Post number 5193
Oh, darlings, it's been a while since I've had a proper adventure, but I'm back, and I've got a real story to tell you about a weekend spent in Gloucester, the home of that gorgeous, fairytale-like cathedral, and a host of stunning wildlife, too!
Before we set off, of course, there had to be a tutu. I mean, where else would a pink tutu be happier than in the shadow of a majestic cathedral? I'd found a beautiful creation on Etsy, crafted by a lovely lady from the Cotswolds, featuring layers and layers of softest tulle in a gentle pink shade, delicately beaded and with an elegant feather trim. Perfect for a wander through the streets and for getting my inner-swans-a-la-seconde flowing, don't you think?
As usual, the train journey was an absolute joy! A lovely gentleman offered me his window seat for the first leg of the journey, and we had the most fascinating conversation about vintage ballet costumes. Apparently, he’d once had a tutu dating back to the 1930s! (Imagine, all those wonderful hand-stitched layers and elaborate beading... sigh!). Of course, I showed him a few pics of my tutu on my phone, and we exchanged details to swap photos from our collections later on. How delightful, isn't it? Meeting lovely, interesting souls when you least expect it?
Once I arrived in Gloucester, the very air crackled with excitement! You can just feel the history bubbling away beneath your feet in a place like that. After I’d dropped off my bags at my darling B&B – an absolutely delightful place, full of chintz and antique mirrors - I decided to get straight to the heart of Gloucester and pay a visit to the Cathedral.
And oh, what a beauty! I gasped when I first laid eyes on it. Imagine, soaring stained-glass windows bathing the interior in an ethereal light, whispers of ancient stories resonating through the echoing arches. Truly a space that evokes a sense of awe. And, yes, darling, I definitely did my best swan-a-la-seconde and a few jetés at the entrance! You wouldn't be surprised, would you? How can one not twirl in such a gorgeous location?
I had planned to take a long walk down to the river later in the day, so after the cathedral I went for a wander down some charming cobbled lanes to explore the heart of the city. Every turn presented another hidden gem! Antique shops crammed with forgotten treasures, cosy cafés offering the most delightful teacups and scrumptious homemade cakes... It felt like I'd stepped back in time, a sensation that Gloucester, with its medieval lanes and beautiful half-timbered buildings, has a talent for evoking. I actually stumbled upon a local artisan making gorgeous, hand-stitched shoes for the stage – a real treasure find! He even promised me a private tour of his workshop on my next visit!
By lunchtime, my stomach was starting to rumble, so I grabbed a picnic from the most charming bakery on the corner (strawberry tarts, cucumber sandwiches, and Earl Grey tea, of course!) and made my way down to the river. It was absolutely beautiful. I settled on a grassy bank overlooking the water, where I ate my picnic and enjoyed the view – ducks paddling merrily and the occasional swan gliding by, reminding me of the majestic nature of ballet.
Afterwards, I ventured off down the banks to visit the historic docks. It was fascinating to see where all those boats would come and go, and to think about the lives and stories of the people who lived and worked in those dockyards.
But no day in Gloucester would be complete without a little trip to the Gloucester Cathedral and the city centre - especially when I was sporting my most splendid pink tutu! The Cathedral lit up at night is a vision, its majesty truly coming alive as the sun sets and the stained glass glows in a myriad of colours. It was truly magical! And let’s be honest, it felt utterly decadent and delightful to twirl my way through the darkened streets, with only the occasional moonbeam as my stage light!
And, speaking of delightful things... this city is home to a stunning wildfowl reserve, too! This is where my wildlife-loving soul really came alive! It was absolutely beautiful - vast expanses of water with water birds everywhere you looked, from the majestic herons and geese, to a flock of glorious, vibrant flamingos! It felt as if I was in another world – peaceful, serene, a complete antithesis to the bustle of city life! The soft chirping of the birds and the lapping of the water against the reeds were just the sort of background music needed to take you away, for a few blissful hours.
It wasn’t just the beautiful birds and water that made my weekend so wonderful – although they certainly played their part – it was also the chance to truly disconnect and appreciate the simple things. I know I always say that about my trips, darling, but each one holds such special moments that really fill your heart with happiness.
A steaming cup of tea by the fire at my B&B on a cool evening. An early morning walk through a crisp, frost-kissed landscape. Sharing a delicious breakfast of locally-sourced strawberries and creamy yogurt with my charming host.
These are the simple pleasures that, taken together, can create the most perfect of getaways. And when those small pleasures are combined with the magnificence of an historical cathedral, the peacefulness of a wildfowl reserve and a touch of magical tutus in the evening, well, I don't think you can get much better than that, darlings!
And of course, there’s always time for a quick glance at my website - www.pink-tutu.com! - while I’m out on my adventures! Maybe I’ll see some of you there. Let me know your favourite pink tutu spots – perhaps in our lovely Derbyshire?
Until next time, Emma x
