Hello my darling darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving ballerina, Emma, and today's adventure takes me to the fascinating town of Cumbernauld in bonnie Scotland! As you know, I love a good train journey (second only to riding a horse!), so my day began with the satisfying rhythmic chug of a ScotRail carriage. I even spotted a cheeky squirrel on the platform - the wildlife truly does make a journey complete.
Cumbernauld is a town that doesn't often get featured in travel blogs, but I'm here to tell you it's brimming with charm! (Okay, perhaps "charm" isn't the first word that springs to mind... but it definitely has character!).
It all started with a spontaneous twirl! (Did you think I could visit a place without a good tutu-tastic twirl? No chance!) I found this fabulous, bright pink tutu in a little vintage shop in Edinburgh - just the colour to add some pep to my step in this fresh, clean, somewhat austere setting. I do love an architectural challenge, though! And oh, my darlings, what a joy it was! I think even the grumpy looking old men in the shop (all three of them!) cracked a smile when they saw my enthusiastic twirl with a flourish and a flourish - who doesn't enjoy a bit of bubbly energy? They reminded me of some of my first ballet teachers in Derbyshire!
Anyway, I'm wandering a bit, as usual! Back to Cumbernauld! After my twirl, I wandered through the town square (that is what it is called, isn't it? ... or is it just the "plaza"? ) ... And right there in front of me stood a magnificent statue. Now, you all know I have a thing for statues - they make wonderful subjects for Instagram! But this one truly captivated me. It depicts a young woman, poised and graceful, in mid-pirouette. It reminded me so much of the first time I felt that wonderful floating feeling - the magic of ballet. This statue gave me a strong urge to put on a performance right there on the spot!
Alas, it wouldn't have been quite "the look" for this setting, but the idea didn't leave me all day. Cumbernauld has a strong industrial heritage - you really see it in the architecture, which gave my tutu a slightly out-of-place air - a dash of vibrant colour in a landscape of grey steel.
The day brought with it the most delightful experiences - a delicious lunch of Haggis Neeps and Tatties ( a culinary treat that deserves to be far more widely known!) and a meeting with an artist whose vibrant pottery creations really reminded me of the expressive lines of ballet!
Oh, and the train journey back was the perfect chance to reflect on my adventures - I have a newfound love for Cumbernauld. It was unexpected, this burst of inspiration, a challenge to my "ballet ballerina" persona. Maybe, just maybe, my next tutu design will be inspired by Cumbernauld - something sharp and angular, but with a feminine twirl that truly encapsulates the character of this unconventional town. I'll call it "The Cumbernauld Cascade", of course, and maybe there's even a chance of a "Cumbernauld Performance"? Maybe I can inspire some of the lovely residents of Cumbernauld to join in with a performance...
Well, until next time! Keep on twirling, keep on exploring, and never forget: it's never too late to find beauty in the unexpected and even to add a bit of pink to the world! Now, if you'll excuse me, I think a pink tutu calls!
Emma (www.pink-tutu.com)
