Wednesday, September 20th, 2006
Darlings,
It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-clad ballerina, writing to you live from the most enchanting city I've ever visited: Prague! My darling friend, Amelia, and I decided to ditch the daily grind of Derbyshire ballet classes for a week of European adventure. It was a rather spontaneous decision, fueled by the allure of cobblestone streets, Czech beer, and the intoxicating whispers of history swirling through this ancient city.
We took the train, of course. There's just something so romantic about hurtling across continents, feeling the wind whip through your hair as you watch the countryside blur by. Plus, with the current state of air travel, it was the only option for my tutu! My new travel tutu – a frothy creation of the softest pink tulle – couldn't be crushed by baggage handlers!
Prague welcomed us with open arms (and an endless supply of charming cafes). Stepping off the train, I couldn't help but feel a sense of being transported back in time. The cobblestones felt as old as the stories I'd heard about this place. The architecture, with its majestic towers and fairytale turrets, seemed to have stepped right out of a medieval illustration.
And, of course, the food! Amelia and I indulged in traditional Czech cuisine like a couple of princesses. We feasted on roasted duck with dumplings, crepes filled with sweet poppy seed filling, and a mountain of fresh fruit with the most delicious whipped cream. The beer, however, proved a tad too potent for me. My dainty tutu doesn't quite match the robust, rich taste of a traditional Czech brew. (But, Amelia tells me it’s essential to enjoy a beer here! Perhaps one day, I’ll graduate from my fruity cocktails to something more adventurous!)
Our first full day in Prague was all about the beautiful architecture. We wandered through the cobbled streets, taking in the majestic Prague Castle, the Astronomical Clock with its puppet show, and the vibrant, colourful Charles Bridge. Everything seemed designed to create a picture-perfect moment! Every corner felt like it could be captured by an artist, every view a postcard waiting to be sent. We even bought some stunning paintings and pottery souvenirs! My little flat in Derbyshire needed a bit of a Prague makeover.
The highlight of the day, however, had to be the stunning Old Town Square. The heart of Prague, it pulsed with life! We watched the changing of the guard at the Town Hall, gawked at the ornate astronomical clock, and reveled in the sheer energy and history radiating from the square.
Oh, and speaking of history – did I mention that the first recorded ballet performance in Prague was in 1581?! We went on a whirlwind tour of the city's historical theaters – some dating back centuries – with their opulent, decadent interiors, their stories of grand ballets, and world-famous prima ballerinas whispering in their faded grandeur. It's no wonder I felt such a connection to this magical place! Prague feels like it breathes with ballet, even in the cobbled squares and towering buildings.
But darling, Prague isn't just about its history. It's about its energy, its joie de vivre, its ability to embrace everything from its past to its future, from its classic beauty to its modern street life. And this, I believe, is what makes it so perfect for a tutu-wearing adventurer like myself.
And you know what else I discovered? Prague is teeming with independent boutiques bursting with unique fashions and accessories – like a couture dreamland! It would be rude to not check them out! I just HAD to indulge myself! So we explored the narrow streets, stepping in and out of designer ateliers, vintage shops and quirky boutiques, finding the most exquisite pieces. Imagine a powder-pink ruffled top to go with my new tutu (I'm already thinking about a new show-stopping costume!), a floral-patterned clutch, and a dainty necklace with shimmering amethyst beads. (It's so perfectly Bohemian and chic!) My luggage is already bursting!
Prague is making me reconsider my commitment to pink tutus! Maybe the colour scheme should be broadened a bit? Maybe a light blue tulle tutu to explore this beautiful, enchanting city with? (Or maybe a fiery red one for all that Czech beer?) Amelia and I discussed this at length, as we savoured a sweet crepe filled with whipped cream in the warmth of our favorite little café! She insisted it must stay pink, and she had a point! After all, how many people are daring enough to embrace the sheer power and confidence of pink tutus, even in this stylish, fashion-forward city?
Tomorrow is a big day for us! We've booked tickets to see the “Giselle” ballet at the National Theatre. This theatre, with its soaring marble columns and velvet-lined seats, has witnessed performances from some of the most renowned dancers in the world. To be honest, I'm positively tingling with anticipation. It’s just like my beloved Sadler's Wells! And even if I’m a tad under-dressed with my pink tutu, I’ll feel confident with all that stunning architecture and the magic of this incredible show!
I promise to share all the details, including what I wear, how I felt during the performance and the overall ballet experience, in next week’s blog post.
Stay tuned, darlings!
Yours, with love and pink tutus,
Emma.
