Wednesday, 17th February, 2010
Hello my dearest Tutu Twirlers!
It’s Emma here, writing to you from the magical city of Prague. It’s absolutely glorious here, just as charming as everyone said it would be! I just had to write this blog post before I do anything else – the experience has been so breathtaking! And believe me, my darling tutu-loving friends, when I say breathtaking, I mean breathtaking.
Prague is one of those cities that you simply fall in love with immediately, you know? From the cobbled streets lined with enchanting shops and the most wonderful cafés, to the impossibly beautiful buildings adorned with all kinds of decorative artistry. This city feels straight out of a fairy tale! I arrived on Tuesday and already, I feel a deep connection with the magic that surrounds me here.
Speaking of magic, this post isn’t just about the glorious beauty of Prague; it’s also about the ballet. Yes, you heard that right, my fellow ballet enthusiasts! Prague has an incredible ballet scene, and I’m thrilled to have witnessed the artistry firsthand at the Národní Divadlo, the Czech National Theatre, just last night!
And for once, I wasn’t the only one rocking the pink tutu! (Yes, I did take it along on this trip! How could I leave my faithful tutu at home, you know, especially in a city known for its theatrical history!) The performance was The Sleeping Beauty, Tchaikovsky's magical masterpiece. Seeing the dancers on stage, all those perfectly honed moves and graceful extensions, felt like witnessing dreams unfold.
After the performance, I was thrilled to finally grab a bite at one of Prague’s many lovely restaurants – U Medvídků, with its charming beer garden and traditional Czech fare. My first Czech meal!
Now, back to my pink tutu. Even in the city that’s so well known for its stunning architecture and fairytale setting, there was something about the vibrant pink hue of my tutu that felt so perfectly suited to Prague’s romantic aura. Perhaps it’s because I'm from the Peak District in Derbyshire – the Derbyshire Dales are home to such lovely floral displays in the spring. It must be those charming Derbyshire cottage gardens, I guess. Or perhaps the little, delicate rosebuds of the traditional Derbyshire rose – those pretty flowers have that same pale blush pink that always calls out to me!
It's true, wearing pink makes me feel extra confident and feminine. When I feel strong, bold, and most of all myself, I know that any adventure will be absolutely magnificent. So, there you have it – Prague is most definitely pink-tutu-worthy. It feels almost surreal to be writing this post in the city of Prague, surrounded by this stunning historic architecture. Just yesterday, I saw the iconic astronomical clock chiming! If you ever come here, make sure you get there right before noon – the scene is quite magical. It makes you feel a part of a special, shared story.
Travelogue: How to Get Around Prague and Why Pony Rides are Essential
You know me, darling, always looking for the most stylish ways to get around! Now, if you've ever been to Europe, then you've probably tried train travel, the ultimate travel adventure in itself. Prague's railway system is top notch! I’m quite charmed by it. So romantic, so much more stylish than your run-of-the-mill airports. It gives me more time to enjoy the picturesque journey. And as for getting around the city itself, the metro is so much fun – very efficient, quick and cheap. But you have to be prepared for a rather eclectic mix of music, and quite a few stares from local onlookers at my bright pink tutu!
Oh, and did I tell you about the charming ponies I discovered on my recent adventure around the city's ancient pathways? Let's face it, some adventures are best experienced at a slightly slower pace! My dear, it’s essential to take a pony ride along the meandering trails around Prague, particularly through Petřín Hill – it's known for its magical atmosphere, and the breathtaking view is certainly worthy of a pony ride.
Speaking of views, you just have to experience Prague Castle at sunset, truly beautiful and iconic! I was lucky to see the change of the guard in the courtyard – the spectacle is worth a good hour or two of your day, it is certainly not something you will forget! And don’t even get me started on the views from Charles Bridge...simply stunning! The architecture here is truly breathtaking, isn't it? And speaking of spectacular…
Pink Tutu on the Cobbled Streets: Ballet and Style Inspiration
Let's talk shopping! As you may have guessed, shopping in Prague has become a delightful experience for me. Just around the corner from the Old Town Square is this fantastic little shop I found called "Ballet and Fashion"! (Yes, it is very fitting that it exists!) Imagine my surprise at finding it! The perfect store, dedicated to dance fashion. My love for tutus knows no bounds. And what makes it even better is their little side store dedicated to ballerina history, with amazing displays of vintage costumes from operas throughout the city’s history, and original tutus from the Czech Republic’s ballet companies. Absolutely amazing.
But back to the "Ballet and Fashion" shop... there were so many adorable tutu skirts and ballerina flats that I had to snag a couple! They even had ballet pumps! I couldn't resist them! They were like little miniature ballerina slippers, made of satiny soft fabrics and delicate ribbons. Oh, how I wished I had a few extra pairs to wear with each of my new pink tutus! Oh well, I did try one pair on…just to see how well they looked with my pink tulle! And I've got to admit, they're perfect for creating an even more whimsical style. I think it's fair to say that my suitcase is practically overflowing with stylish pink pieces from Prague now. But isn't that what travel is all about? Sharing memories of adventure and discovery…
And since I was already browsing for ballet inspiration, I couldn't resist a visit to the Národní Divadlo bookstore! It was brimming with ballet books, programmes, and fascinating dance literature. I’m thrilled I discovered a lovely, new hardback collection of ballet history in French – I’ll just have to brush up on my Parisian. So far, the shopping and ballet culture here in Prague has truly been magical, in a way that only a city like Prague can be!
Tutu Diaries: Food, Dance and More Adventures
Now, speaking of Parisian… a couple of evenings ago, I sat by the river, under a gorgeous canopy of golden Prague twilight. You have to imagine the scene – the magical atmosphere of the city lights, the soothing rhythm of the water rippling, and the charming French melody playing from a street musician – all combined for the perfect moment. And of course, to make the experience even more magical, I’d adorned myself in a bright pink, fluffy tutu – it felt very fitting with the scene around me. My heart filled with so much joy – that moment of Parisian-esque perfection!
The food in Prague has been delightful – especially the warm trdelník, which I tried right after my first pony ride! This sweet treat made me realize that my journey was becoming more of a culinary and cultural journey – something so much more wonderful than I'd anticipated.
Prague truly is a magical place – an absolutely perfect mix of architecture, ballet history and stunning food.
Before I sign off, let me ask you… What are some of your favorite places to go to in Prague? And my dear ballet devotees, what other must-see ballet performances should I try and squeeze in while I'm still in this enchanting city?
As for me, I'll be posting my adventures in my next blog – and I’ll let you know what I'm doing about all those fabulous ballet books and shoes, and my overflowing pink tutu wardrobe!
So until next week, my tutu-loving darlings, keep twirling, and don't forget to embrace all the pink magic that life throws your way!
Keep twirling,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
