Bonjour mes chéries! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another pink-tastic adventure from yours truly, Emma, and this week, we're waltzing our way through Prague!
Now, I know what you're thinking - "Prague? But isn't that a little bit...well, a little bit serious? What could a girl like me, all about tutus and sparkles, possibly find in a city known for its history and cobbled streets?"
My dear friends, let me assure you, Prague has got more than a few secrets tucked away in its historical charm. From its hidden courtyards and beautiful architecture to its abundance of shops filled with all the prettiest clothes and accessories (did I mention shoes? Because let's be honest, the shoe shopping is OUTSTANDING!), this city has a certain...je ne sais quoi. And just like a good ballet, Prague reveals its beauty layer by layer.
This week, my Prague diary has been filled with ballet bliss, fairytale fashion, and the most charming carriage rides you can imagine! I'm already dreaming of a repeat trip - Iâve discovered hidden Parisian-inspired cafes tucked away behind cobbled lanes, visited the enchanting Old Town Square with its astronomical clock, and explored the breathtaking Prague Castle, perched atop a hill with views of the entire city. Every corner is a photograph begging to be captured and shared.
But, my dears, let's be honest, a trip to Prague is never complete without a good dose of⊠tutus! So let me introduce you to the glorious Ballet of Prague! They performed Tchaikovskyâs âSwan Lakeâ on the 27th January â a truly memorable performance at the spectacular National Theatre. I couldn't resist wearing a very special pink tutu for the occasion â a fluffy, shimmering creation that turned heads in the most charmingly unexpected ways. (Imagine the beautiful pastel pink hue against the velvet seats and dramatic chandeliers, it was pure perfection!)
You see, dear friends, it's all about finding the magic in the ordinary and the extraordinary alike! The Ballet of Prague has truly enchanted my soul with their grace and artistry, reminding me why I love the world of ballet so much. Every delicate movement, every flowing gesture â it's a masterpiece of motion, storytelling, and sheer elegance! And, I've always said, if a ballet is beautiful, it's almost impossible not to find some extra twirling space!
Before we get carried away by the enchantment of âSwan Lakeâ, let's get a little more practical⊠Getting here was, as always, a delight!
I took the train, of course. After all, it's far more romantic (and certainly a little more luxurious) than flying. I spent the journey from Derbyshire, my home county, sipping tea in a comfy carriage, imagining myself a Victorian adventurer about to embark on an exciting quest! You see, a girlâs got to dream, and train travel makes even a journey from Derbyshire to Prague seem like an epic adventure!
The train pulled into Pragueâs main station - the iconic Praha hl.n. You see, even a mundane activity like getting to your destination can be made fabulously feminine and fun if you let it.
Once I'd checked in to my charming little boutique hotel (it's a secret â only a true Pink Tutu girl can find it!) I set off to explore the enchanting Old Town, soaking up the atmosphere and admiring the stunning architecture, like the astronomical clock!
Oh my! Don't you love the stories each city tells in the little details - those intricate carvings, ornate stonework, and those delightful stories about clocks that show time in ways you canât imagine! Prague is certainly bursting with them.
For the first day, I was a ballerina with no agenda!
And, of course, a little window shopping was in order. I wandered through the winding alleyways and admired all the fabulous shops filled with Bohemian glass ornaments, hand-painted china, vintage fashion, and (my absolute weakness!) the most darling little pink tutus!
After a delightful lunch (Prague cuisine is heavenly â you must try the traditional dumplings, especially with goulash - heavenly!) I took a carriage ride through the cobbled streets â a truly magical experience, and the most comfortable way to take in all the historical sites, particularly if you're feeling a little bit princessy, which we all are, right?
That evening, the stars were out in full force, as they often are this time of year. (Did I tell you how I love Prague in the wintertime? The crisp air makes my pink tutu sparkle like a winter fairy! Iâm not saying it makes me colder, but there are fewer tutus when it is freezing!)
We went for a special, decadent meal at one of those tiny Parisian cafes. Just the right touch of sophistication. Oh, the wonderful scents in Prague. Coffee and pastries, sweet breads and vanilla â heaven! And I mean HEAVEN!
