Wednesday, 29th February, 2012
Darling readers,
The train journey from Vienna to Prague was pure magic! Picture me, nestled in my first-class carriage (funded by a triumphant performance at the Vienna State Opera, naturally) surrounded by vintage luggage, a charming old-fashioned conductor, and a soft symphony of rolling countryside scenery. As if on cue, the sunshine burst through the windows, bathing everything in a warm, golden glow. My heart, already skipping with excitement for Prague, swelled with pure delight.
Arriving at Prague's central station, I was met by the most delightful, charming, and rather dashing young man (I might add) who took me to my hotel in a traditional, horse-drawn carriage. Just imagine! Me, in my bubblegum pink tutu (yes, even on trains!) and my matching satin ballet slippers, rolling through the cobbled streets, past charming cafes, vibrant street markets, and awe-inspiring architecture. It felt like a scene from a fairytale, and my heart was filled with a bubbly kind of joy only a pink-tutu-loving ballet enthusiast like me could experience.
Prague has this undeniably enchanting atmosphere, darling. It’s the perfect combination of old-world charm and a vibrant, youthful energy. The cobbled streets, the imposing castles, the gothic architecture – they're all utterly breathtaking. Not to mention the food! Every café and restaurant has the most incredible cakes, pastries, and delicious local cuisine.
Naturally, I had to indulge! I'm a girl who believes in indulging in a slice (or two) of decadent chocolate cake while contemplating the history of tutus. And let's face it, there’s no place like Prague for a little slice of historical indulgence. Speaking of history, Prague is brimming with it. The Castle, the Charles Bridge, the Old Town Square – they're all living, breathing stories waiting to be explored. I spent the day wandering through museums and ancient halls, learning about Prague's rich history, its vibrant arts scene, and its legendary composers. Did you know Mozart himself graced this city with his presence, composing several operas here? I simply couldn't resist snapping a picture of myself in a stunningly elegant gown in front of the very same stage where he debuted his masterpiece, "Don Giovanni."
Later that evening, I donned my best pink tutu – it had to be the most fabulous one, naturally – for an incredible performance at the Prague National Theatre. The ballet, a beautiful rendition of "Swan Lake," left me mesmerized. The dancers were utterly graceful, the music utterly captivating, and the atmosphere simply breathtaking. There was even a charming gentleman in the audience who winked at me when I curtsied in appreciation. I must say, it's moments like these that make all the long journeys and countless performances worth it.
But the true highlight of this trip has been the unexpected, lovely discovery of a tucked away ballet shop, hidden in a labyrinth of medieval alleys. Darling, you wouldn't believe it! This little treasure trove is bursting with stunning vintage ballet shoes, adorable little tutus, and beautiful ballet memorabilia. I almost cried tears of joy! I left with enough pretty ballet necessities to last me through several performances. I even found the perfect pale pink silk tutu to complement my new, oh-so-feminine vintage ballet shoes.
Let's talk about those shoes for a moment. My goodness! The moment I slipped those hand-stitched silk ballet slippers onto my feet, I could practically hear my ancestors clapping and shouting from their heavenly balconies, “Bravo!” Honestly, dear readers, you could not imagine how magical it feels to twirl around a ballet studio, the soft leather of my new slippers almost whispering tales of past ballet stars. I bought a few pairs for myself, but the moment I spotted a little ballerina doll with her own miniature pink tutu and these charming ballet shoes, I knew I had to gift her to my adorable little niece, Lily.
Speaking of gifts, remember my quest to make everyone a pink-tutu aficionado? Well, Prague has a wonderfully inspiring spirit! As I strolled through the charming old town square, a gentleman stopped me and complemented my pink tutu. "My goodness," he exclaimed with a twinkling in his eye, "that tutu is magnificent! It makes my heart feel as light as a feather!" I simply blushed with delight and said, "Well, it's only right. After all, ballet is all about light, grace, and elegance!" Later, I walked past a group of tourists, who all looked at my tutu with a mixture of awe and admiration. It was simply wonderful. I swear I saw a hint of pink creeping onto the gentlemen’s attire as well, so you can imagine how thrilled I am.
So there you have it, darling! My adventure in Prague is shaping up to be an absolutely spectacular journey filled with enchantment, elegance, and, of course, a generous sprinkling of pink tutus! I simply adore the city's magic. It's a beautiful blend of the historical and the contemporary. Prague, with its vibrant art scene, romantic architecture, and heartwarming charm, is truly a city that lives and breathes ballet. Stay tuned, darling, for more pink-tutu-filled adventures.
Until next Wednesday!
Yours always,
Emma xx
