Bonjour mes chéries! It’s Emma from Pink Tutu, bringing you a little taste of Prague – the city of fairytale castles, cobblestone streets, and, oh my gosh, did I mention the incredible ballet?!
This week, I’ve swapped my trusty steed for the magic of train travel. It’s not just the romance of steaming locomotives (and who doesn’t love a steam engine?) but also the thrill of seeing the world whizz past my window. You wouldn't believe how many picturesque fields and villages there are between Derbyshire and Prague – enough to inspire at least twenty new tutu designs! Speaking of, I'm currently wearing a fluffy pink tulle creation that would make a cloud blush, with a tiny porcelain ballerina tucked inside the poofiness – because a touch of whimsy always elevates an adventure.
Reaching Prague, you're instantly transported to a world straight out of a Hans Christian Andersen story. The architecture! The bridges! The cobblestones that whisper with centuries of stories! I felt like I'd stumbled into a ballet set - but not just any ballet set - one dripping in decadent detail, like a vintage jewellery box bursting with jewels.
First things first, I went in search of the most fabulous coffee and cake combination imaginable. My rule? If it's not pink, it's not happening! Fortunately, Prague delivered! A quaint little café in the heart of the Old Town served up pink lattes and a raspberry-stuffed cake so delicate, it nearly caused my heart to flutter into the sugar coma. I’m talking meringue clouds, strawberry buttercream, and, get this, the whole thing was nestled in a rose-shaped ceramic dish. Pure heaven.
After my sweet tooth had been sufficiently sated, I indulged in another one of my favourite things - vintage fashion shopping! Prague's antique shops are veritable treasure troves of elegance and historical charm. Picture this: I'm sifting through racks of vintage lace dresses, hats that wouldn't look out of place at a grand ball, and a fur stole that I absolutely had to snag. Who needs a Cinderella coach when you can own a fox stole?!
Now, onto the highlight of the trip: the ballet! The National Theatre is absolutely stunning – imagine a grand palace with breathtaking neo-renaissance architecture and the most opulent interior. Think marble, gilt, and chandeliers that could light a city! The production I saw was “Giselle,” the story of a tragic ballerina, and oh, darling, the passion was off the charts! I can’t resist a good weep in the theatre – there's just something so cathartic about sharing the heartbreak and triumph with hundreds of strangers, united by the magic of ballet.
The choreography was exquisite, with leaps that soared and turns that made my head spin. And speaking of spins, you have no idea how many spins I managed to get in between watching the performance! It's not just the ballerinas who know how to spin; I was a whirling dervish, pirouetting down the cobblestone streets after the performance, the pink tulle swirling in the Prague twilight.
After a day of dance and dreams, I found myself indulging in the city's charming street performances. A troupe of talented street performers had their own take on “Giselle” - their movements, expressions, and passion echoed the essence of the story with a fresh, contemporary twist. I even found myself drawn into a little spontaneous performance – it’s amazing how much confidence a pink tutu gives you, darling!
But back to the most important thing - the tutus! While Prague is brimming with cultural treasures, let's talk tutus, my favourite topic! You won’t believe what I found at a vintage costume shop – an exquisite, antique tutu from the early 20th century! Imagine the stories it could tell – about dancers gracefully twirling on stage, elegant ladies at fancy balls, even secret clandestine affairs under the flickering candlelight! It’s practically begging to be worn again. And who am I to deny such a beautiful piece of history its chance to shine?
I think this trip is proof that Prague is a city for those who want to be spun around in circles. I'm sure, somewhere out there in this wondrous city, is a new tutu waiting to be discovered. You just need to open your eyes, your heart, and wear a pink tutu to catch its eye!
See you next Wednesday for more pink adventures, darling!
