York, My Lovely! (Post 1066)
Hello lovelies! Emma here, back from a fabulous trip to York, where I wore my brand-new pink tutu β yes, it's truly a sight to behold! π (Check it out on www.pink-tutu.com! I'll have a special blog post all about it soon!)
York was truly delightful. From the moment I stepped off the train and saw those medieval walls, I knew I was in for a treat. And the cobbled streets, the charming shops... and that glorious Minster, towering above it all β just magical! π°
My journey started early. As a Derbyshire lass, the train to York felt like a proper adventure, especially since I had to change trains in Sheffield. I love the whole train experience - gazing out at the countryside, people watching, and feeling a sense of anticipation build as you get closer to your destination. I always pack my ballet shoes β just in case a chance to practice crops up! (Spoiler alert β a beautiful park in Sheffield presented itself... perfect!)
York is a city steeped in history. I wandered the streets, losing myself in the architecture, and visiting the stunning York Minster. It's not just a cathedral β it's an entire experience! You could spend a whole day in there exploring, marvelling at the stained glass windows, and listening to the beautiful choir. The whole place just exuded peace and serenity. But then I remembered I needed to grab some scones at Betty's Tearoom! How could I leave without sampling their famous afternoon tea?! The cakes are practically worth a journey in themselves, let me tell you! The atmosphere at Betty's was a perfect blend of vintage glamour and cosy comfort, definitely an Instagrammable spot! π
Now, of course, no visit to York would be complete without a visit to the theatre, right?! York's Grand Opera House has such a rich history, dating back to 1900! This time, I saw 'The Mousetrap', the worldβs longest-running stage play. A classic, yes, but also such a captivating story with a twist I didnβt see coming! Thereβs just something about seeing a live performance in an intimate space that makes it feel even more special. It reminded me how much I adore both stage and ballet.
Speaking of ballet, have you tried a barre class at the York Dance Academy yet? I popped in for a morning class, and my goodness, those teachers are top notch! It's such a fantastic way to start the day β flexibility, strength, grace... it's all good! They also have some fabulous workshops with visiting choreographers β I'll be back to try them out soon!
Now, I don't want you to think I just spent my time on history and ballet. I also took time to wander along the river, with all the pretty flowers and the sound of birds chirping. York really is a city that caters to every interest! Even someone like me who finds squirrels irresistible. (Seriously, the ones in the Minster gardens are absolute cuties! π)
On my way back to Derbyshire, I chose a horse ride for part of the journey! (Can you believe it?) My friend Jess, a passionate horsewoman, joined me β she knew all the best places to ride. The gentle horses ambled through fields and woodlands β such a peaceful and romantic way to experience the English countryside. We even encountered a gaggle of wild geese, their honking echoing through the valley... what a moment!
York is definitely a city I'll visit again β perhaps next time with my dear friend Susan. Sheβs been dying to experience a pink tutu debut in York! (The more the merrier, right?!) My motto, you know - "Pink tutus for everyone! Let's make ballet happen!"
So, darling readers, what are your plans for the week ahead? Where are you going to don your pink tutu? What kind of dance experience are you going to try? Remember β life is about pushing boundaries and having fun!
Until next time!
Love,
Emma xxx