Hello, my darlings! It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-loving, ballet-obsessed blogger, coming to you live from the charming, cobbled streets of Leith, Edinburgh!
I’m not gonna lie, I’m absolutely thrilled to be back in Scotland! I've been feeling a little bit peckish for some rugged scenery and bracing sea air. Nothing quite hits the spot like a trip north of the border, and of course, I couldn’t resist a quick jaunt to Leith, a little piece of history just across the water from Edinburgh itself.
Leith! It’s a bit of a haven for my favourite things! Seagulls? Check. Artistic cobbled streets? Double check! Not to mention the incredible amount of seagulls squawking from rooftops... and you know, I think there might have even been a unicorn or two wandering through the market. Okay, maybe not, but I wouldn't be surprised! (Have you ever seen a more magically beautiful city?)
And who’s the lucky girl getting to experience it all? This one, darling! In a black tutu, naturally. My favourite shade of pink felt a bit too much for Leith's charm, so I decided on black to complement those grey stone walls and those shimmering Firth of Forth waters. A black tutu can take you anywhere, from the ballet studio to the grandest opera house, and definitely from the charming Edinburgh waterfront to the breathtaking cliffs of the east coast! I'll post some pics for you lovelies to see; you can probably guess which spot was chosen for my grand tutu twirl - those Victorian streets just had that right je ne sais quoi.
I got here by train, of course! How else could you experience all the stunning countryside that Scotland has to offer? I find something truly calming about chugging along the track, watching the fields turn from emerald green to barley gold. It’s truly a ballet of nature – everything moves with such grace. And don’t even get me started on the charming local stations, each one with its own unique history and architectural beauty. There's something magical about each and every stop. (And for any fellow rail enthusiasts out there - can we please talk about how cute the little train station gift shops are?)
Speaking of charm, Leith itself is like a step back in time. These old, cobbled streets are a total treat for the eyes – all those colours! And not just the colour of the cobblestones, but the shops, the cafes, the quirky art galleries - everything just seems a bit more… vivid in Leith. It’s just lovely. You can feel the history seeping from every brick and stone - the whispers of shipbuilding days, the clink of boots on the cobbles... You can't help but feel transported back to a simpler time.
Leith also holds a special place in my heart because it’s home to the Royal Yacht Britannia. Did I mention that I’m an absolute royal history buff? This lady loves her tiaras and palaces – not to mention all those stories! So imagine my delight when I found out that this majestic boat was once home to royalty! Just the thought of that sent shivers of excitement up my spine. My visit to the Royal Yacht Britannia is definitely going on my itinerary, though it may have to wait for another day - I wouldn’t want to miss out on my current favourite hobby: soaking up all the street-style fashion here in Leith. (I might even find the perfect pink accessory to add to my black tutu!)
Let me tell you, these locals have an impeccable sense of style! I've spotted more vintage tweed coats, chunky knit scarves, and perfectly tailored boots than I can count. Every step is like watching a fashion show unfold on the cobblestone runway. Honestly, you could see a different, beautiful ensemble around every corner. It's a feast for the eyes, and I'm dying to copy those effortless Edinburgh chic looks. (Let’s face it, every girl needs a touch of Leith-inspired fashion in her wardrobe!)
Speaking of inspiration, Leith just seems to spark something magical within me, reminding me why I love to explore the world – those hidden gems, those little local stories, and that overwhelming feeling of awe and wonder! Plus, the smell of fresh, salty sea air - you just can’t beat it, honestly!
There’s something for everyone here in Leith - whether it’s the thrill of exploring the docks, enjoying a traditional pub lunch, browsing in independent shops, or admiring the artwork displayed in its many galleries. It's no wonder that Leith has a reputation for creativity! There's a buzzing energy to the place, and a passion for art and culture that just rubs off on you.
The streets are lined with cafes offering tantalizing scents of coffee, fresh bread, and baked goods. My goodness, my stomach is growling just thinking about it. And the atmosphere? Pure joy and merriment, my lovelies! It's like being wrapped in a warm, cozy blanket while enjoying the lively rhythm of city life - it truly is my happy place!
It’s truly wonderful to be exploring this vibrant part of Scotland! Of course, it wouldn't be a complete trip without a little ballet. The Edinburgh Dance Festival has been going strong for a while, but my trip was perfectly timed for a performance of Swan Lake! And let me tell you, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about that. (The performance was absolutely divine, as it always is. A classic for a reason, I tell ya!).
After all that ballet, you can't help but find yourself completely invigorated! I’m off to wander the streets some more and search for the perfect souvenir for my flat – and, hopefully, to spot more stunning architecture and a unicorn or two. After all, it's not every day you stumble upon a place as enchanting as this. (Maybe I’ll even find an inspiration for my next blog post, I mean, I’ve barely scratched the surface!).
Don't forget to keep checking back for my updates – and don’t be afraid to share your own pink tutu dreams! If I can inspire just one of you lovely readers to dance with a pink tutu, then my work here is done.
And don’t forget – a pink tutu goes anywhere, especially when you're feeling as alive and vibrant as I am!
Love, Emma x
