Post #5062
Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-loving travel blogger Emma, here, reporting live from the enchanting town of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales! Today was a real adventure, filled with whimsy, romance, and of course, pink tutus. Oh, and a dash of history for good measure, as the name itself suggests a link to the Welsh King, Tudor!
As a little girl in Derbyshire, "Merthyr" conjured images of dark industrial towns, something a little rough around the edges. And well, in truth, it has a bit of a gritty past, which gives it a real historical charm.
Now, if you've been following my adventures on pink-tutu.com, you'll know my journey usually begins with a romantic train ride. It's such a fun and chic way to travel, particularly in this part of the world! Watching the English countryside rush by, fields full of buttercups and wildflowers, I can't help but feel the romance.
But, there is also a delightful thrill in a well-timed ride on horseback, which for some reason, was just what was called for today! Thankfully, a fellow tutu enthusiast (let’s just call him a 'tutu-mate') had arranged for an experienced stable nearby, and as I’m very confident on a horse, it felt just right. Imagine me, twirling along a quiet lane, my tulle skirt catching the breeze… the pink! It really felt like a scene from a fairytale!
Before heading into Merthyr Tydfil, the plan was to go and admire the stunning countryside. We meandered through verdant valleys, rolling hills that reminded me of the Swiss Alps in miniature, all painted in shades of green and pink, of course! There are many things I find so delightful, and I just had to capture the gorgeous colours on camera. (Do go and have a look at my Insta-pics if you fancy some real, genuine, tutu-inspired photography! And a good place to leave comments if you’ve had the chance to visit Merthyr yourselves. )
Now, Merthyr Tydfil may be a historic industrial town, but don't let that fool you! It's home to a secret gem! The Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery! A castle, yes, but one with a delightful art gallery! Imagine, if you will, me, my Tutu in full flow, gazing up at Rembrandt-esque portraits (a few that, I felt, could actually be in a tutu-worthy masterpiece. Oh! A thought for the next pink tutu ballet I design!) and losing myself in the rich history of the town, with its links to coal mining and steelmaking. They really add another dimension, wouldn’t you say? It feels truly alive, especially as the exhibition showed, just how it transformed and modernized during the Victorian era, to make it what it is today, a flourishing, dynamic community.
But back to the real magic of Merthyr! Now, no ballet aficionado would visit Wales without a trip to the iconic Lyric Theatre. This iconic theatre has a rich history and it is said that they have some excellent ballet companies coming in - watch this space, darlings, I am definitely going back and reporting on it, when it comes to the big town events! But as for now, I had a ball getting some inspiration, enjoying a proper afternoon tea in one of their charming cafes! And, of course, I donned my pinkest tutu for the occasion, for my photos! (Do follow me, darlings!)
This being Wales, the landscape and scenery was almost breathtaking, just so full of life. The wild flowers, the lush countryside, all so verdant and beautiful, it was as if nature itself was celebrating the romance. My day would be complete if I spotted a Red Kites! I have such a fondness for those beautiful majestic birds! So as I always say, 'Follow the birds.' So, if you’re going for a tutu trip in Wales, it really will put a pink in your day. And who knows? You might even see one of the elusive birds flying above the valleys of Merthyr itself! There’s also plenty to admire, the historic landmarks of this bustling, vibrant community, with a flourishing music and arts scene, a legacy that gives you much to savour and a place where life and history are well preserved.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow on the town, I couldn't help but feel a surge of inspiration. I saw a vibrant and colourful world waiting to be explored, a place where a tutu could really make a statement, just as much as an avant-garde ballet production would, a world filled with vibrant pink tutus!
This wasn’t the last I’d see of this little town, of that, I'm sure, my Pink Tutu Blog darlings! But for now, it was back to the horse (of course! How else for such a delighted ballerina to travel!?) and on to the railway station and that relaxing, soothing and rhythmic journey back, but a tutu-ful one!
Now I’ve been on this trip, let’s see… if I want to take it one step further! What if we all start thinking Pink? Imagine us all in pink, and imagine how much happier we would be as a community. It would be a new world - maybe even one we'd have a go at trying a little ballet? Let me know your thoughts, darlings!
Don't forget to follow me on pink-tutu.com and my social media. Stay tuned for more pink-tastic adventures from all around the globe! Until then, darlings, happy twirling!
Love and kisses,
Emma xx