The day after the ballet show, I went shopping! What else is a girl to do? Prague is absolutely brimming with little boutiques selling exquisite jewellery, handmade accessories, vintage hats and (are you ready for this?) - stunning pink tutus in every shape and style you can imagine! I almost felt like I'd stepped onto the set of a classic fairy tale film - it was simply delightful!
You know me - a girl who loves her tutu, loves her shops, and loves a good pink (or two!). So I naturally added to my tutu collection with a delicate silk creation - perfect for the grand balls and fancy receptions, and even, who knows, for those moments when you want to be the most perfectly pink version of yourself.
After shopping till I dropped, I ventured to the Prague Castle - a real masterpiece! From its towering towers to the serene gardens, it truly feels like something straight out of a fairytale, and definitely worth the walk up those little steps (for those days when you want to make a big entrance! It's a fabulous walk. But hey, if Iâm honest, Prague Castle is absolutely the place for some pony travel. I just canât quite see a pink tutu looking as grand from the back of a carriage â it has to be a pony and the kind you see in those lovely illustrated childrenâs books with princesses, a castle, a golden-colored ponyâŠ
We all know it's impossible to leave Prague without some unique gifts. As we were leaving the charming, quaint, medieval-looking shops â Prague is brimming with that look, isnât it? And for those of you wondering, yes, that shop was pink too. It even had pink wallpaper, an idea I thought I would borrow for my room â maybe my bedroom needs some pink stripes? Or would that be too much for my lovely, pink ballerina skirt to deal with! But I have plenty of tutus! A tutu, dear friends, goes with every look and every location. I swear, itâs like magic. â we came across some little antique stores selling beautiful, old-fashioned music boxes. Theyâre delightful to listen to and you can almost feel their rich, captivating history in your hands.
For the rest of the afternoon, we explored the romantic Charles Bridge, crossing its historic arches while the golden sunlight poured onto Prague and catching glimpses of Pragueâs charming skyline and its amazing array of architecture. I think my tutu almost flew away on the breeze!
We explored some of the charming, tucked-away restaurants for the ultimate evening. It's a good thing I packed my dancing shoes because the city seems to have an endless array of live music â gypsy fiddlers playing outside cosy restaurants, and of course, an amazing variety of churches. They have all the charming atmosphere and romantic aura thatâs sure to get a Pink Tutu girl dancing! I even took in a performance at the Estates Theatre, the historic theatre, the first ever in Prague â what a wonderful setting for my favourite pastime!
We visited the impressive gothic structures of the Tyn Church and the Old Town Hall (which is of course, a real historical delight). And oh my! How the little shops make your head spin with wonder. All those intricate pieces â what are they made of? That stunning chandelier â all sparkling crystalsâŠ
All of the Prague churches make it seem like a religious-type holiday, all so ornate, all so incredibly charmingâŠitâs no wonder that people talk about the history here! Every shop we stopped in reminded me of one story or another, or, like, of all the stories a tutu could have.
Prague is an absolutely fantastic destination for history lovers, fashionistas and fairytale-loving tutu girls alike.
Before I leave this fairytale, magical place, a little word to the wise, for those of you planning a visit - pack light! It will be far easier to fit your pink tutu in your bag if you pack wisely. You'll need some space to fill with all those wonderful, pretty little shopsâ treasures, from charming jewelry to delightful souvenirs. (Although we know tutus aren't very big, even small ballerina skirts tend to take up all the space.) And remember to grab your warmest cardies - itâs still winter time and winter nights in Prague can be chilly. That reminds me - what's a pink tutu girl to do without her beautiful warm coat? But then again, how do I ever manage to fit it in my suitcase.
As I said, this little corner of Prague is a wonderful fairytale.
As always, darling friends, stay tuned for the next edition of Pink Tutuâs adventures.
Until next Wednesday, may your days be filled with pink tutus, pretty shoes, and beautiful, magical dreams!
Bisous,
Emma.
