Hello my darlings, and welcome to Pink Tutu! 🩰 Today, I’m writing to you from the cobbled streets of Leith, a charming little seaside town in Edinburgh, Scotland. Now, you might be thinking, “Emma, isn’t it a tad chilly for a tutu in December?” And you’d be right, but let’s be honest, a little chilly never stopped this tutu-loving gal! Besides, the Scottish wind whipped up a delightful chill that made my luscious, lilac-coloured tutu feel extra special.
I journeyed to Leith by train, of course – there’s something about the rhythmic sway of a train that truly sets the mood for adventure, especially when you're rocking a tutu! But enough about the journey and let’s dive straight into the magic of Leith!
First things first, I simply had to indulge in a proper cuppa (and by proper, I mean a strong brew, with just a dash of milk, of course!). Leith is brimming with adorable tea rooms and cafes, and I discovered the most quaint little spot called "The Wee Teacup." With its pink-painted walls, lace tablecloths and endless selection of dainty cakes, I could have spent hours there, but alas, I had more tutu-tastic exploring to do!
My first stop was the breathtaking Leith Harbour. It’s a symphony of salty sea air, creaking boats, and the ever-present call of seagulls – utterly charming! I felt an overwhelming sense of serenity gazing at the waves, especially as the sun was setting and casting the most magical hues of pink and purple across the sky (oh, how it just begs to be incorporated into my next tutu!). It was like something out of a fairytale!
Next up, I strolled along the bustling Shore, a historic district bursting with charm. I fell head over heels for the little shops tucked away in the charming stone buildings, overflowing with beautiful trinkets and gifts. You can tell they put a lot of heart and soul into their work. A pair of delicate earrings with seashells on them definitely came home with me (perfect for a tutu-fied beach stroll!).
But Leith’s beauty isn’t just confined to the city – venturing out just a little, you stumble upon breathtaking landscapes! I decided to take a short detour to the charming village of Cramond, located on the mouth of the Forth estuary. Now, you know me, I couldn't resist taking my lilac tutu for a whirl through the majestic Cramond Island – the waves, the sand, the stunning views – I almost wanted to skip! But the island also held a surprising surprise: the ruins of a 12th century church. Talk about history and fashion combined! It’s a powerful reminder of the long and storied past of this enchanting little place.
No visit to Leith would be complete without mentioning its artistic spirit. I spent hours in the wonderful Edinburgh Printmakers Gallery. The vibrant colours, the intricately-etched prints and the powerful stories behind the artwork made me wish I could bring all of it back to my studio!
To add to my adventures, I managed to squeeze in a private ballet lesson with the lovely Heather, a local professional dancer. She taught me the most beautiful pirouettes while looking stunning in her own shimmering black tutu (my colour, I'm sure you'll agree, needs no competition, it just elevates other tutus!). We were surrounded by lush greenery, just like the scenery outside my home in Derbyshire, which made it extra special for me!
Evenings in Leith offered a chance to bask in the magical atmosphere of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It was buzzing with performers of all kinds. From a dazzling mime artist portraying the lonely life of a busker to a vibrant juggling act featuring a whole team of clowns in their own outrageous outfits (and what did I notice you ask? Yes, pink!) I even caught a mesmerising performance of “Swan Lake.” I was transported by the grace of the ballerinas, the powerful melodies and the stories that unfolded through each beautifully executed step – it's no wonder it's one of my favourite ballets!
However, let me be frank, the star of the show during my Leith escapades was definitely my luxurious, lilac tutu. It shimmered and swirled in the sunshine, it danced with me through the charming streets, and it embraced the rugged beauty of the Scottish coastline. Honestly, the Scottish landscape looked even more spectacular with it, don’t you think?
My trip to Leith was filled with such joyful surprises and inspiring moments. But honestly, the real joy is being able to share my love for dance, for adventure, and yes, even for the colour pink, with all of you! I urge you to put on a tutu (it can be any colour, really!), go explore a new place, and feel the joy of spreading a bit of sparkle wherever you go.
Don't forget to check in with me again tomorrow for more tutu-tastic adventures. I promise you won’t want to miss out! Until next time, darlings!
Love,
Emma x www.pink-tutu.com
