Hello, darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed blogger, back with post number 1736! Today I'm going to take you on a whirlwind journey with me to the lovely town of Llanelli, nestled in the beautiful county of Carmarthenshire, Wales.
As you know, I live for adventures. A week ago, I packed my bags (and a plethora of fabulous tutus - obviously!), kissed my Derby countryside goodbye, and hopped on a train to the heart of Wales. I can't tell you how much I adore travelling by train. There's just something so romantic about watching the scenery whip by, with the gentle rhythm of the tracks as my soundtrack.
Now, let me tell you a little about my Llanelli adventures. Firstly, I felt like a princess stepping into a storybook. The Welsh countryside, with its rolling green hills and charming stone houses, simply took my breath away. The air was so fresh and clean, you could practically taste it. I could imagine a gaggle of fluffy sheep leaping across those hills, sporting adorable little tutus... wouldn't that be delightful?
My journey wouldn't be complete without a visit to Llanelli's charming town centre. I swear, everything was pink! Okay, maybe not literally everything, but I saw a beautiful, dusty-pink floral shop and the most gorgeous little tea room with cherry-blossom-coloured walls and adorable floral prints. Oh, and let's not forget about the shops themselves, crammed with cute Welsh crafts and knick-knacks. I couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs - a little knitted dragon in hot pink, naturally, and a stunning hand-painted ceramic teapot featuring a graceful ballerina.
Now, a journey isn't a true Emma experience without ballet, is it? And Llanelli didn't disappoint. The town has this absolutely divine community ballet studio - the Llanelli Ballet School - nestled amongst cobblestone streets. Their walls were adorned with posters featuring beautiful ballerinas, and the moment I walked in, I felt the magic. They offered a "Tutu Tuesday" class - how fitting for me! I've never been one to resist a new adventure, especially when it involves tutus and twirls.
It was an absolutely delightful class - imagine, twenty ladies, all with smiles on their faces, swaying and spinning in graceful synchronicity, wearing tutus in every shade of pink imaginable. It was truly exhilarating! The instructor, a lovely Welsh woman named Miss Meredith, had such a bubbly personality and passion for ballet. She even wore a little pink tutu over her leotard - bless her heart, it was too adorable! I learnt a few new moves, had a little laugh, and felt truly connected to my fellow ballet lovers. I just know it won't be my last visit to Llanelli Ballet School!
But of course, no visit to Wales is complete without indulging in their rich culture and traditions. The Llanelli Library offered a truly wonderful exhibit about the history of ballet in Wales. There were old posters, beautiful hand-painted scenery from historic ballet productions, and even a stunning collection of old costumes, including a few lovely pink tutus, naturally.
Another must-do in Llanelli was the majestic Llanelli Museum, showcasing the history of the local community. Did you know, darlings, that Llanelli was known as "Tin Town" in the 1800s, as it was at the heart of the Welsh tin industry? It was incredible to see how Llanelli blossomed from a simple village to a bustling industrial hub.
However, a journey for me is not just about visiting the local sights and learning about history. It's also about exploring the natural world and its captivating beauty. Luckily, Llanelli has a beautiful and serene seaside, Pembrey Country Park. I spent the afternoon strolling along the beach, feeling the soft sand beneath my feet, while the cool breeze whipped through my hair. I saw so many amazing creatures - a mischievous otter darting between rocks, a colony of graceful swans, and even a magnificent red kite soaring gracefully above the trees. It truly was a sight for sore eyes!
To cap off my adventure, I indulged in a proper Welsh afternoon tea. Imagine, delicate sandwiches, warm scones with lashings of clotted cream and jam, and dainty cakes served with a selection of perfectly brewed teas. It was delightful.
Now, darlings, before I sign off, I want you to take this as inspiration. Do something new! Step out of your comfort zone, even if it means throwing on a pink tutu and taking a trip to the most unexpected places! This week, I encourage you to try ballet class - you won't regret it! Whether you’re in Llanelli, Derby, or even down the road, there's a little pink tutu waiting to be found within you. Trust me, darling, it's the most magical thing you can experience!
Until next time, remember, embrace the pink and embrace the twirl!
Love,
Emma 💕
P.S. Don't forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com every day for new posts and fun adventures!
