Wednesday, March 21st, 2007
Hello, darlings! Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-clad ballerina blogger, writing to you from the heart of Prague. It's been an absolute whirlwind of waltzes and whimsical wanderings, and I'm bubbling over with excitement to share it all with you.
As you know, this is the sixth week of my grand European tutu tour, and after the glamour of Vienna, it was time for something a bit different - a charming, historical city steeped in artistic heritage. And you simply can't talk about Prague without mentioning its love affair with ballet.
The Train Ride to Prague: An Ode to the Iron Horse
My journey began in Vienna, a city of such regal beauty. The air still hummed with Strauss's waltzes. Leaving Vienna on the train was a poignant farewell to the opulent splendour I had just witnessed, but it was tinged with the joyful anticipation of new discoveries.
As the iron horse chugged its way through the emerald countryside, the landscape shifted and the air grew crisp, promising an adventure full of captivating charm.
I admit, travelling by train is a guilty pleasure of mine. You see so much more, not to mention the comfort of the journey itself! I nestled into my carriage, the gentle sway of the train sending my pink tutu into a delightful swirl around me. And of course, I had to put on my latest ballet-themed playlist. My darling Marie, the wonderful designer who makes my exquisite tutus, gifted me a special piece for Prague. A breathtaking pink and gold number that captures the baroque grandeur of the city.
Prague: A City of Timeless Elegance
Prague unfolded before my eyes in a symphony of golden hues, its fairytale turrets rising majestically from a tapestry of terracotta rooftops. This was a city woven from ancient tales and artistic passions, and it seemed to welcome me with open arms, and perhaps, a gentle waltz as well.
I arrived at the enchanting Hotel Praha, a truly enchanting haven that oozed old world charm. My room was an exquisite mix of romantic decadence and graceful functionality - perfect for a ballerina who appreciates the finer things in life, and even better - a window overlooking the charming Old Town Square. The sight was breathtaking: cobblestones glittering with life, an intricate dance of history and modernity.
I couldn't wait to immerse myself in the city's magic, so after unpacking my bags (with the most delicate precision, of course) I headed out to explore. My mission for this first evening? A stroll through Prague's romantic cobblestone alleys and a leisurely dinner at a charming local restaurant - an explosion of delicious flavours, where the waiter even complimented my pink tutu! (My blush matched the vibrant pink of the rose I was gifted with the bill, a little detail that warmed my ballerina heart!)
Dance Fever: Ballet in Prague
As a ballet-loving soul, I couldn't come to Prague without attending a performance. And boy, oh boy, did I pick the right one! My research led me to the National Theatre - a building that was pure architectural drama. The stage set for an incredible performance of the ballet, Swan Lake by the famed Czech National Ballet.
It was, in a word, exquisite! From the exquisite grace of the dancers, their tutus like fleeting wisps of cloud, to the stunning music, and even the plush red velvet seats of the theatre, it was truly magical.
But the real delight came from experiencing this timeless classic with a fresh, captivating perspective. I sat in a theatre that seemed to be buzzing with passion, with whispers of excitement and applause reverberating throughout the hallowed halls. It wasn't just a performance - it was a collective experience. A beautiful reminder that the art of ballet is truly universal, connecting souls across cultures and generations.
A Fashionable Delight
Of course, no trip to a beautiful city like Prague is complete without a shopping spree. My journey through Prague's boutique labyrinth was pure delight. I found an exquisite little boutique with hand-painted tutus in such exquisite colours, I almost forgot the world around me! I may have brought home one for a special someone back home in Derbyshire. It's a surprise, shhh!
I also discovered a hidden treasure - a vintage shop overflowing with retro-chic finds. I found the most stunning 1950s ballet shoes. And believe me, I knew exactly how to pair them with a pink tutu. That vintage ballerina charm with a dash of modern chic, perfection!
And of course, my Prague purchases weren't just about my tutu wardrobe. A breathtaking antique crystal figurine, a porcelain ballerina ornament, a beautifully embroidered book about ballet history in Prague… The treasures just kept piling up!
A Pink Tutu Waltz: Taking the City by Storm
The best part of this whole trip, apart from the ballet, was being surrounded by the energy and beauty of the city. Everywhere I looked, it felt as if I was surrounded by waltzing couples and soaring music, even if it was just in my imagination. And of course, I took my fair share of photos. Each one with my vibrant pink tutu playing the lead role.
As my adventure in Prague unfolded, it was clear that the city's rich artistic legacy had deeply influenced its people, their very air filled with a love for beauty and passion. It was contagious. I found myself waltzing through the cobbled streets, dreaming up stories about the city's hidden treasures, and sketching little ballet dancers with their tulle skirts swirling in the wind.
Prague, it truly was a dream come true. And a delightful stop on my tutu journey across Europe. It was a city I felt connected to, and a city that embraced me in its loving arms, allowing me to share its magical allure with all of you through my pink tutu.
Next stop, a trip to the Netherlands, but you'll have to wait till next week's blog for that! Stay tuned, my dears.
Till next Wednesday,
Emma, the pink tutu-wearing ballerina blogger, and hopefully soon, the ballerina who inspires all of you to twirl in your own pink tutus!
