Post #902
Hey my lovely lot,
It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing blogger back with another post, this time from the charming town of Barrow-in-Furness!
This little trip was a complete whirlwind. You see, my dearest friend, Emily, had been aching to visit the renowned Lake District National Park for ages, so I decided to treat her to a weekend getaway. As a fellow ballet enthusiast, I knew she'd be smitten with the beautiful landscape and the chance to see a show at the lovely The Forum, their beautiful local theatre!
Our journey began in the picturesque county of Derbyshire, where I hail from. Instead of taking the usual route by car, we hopped aboard a magnificent, scarlet red steam train - a real blast from the past! It took us right into the heart of the Lake District, where the landscape changed from rolling hills to stunning lakes and dramatic mountains, like something out of a fairytale. As a girl who grew up on horseback, it made me long to be galloping across those rugged fells.
Reaching Barrow-in-Furness, we settled into a quaint little hotel in the centre of town, just a stone's throw from The Forum. After unpacking, we couldn't resist getting our first taste of local cuisine. We opted for a delightful cream tea - finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, a perfect treat to indulge in!
After our scrumptious afternoon tea, we had a little time to wander around the town. I couldn't help but admire the grand Victorian architecture and the charming boutiques selling handmade crafts and local delicacies. Emily was absolutely captivated by a beautiful art gallery with its breathtaking displays. The Lake District truly has a unique energy; even the air feels a little crisper, like a refreshing breath of life.
Of course, the highlight of our trip was the ballet show at The Forum. They had a fantastic production of Swan Lake - the dancers were absolutely divine, with their effortless leaps and graceful pirouettes. I just can't get enough of ballet, the beauty and athleticism is breathtaking every time. My friend, Emily, agreed that the performance was truly special, saying that it made her feel so inspired! And for me, there’s nothing better than sharing that passion with someone special.
Speaking of inspiration, I had the most fabulous outfit on for the occasion - a stunning, salmon-pink tutu, and a soft, pale blue velvet top. I mean, it felt as if the tutu was swirling like a graceful ballerina and my heart was beating in perfect time with the music. It was the perfect blend of comfort and elegance! And to top it all off, I had a bright pink ribbon in my hair, adding a splash of colour and festivity. Of course, you wouldn't catch me in any outfit without a pink ribbon, my little personal signature!
Afterwards, we met up with some fellow ballet dancers, for some post-show cocktails. We had the most lively discussions about the performance, each sharing our own personal favourites and insights. As a dancer myself, nothing gets me going like some good old-fashioned ballet chatter. And there's nothing better than meeting others who are as passionate about this amazing art form as I am!
The next morning, after a hearty breakfast of eggs and bacon, we embarked on a little walk through the beautiful countryside. We followed a delightful trail beside a glistening stream, with lush greenery and chirping birdsong all around us. My senses were completely revived and my heart full of happiness. As much as I love the city bustle, sometimes you need to get back to nature and just appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Now, you may be wondering what wildlife I spotted on this little expedition! I can't say there were any graceful swans in the vicinity - but we did meet a family of playful squirrels and even caught a glimpse of a curious deer in the woods. There was also an adorable fluffy kitten sunbathing under a bush in the garden of a quaint, old cottage. It was so lovely watching it frolic and tumble around! I'm convinced that those creatures had sensed my pure love for all things adorable, making me think they probably share my love of pink! (Though perhaps, for the animals, it’s less of the shade, and more the association with delicious raspberries and fluffy pink blossoms!)
It was a perfect little escape - a mix of artistic inspiration, vibrant natural landscapes and delightful encounters with locals, adorable creatures, and a generous dose of ballet!
I encourage everyone to experience the wonder of the Lake District. It's an escape into a land of wild beauty and charming towns - you can even discover a local wildlife park - perfect for a lovely day trip for animal lovers.
Oh, and of course, make sure you try the delicious local delicacies like Cumberland sausages and Kendal Mint Cake!
Remember my dear followers, keep rocking those pink tutus! Spread the love of ballet, wherever you are in the world! After all, every day is an opportunity to twirl your way through life, just like the graceful ballerinas in the world's best shows!
Until next time, darling!
Lots of love,
Emma 🩰💕
