Post #1425
Hey lovelies! It's Emma here, and I'm so excited to share my latest adventure with you. After weeks of pirouetting in Derbyshire, I packed my suitcase full of sunshine yellow tutus (because, let's be honest, there's no colour that shouts "summer" like yellow!), hopped on the train, and headed down to the seaside.
The journey was as charming as ever, complete with the rhythmic clinking of teacups and the tantalizing aroma of fish and chips from the buffet car. Honestly, it's a crime they don't serve that on the first-class carriages! I couldn't help but be struck by the quaint beauty of the English countryside whizzing past my window - fluffy white sheep grazing in verdant fields, ancient churches cloaked in ivy, and a sky painted with the most stunning shades of blue. You wouldn't believe how inspiring it was! I could already feel the creativity flowing, and knew this Folkestone escapade would be overflowing with artistic brilliance.
As the train pulled into Folkestone, the salty tang of the sea air enveloped me like a warm hug. The town itself was just as enchanting as I imagined – a mishmash of pastel-coloured houses, cobbled streets that whispered tales of days gone by, and, of course, the grandness of the sea. Speaking of grandness, I felt just that wearing my yellow tutu, twirling by the harbour and soaking up the rays of the setting sun. This town is so quintessentially British, and I loved every minute of it.
I just couldn't resist heading to the promenade, a haven for strolling and ice cream indulgence. The seaside air really invigorates me - I could feel the life coursing through my veins, making me feel as vibrant and spirited as the seagulls that danced overhead. It made me wonder why we don't all live near the sea! Maybe it's a sign... 🤫
The day was punctuated by an absolutely delightful treat - a performance by the local dance company at the Folkestone Theatre. I found myself captivated by the grace and strength of the dancers as they told a captivating story through their movements. My inner dancer couldn't help but tap her feet and twirl in her seat, but thankfully I managed to contain my urge to leap onto the stage (although I did consider it for a second...). It made me realise that no matter where you are in the world, ballet brings people together through its universal language of movement.
Of course, no trip to the seaside is complete without a dose of seaside wildlife! A walk along the shore gave me an opportunity to witness the incredible array of nature. Seabirds gracefully dipped and soared above the water, their wings slicing through the air, their calls echoing through the vastness of the sea. And just as I was marveling at the sight of a group of oystercatchers delicately pecking at the shore, a plump seal bobbed its head out of the water, giving me a "hello" with a charming grin. It was as if it knew I had a pink tutu on (okay, not really, but that's what it felt like!).
And what about the food scene? Folkestone has some real hidden gems tucked away amongst its narrow streets. I found a charming little café tucked behind the old harbour, its walls painted in a soft pink and lavender hue (it’s a colour combination I definitely approve of). Their homemade lemon meringue pie was an absolute dream - the delicate meringue crust contrasted beautifully with the creamy citrus filling, each bite leaving me feeling refreshed and ready for the evening.
My evening was dedicated to exploring Folkestone's unique artistic scene. The Creative Quarter was just a few steps from my hotel and oozed bohemian charm. I couldn't help but browse the quirky little shops that lined the cobblestone streets - hand-painted pottery, vibrant mosaics, and a whole shop dedicated to handmade candles, each one infused with a captivating fragrance. This is the place where I feel truly in my element! My love of pink was in full swing - there were so many fabulous pastel colours in the shops and restaurants here - just made my heart skip a beat!
In the evening, the air filled with the melodies of live music wafting from pubs and restaurants, painting the cobblestone streets with a vibrant atmosphere. I ended my night by joining a group of friendly locals at a cosy pub, its warm glow a beacon of cheerfulness. They laughed at my stories about my tutu-wearing adventures, and we reminisced about the day's highlights, a reminder that life is about connection and creating memories with people you love.
Now, I must confess, one of my favorite things about travelling is simply getting to experience a different kind of life - waking up to new sounds and sights, exploring unknown territories, and, most importantly, learning new things about myself. The vibrant energy of Folkestone reminded me why I love travel, and how important it is to embrace the unknown, be open to new experiences, and never stop exploring the beauty that surrounds us.
So, as I wave goodbye to Folkestone, its charm still lingering in my memory, I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude. I'm ready to bring this joy back to Derbyshire, a suitcase full of sea air, inspiration, and of course, my new bright yellow tutu! Oh, and if you want to catch up with all the action, you can follow my daily life on Instagram at @EmmaPinkTutu (it’s so fun!).
See you all next week, and remember: life's too short to not wear a pink tutu! 😘
