with incredible details, such as delicate silk scarves, embroidered jackets, and the most amazing lace trims. My "Black Swan" tutu is getting an exciting little upgrade thanks to the amazing vintage jewelry I discovered here!
And letās not forget about the food!
Taste Buds in Paradise!
Prague isnāt just about gorgeous sights and fabulous fashion, darling. Itās a feast for the senses in every way! From the most incredible Czech pastries (Iāve eaten far too many, and I have no regrets!) to the rich, earthy flavours of the local cuisine.
TrdelnĆk: Let's be honest, everyone in Prague wants to be the ultimate gourmand. But a delicious cinnamon sugar-coated TrdelnĆk from one of the street vendors, with a cup of creamy hot chocolate...it's a perfect Parisian breakfast for any ballet dancer.
The Restaurants: Prague has an array of restaurants serving mouthwatering food. My favourite, hands down, is this little cafƩ, tucked away on a cobblestoned alleyway near the Jewish Quarter. The place is called "U Medvidku". I tried a traditional roast duck, which was the perfect combination of crisp skin, juicy meat, and aromatic flavours!
I always believe in mixing my shopping sprees with good food ā good company, even better! So, darling, what to wear for tonightās opera? A ballet performance calls for an occasion! Now, this dress is going to be truly divine! I'm going with my "Pink Flamingo" tutu and this gorgeous off-the-shoulder fuchsia gown that just dresses the room (and, obviously, looks gorgeous with a pink tutu)! My friend, Olivia, told me about the āU Medvidkuā bar where Iām having a cheeky pre-show tipple! Iām hoping that I donāt miss my train on the way home! But I really do need to enjoy a nice big bowl of sauerkraut to round off my dinner! You should all give that a go, too, itās amazing!
Stay tuned for next week's blog!
Ciao,
Emma x
