Hello darlings! It's your favourite tutu-wearing travel enthusiast, Emma, checking in with you from sunny (well, kinda sunny!) Walkden, where the wind is definitely trying to make my pink tulle bloom like a gigantic, fabulous, pink rose.
This is blog post number 5356 - can you believe it? That's a LOT of pink tutus, train journeys and adventures shared with you lovely lot! I have to say, it never gets old seeing how many of you are now embracing the magic of pink and the wonder of the ballet. You are my tutu-wearing angels!
Today's journey was a little bit different than usual. You see, I normally travel by train, but today, thanks to my friend Fiona, who I met on the train, I got to try a horse ride! Yes, you heard right, a HORSE! Now, I'm not talking about a gentle stroll through the park, no no, this was a proper countryside gallop across the fields. Talk about wind-blown hair and pink tulle flying in the breeze - absolutely divine!
Fiona's horse, Beau, is a lovely, well-behaved chap, even with a pink-clad dancer precariously clinging to his back! It turns out she runs a horse riding centre here in Walkden, and even better, she hosts a "Tutus and Trot" class every Wednesday morning - can you believe it?! You get to don a pink tutu and ride around in a graceful ballet-inspired horse-riding class. It's pure magic!
But back to Walkden itself. It's a proper quintessential English town, full of charming shops, friendly faces and a definite sense of history. You could even call it... oh, dare I say it... picturesque? shudders at the cliché I'll be honest, Walkden doesn't quite have the bustling street art or vibrant nightlife of my dear Derbyshire home, but it has a different kind of charm - a peaceful charm. You can feel the slower pace of life here, the quiet murmur of everyday life that's strangely relaxing.
There was a lovely independent bookshop, The Bookworm's Haven, which had a whole section dedicated to ballet. Naturally, I had to pick up a few volumes of ballet poetry and some of those gorgeous, swirling, ethereal illustrated books. Imagine, if you will, a ballerina with wings dancing through the night - pure visual poetry!
Speaking of poetry, I happened to stumble across a lovely art installation outside the library. They were calling it a "Dance of Leaves." I know, a bit dramatic, but they'd actually woven a beautiful tapestry of autumn leaves into a sort of human form, almost as if a ballerina had just leapt from a page and frozen in mid-air.
Now, being a ballerina and all, I couldn't resist snapping a few photos in front of it, even though it looked like a bunch of dead leaves! I think I managed to inject some of my trademark pink tulle and tutu magic into it though.
It was a good thing I had those ballet classes I do every Tuesday and Thursday! You see, a trip to a town like Walkden can only really be truly appreciated when you have your ballet body in perfect condition. Let me tell you, all those pliés and pirouettes came in handy, especially when my legs were screaming for a rest after that exhilarating gallop on Beau!
Oh, did I tell you about the café? The Pink Teacup (did I pick that name on purpose, perhaps...winks), was pure delight. It was all pink, from the floral teacups and saucers to the dainty finger sandwiches! I could practically hear the tutu-wearing angels singing!
You know me, I can't go to a town without checking out the local theatre or a ballet performance. Luckily for me, Walkden's Victoria Theatre is playing a new ballet adaptation of The Nutcracker, with some delightful twist of modern storytelling. I absolutely devoured it! I had to purchase a programme and all the merchandise they were selling - I'm now the proud owner of a hand-painted ballet slipper necklace. Can you imagine? A ballerina wearing a necklace with a hand-painted ballet slipper - sheer brilliance!
Now, for all you lovelies who don't know Walkden well, it's got this charming, almost-Victorian-but-not-quite-creepy vibe, with gorgeous old architecture, pretty lampposts and enough hidden gardens to make even the biggest city mouse blush. You know I just have to explore these!
Of course, no walkabout in a quaint town is complete without some wildlife spotting! As I ambled through the nearby park, I came across a whole colony of adorable, fluffy grey squirrels. I just love squirrels, don't you? They are just so... bouncy, mischievous, and always up for an adventure.
As you know, the colour pink brings out the very best in my favourite creature - the flamingo. Well, let's just say I imagined a group of flamingos just as vibrant and majestic, perched on the highest branches, adding a touch of flamingo pink to the otherwise verdant greens and browns of Walkden.
Even though Walkden was a bit off the beaten path for me, it truly made my day. I just love exploring new towns and experiencing their unique energy. Plus, you never know what adventure will unfold! Just remember to wear a pink tutu when you're in Walkden - the more the merrier, you know.
Catch you tomorrow, darling. Till then, may your tutus always be pink and your steps always be light!
Lots of pink love,
Emma
