Post Number 7126
Oh darling, hello from the heart of Wales! I know what you're thinking – Merthyr Tydfil? Is that even a real place? (It's absolutely real, trust me, though admittedly it does sound a bit made up). Well, it's the setting for my latest pink adventure, and let me tell you, it's been a hoot!
But before we dive into the fun, let's get the outfit sorted. I’m rocking my trusty pale pink tulle tutu, the one with the delicate silver edging (you saw it in my last post from Stratford-upon-Avon). It felt just right for the brisk Welsh air – think ethereal fairy meets chic Parisian.
Now, as you all know, my absolute favourite way to travel is by train. Something about those long journeys, the passing scenery, and the rhythmic clatter of the tracks just feels... magical. And so, with a big grin and a full travel mug of strawberry and mango smoothie (my go-to morning pick-me-up), I embarked on my adventure to Merthyr Tydfil, perched in a plush carriage and gazing out at the stunning Welsh countryside. The hills were emerald green, flecked with sunshine, and dotted with sheep. So much beauty!
My goal today was a little different from usual – less "tutu ballet" and more "tutu…wildlife?". Don't get me wrong, I'm still obsessed with dancing (a new ballet school just opened near me! squeals), but today's exploration was inspired by a little birdie on Twitter who told me about a nearby reserve – something about wild horses roaming free. Wild horses, pink tutu, glorious scenery? Sign me up!
So off I went, through quaint villages and over bridges with breathtaking views of valleys. It was just me, my tutu, and a strong desire to feel the magic of these wild creatures.
Reaching the reserve, I felt a bit like a ballet dancer on a quest (always the dramatic one, me!). I was expecting an open field with galloping horses. Instead, what I found was something truly fascinating. It felt like a mini-Wild West – cacti dotting the landscape, wind-swept grasses, and tumbleweeds rolling across the horizon! And amidst all that, there were indeed horses, but unlike those romantic, stallion images, they were little wild ponies. It was a charming mix of desert landscape and small, spirited ponies, just a little further away than I expected! But still so charming.
I had my picnic in the heart of the reserve (mini vegan sandwiches with pink hummus - oh so decadent), surrounded by the smell of earth and the gentle rustle of leaves. I had a book in my bag (an exciting new biography about the Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova, of course) but really just enjoyed the peace of nature and feeling a million miles away from everything else.
I managed to catch a glimpse of some of those little ponies galloping through the long grass – they were more playful than I’d expected! It felt truly magical, like a scene straight out of a Disney movie. You could even say my "wild horses" dreams were coming true, just a little bit more dusty than I envisioned.
The highlight was actually meeting the friendly volunteers. They shared the history of the reserve, explaining how they dedicated their time and effort to safeguarding this unusual little ecosystem and ensuring these little ponies thrived in this unexpected corner of the Welsh countryside. I felt that familiar twinge of joy, the kind that comes when you encounter genuine good people making the world a brighter place, one pony at a time.
It wasn't exactly a "ballerina's paradise," but it was certainly a wonderful adventure – a new experience, some lovely fresh air, and an insight into the beauty of a lesser-known part of the UK. And yes, the pink tutu definitely made an appearance, fluttering amidst the wind-swept grasses as I walked through this strange and wonderful land.
Until next time, darlings. You can be sure that my next pink tutu adventure won't be far off! And don't forget to follow along at www.pink-tutu.com and on all our socials! It would also be lovely to hear your own experiences and suggestions for my next big adventure. Where should we go?
Always sending you all my love (and pink sparkle),
Emma xo
