Bonjour mes chƩr(ies)! Welcome back to Pink Tutu Prague! It's Wednesday, which means another delicious slice of travel tales, ballerina dreams, and yes, you guessed it, lots of pink.
Prague Calling!
This week, we're dancing our way through the cobbled streets of Prague, a city so picturesque it could have stepped straight out of a fairytale. Honestly, the whole experience feels like a balletic fantasy! Imagine a city dripping with charm and beauty, with golden spires poking playfully at the sky, bridges lined with musicians strumming melodies, and cafes overflowing with the aroma of cinnamon and coffee. I tell you, it's enough to make even the most jaded soul do a pirouette!
I'm Emma, your resident Pink Tutu traveller, hailing from the green hills of Derbyshire, England. Now, let's be honest, a Derbyshire girl in Prague might seem like a strange pairing. But, when you have a life fuelled by the power of pink tutus and the rhythm of ballet, anything is possible!
Travel by Train: A Whirlwind of Elegance
The journey to Prague was an adventure in itself. I opted for a leisurely train ride, embracing the nostalgia of travelling through the heart of Europe. It's something I do as often as possible. Why fly, when you can have your own private little world in a plush carriage, with breathtaking landscapes unfolding like a storybook? The gentle sway of the train lulled me into a kind of magical reverie. I sat by the window, gazing at the scenery, jotting down my thoughts in my journal. Sometimes, I even practiced my pirouettes between stations (much to the amusement of my fellow passengers, I imagine!).
And, wouldn't you know it, even the train journey brought a sprinkle of Pink Tutu magic! The carriage I was travelling in had beautiful floral patterned fabric, that looked like they'd been inspired by a ballerina's tulle skirt. It made me giggle! And, of course, the essential Pink Tutu travel accessories were present and correct: A vintage hat with a fluffy pink feather, my trusty travel-sized mirror for quick touch-ups, and of course, a brand new ballet journal adorned with sparkling pink sequins (just in case I needed a little extra inspiration).
A Tutu's History: From Ballerinas to Bows
Arriving in Prague was like stepping into a Renaissance masterpiece. Everything is so detailed, ornate and historic. Prague itself boasts an amazing history and that makes me think about the history of tutus. The first recognisable tutus were developed for ballet in the mid 1800s. That makes it a very recent innovation, I mean the first ballerinas had to perform without the tutus at all. In the mid 1830s, tutus were not even made out of tulle! Imagine that! They were made out of silk which is more stiff and not really flowing.
Now that we've had a glimpse of Prague, let's indulge in a bit of ballet, shall we? Because, wouldn't you know it, Prague was simply bursting with beautiful performances. There was a captivating evening performance of the Swan Lake, featuring an exquisite dancer who was truly captivating. The emotion and fluidity in her every move just drew you in. Every graceful pirouette and dramatic leap held your breath in anticipation. Then, I fell in love with a performance by the Ballet of the National Theatre. The costumes were absolutely exquisite, a delightful mix of classic ballerina elegance and modern touches that added a unique spark. The choreography was so innovative. You've got to come here to see this, I promise!
A Stroll Through Pink Prague
Beyond the stage, Iāve also found a love affair blossoming with the streets of Prague. The city seems to echo the beauty of a grand balletic performance, with intricate buildings, each with a unique story, bridges draped in an ethereal charm, and even the way the locals dress reflects an artistic touch. They are so elegantly dressed.
My first exploration of Prague, took me through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town. Cobblestone streets and cafes overflowing with the aroma of coffee and cinnamonā¦ I found myself wandering along the Vltava River, enchanted by the reflections of the majestic Charles Bridge in the glistening water. Oh, and the shopping here is divine!
Imagine walking past boutiques overflowing with beautifully designed clothes, with delicate laces, intricate patterns and a playful use of colour that really makes your eyes pop. You could get lost in them for hours. Then, I've been tempted to take home a few charmingly eccentric trinkets from the antique shops in the Old Town. They remind me of little theatrical props ā beautifully ornate little clocks, antique teacups with floral patterns, or tiny mirrors that look like they could have come from a dressing room in the 19th Century.
Of course, what's a Prague adventure without a visit to the iconic Prague Astronomical Clock? A marvel of engineering, with a parade of twelve apostles at every hour. Imagine a grand balletic stage set in stone! The intricate detail is enough to leave any ballet fanatic mesmerised. It reminded me of the beautiful grand old theatres where ballet productions come alive! And, to add another touch of magic, the old town square was teeming with musicians and artists, showcasing their talent for all to admire. And wouldnāt you know it, the square also hosted a gorgeous carousel that would befit even the most extravagant stage set for a ballet production. The bright colours, the elegant design, and the horses waltzing with a graceful sway, it's a wonder to behold.
A Taste of Bohemia
Speaking of things magical, have you tasted the local delicacies yet? Pragueās culinary scene is simply delectable. From traditional Bohemian dumplings to savoury goulash, to the most melt-in-your-mouth pastries, the city's cuisine is both flavourful and satisfying. Each mouthful is a tiny performance on my taste buds! Iāve already tried everything from hearty goulash served with soft dumplings and creamy potato soup.
Oh, and a visit to Prague would not be complete without a trip to a traditional Czech brewery. You know, I love a good Pilsner. So, I just have to find my favourite pink Tutu-themed beer! Of course, for those who enjoy something a little bit moreā¦ahemā¦pink, Prague also boasts some of the most unique cafes in Europe! I was delighted to discover the enchanting "Cafe Fleur," hidden on a cobbled street just off the main square. I was instantly drawn to the cafe's soft pastel pink dĆ©cor with vintage furniture. And the food, a beautiful selection of traditional Prague fare given a sophisticated, modern twist. I can't wait to see if I can discover any other āPinkā establishments before I leave.
Ballet on the Streets of Prague
And speaking of beautiful and surprising thingsā¦ I saw an extraordinary street performance just off Wenceslas Square! It was truly magical. A ballet troupe were performing right on the street. They seemed to be from the National Ballet Academy and performed excerpts of famous ballet productions like āGiselleā and āLa Bayadere,ā the energy and skill of the dancers drew quite a crowd and itās safe to say, the crowd erupted in cheers at the end of their performances. They reminded me so much of a beautiful pink Tutu! The vibrant colours of their costumes, the graceful leaps, the enchanting stories in their movements, everything felt so captivating, like it was meant to be. It makes you feel that thereās magic in every part of this amazing city. It makes me dream of the days I can perform like this.
Life is a Stageā¦In Pink
Prague is more than just a city. It's a tapestry woven with the threads of history, art, and culture, a vibrant backdrop for endless explorations. You never know what incredible discovery you will make. A tiny pink-hued building tucked into a back street, an old theatrical performance program from the National Theatre or an inspiring piece of art tucked away in a quiet gallery, Prague holds beauty in the details!
Life is a ballet, and this week I found myself taking a leading role on a stage made of cobblestones and ancient buildings, adorned in sparkling pinks.
But, enough of my tales for this week.
Till next Wednesday! Don't forget to keep dancing, darling! And if you ever see me on your travelsā¦just be sure to say, "Hi!" And I just might be in my favourite Pink Tutu.
With love,
Emma
