Post number 5430
Hello, lovelies! It's Emma here, your pink tutu-clad guide to all things beautiful, and I'm just buzzing from my latest adventure. I packed my dancing shoes, my trusty travel journal, and a few strategically placed pink tulle clouds into my trusty vintage suitcase and hopped aboard the train to Belfast.
My dear friend, Alice, who dances at the Northern Ireland Opera, told me I absolutely HAD to visit the city. She said it had the same kind of electric, exciting energy that buzzes around a pre-show ballet backstage, just waiting to be unleashed. And let me tell you, Alice wasn't kidding!
As soon as my train pulled into the station, the air felt different - a little crisper, a little bolder. There was something so welcoming about the cobbled streets and the smell of the sea hanging in the air, like a salty promise.
Tutus in the Emerald Isle
Now, you might think "Emma, Belfast - doesn't that sound a bit… rough around the edges?" And I'll be honest, it definitely doesn't have the polished, manicured feel of London or Edinburgh, but it’s that charming, imperfect roughness that I fell head over heels for!
One of my absolute favourite things about Belfast is that it has this wonderful juxtaposition of history and modernity. Think crumbling, centuries-old brick walls alongside cool, contemporary cafes serving delicious coffee with frothy hearts, and grand, majestic buildings sharing space with playful street art.
My very first stop had to be the Ulster Museum, obviously! You simply cannot travel to any new city without a cultural immersion, especially if they've got a great collection of artwork and artifacts, which this museum has in spades! I'm quite a history buff, you see, and this museum had me fascinated by all things Irish.
Ballet under the Big Blue Sky
Once I'd satiated my inner historian, it was time to shake my tutu and take in a bit of the vibrant arts scene! Belfast, as it turns out, is practically overflowing with artistic talent. They even have their very own ballet company, the Ballet Ireland! While their company performance wasn't on, they hosted a special open-air class on the beautiful grounds of the Belfast City Hall, under the gorgeous big blue sky.
Wearing my brand-new, fiery orange tutu – you know I love a splash of colour – I joined the other dancers for a fantastic outdoor session. We worked on our grand jeté, pirouettes and even learned some new choreography. There’s just something incredibly freeing about dancing outside, surrounded by nature and with a breeze in your hair.
After class, I found myself at a cute little café called "The Sugarcube," enjoying a lovely iced latte and some mouthwatering raspberry cake. Talk about fueling my ballerina dreams!
The Magical, Mythic Realm of the Giant's Causeway
But Belfast is about more than just city vibes and delicious treats! I had to experience the natural beauty of Northern Ireland. This meant, of course, a trip to the iconic Giant’s Causeway.
Driving along the stunning Antrim coast was pure bliss, a scene right out of a fairytale. And then I saw it, this incredible masterpiece of nature – black basalt columns stretching out into the sea, each one unique, a testament to nature's awe-inspiring power. It's not surprising they call it a giant’s causeway! You really feel like you’ve stumbled into a mythical world.
And you know, after witnessing such majestic sights, it almost felt a little ironic to be posing for a cute picture in my pink tutu on top of a massive basalt column, but it made for such a wonderful reminder that sometimes, a dash of playful femininity amidst the most powerful landscapes can make a picture truly come alive.
Belfast: More than Meets the Eye
Honestly, my time in Belfast flew by. I ate some truly amazing, fresh, locally sourced seafood at a bustling waterfront restaurant called The Fishers, watched a mesmerising performance at the Grand Opera House (they put on fantastic ballet shows), and even ventured out into the wilds for some spectacular countryside scenery, making me want to buy a pair of riding boots (you know how I love a good gallop!).
One of my favourite memories was discovering a beautiful hidden little park, the Botanic Gardens, where I strolled through the fragrant blooms, watched graceful swans gliding on the tranquil lake, and indulged in a bit of people-watching. The locals were incredibly welcoming and even cheered me on when I decided to practice a little pirouette in the shade of a giant oak tree.
A Pink Tutu Ambassador
As always, my mission in life was to spread the love of ballet and to encourage everyone to find their own inner pink tutu. So I popped into a few local dance schools and spoke to some young ballerinas, offering a few pointers, and reminding them to always follow their dreams and to never be afraid to embrace their individuality.
Until Next Time...
Belfast truly exceeded all my expectations. It’s got a heart of gold, a captivating spirit, and a magical, vibrant atmosphere. And while it's true I may have stood out with my pink tutu amidst the city's gritty charm, it didn't feel out of place. Instead, it felt like a tiny dose of light and laughter adding to the city’s unique and endearing personality.
I'm already planning my next visit, hopefully in the spring when the wild daffodils bloom across the rolling hills! Until then, happy twirling, my lovelies!
Stay fabulous,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
