Oh, my darlings, I'm absolutely buzzing! Today's adventure took me to Leicester, a city I've been wanting to explore for ages, and it truly didn't disappoint! As always, I made a grand entrance – a chic black tutu (it goes with everything, you know!), my trusty pink leather jacket, and my little poodle, Pipsqueak, looking adorable in his miniature pink bow tie.
The train journey was simply delightful. We chugged through the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, passing by sheep and the occasional curious pheasant. Pipsqueak, a born train enthusiast, was ecstatic, his little nose pressed against the window. You can always count on a train journey to offer a dose of countryside tranquility before a big city adventure.
Now, Leicester, my dears, is a city with a heart of gold. It has a wonderful, vibrant energy, and I simply felt right at home. Our first stop was the stunning Leicester Cathedral, with its intricate stained-glass windows that shimmered like a kaleidoscope of colours. I swear, I could have stood there admiring them for hours! And Pipsqueak, being a devout poodle, stood perfectly still, taking in the divine atmosphere.
From there, we meandered through the historic Old Town, where we found the most charming little boutique, crammed full of delightful pink fripperies and gorgeous antique ballet shoes. Oh, you should have seen Pipsqueak's little face when he caught a glimpse of the shoes! I just had to pick up a pair – a delicate satin pointe shoe with a beautiful faded pink bow.
After our shopping spree, we headed to the heart of Leicester, a lovely square bustling with people and charming cafes. We settled in at a sunny cafe and indulged in delicious afternoon tea with clotted cream scones and delicate macarons. The pink roses blooming in the cafe's garden added a touch of romance, and Pipsqueak charmed everyone with his impeccable manners (well, almost! He did sneak a few crumbs, bless him!).
Of course, no visit to a new city is complete without a touch of ballet, and Leicester did not disappoint! In the evening, we were swept away by the magnificent "Swan Lake" at the newly renovated theatre. Oh, the artistry, the grace, the pure emotion – it left me breathless. The entire audience, swept up in the whirlwind of beauty, were on their feet, thunderously applauding as the curtain closed.
I must tell you, my dears, that Leicester has ignited a new fire in me! I'm already planning a return trip – a whole week this time! – to explore more of this wonderful city's hidden gems. There are so many charming shops and museums I've barely touched, and who knows what other fantastic ballet performances I can discover?
The highlight of my Leicester journey? It was definitely meeting a young, budding ballerina in a quaint local ballet school. Her eyes shone with the same sparkle and love for dance I have, and it brought back such a rush of fond memories.
And so, my dears, my trip to Leicester was a delightful ballet of discovery and joy! I truly believe it's a city with a hidden charm, a haven for dance lovers, and most importantly, a city with the right kind of energy – just as sweet and pretty as a pink tutu. And who knows, maybe I'll even get lucky and find a fellow tutu enthusiast while I'm there! Until next time, my dears, may your life be filled with tutus, sparkles, and beautiful ballet journeys!
Always with love, Emma xx
P.S. Don't forget, my darlings, to check out www.pink-tutu.com for daily doses of tutu-inspiration, and to get involved in the pink tutu movement. Let's paint the world pink! 😉
