Hello, darlings! It’s Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood tutu-clad travel enthusiast, reporting live from the charming city of York!
As you all know, I’m a bit obsessed with pink. And tutus. And ballet. But did you know I also have a soft spot for history? So naturally, York, with its medieval streets and ancient walls, was calling to me. I’d heard the city was steeped in history and had some stunning architecture. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
I embarked on this delightful adventure the quintessential way: by train, of course. My trusty steed, the Virgin Trains, whisked me away from my little Derbyshire village to this beautiful city in the North. As soon as I stepped onto York’s historic station platform, I felt the magic of the place. The air felt different, tinged with the echoes of centuries past. I swear I even glimpsed a ghostly figure in one of the arches, but I’ll chalk that up to the romance of the day. 😉
And then there it was, that glorious sight that makes my heart sing - The Shambles! A cobbled, crooked street that wouldn’t look out of place in a fairy tale, lined with quaint shops with gingerbread houses. Honestly, I could have spent hours wandering, gazing at the crooked buildings and imagining the hustle and bustle of life centuries ago. But of course, I couldn't resist the allure of the little tea rooms and the promise of a delicious cup of tea.
York Minster loomed over the city like a giant guardian, its gothic grandeur filling me with awe. The sheer size of the place took my breath away, and I swear I could hear angels singing from its towering spire! After spending an hour exploring its vast interior and its beautifully intricate stained-glass windows, I was completely mesmerized. The sheer beauty of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture truly made my heart sing.
Now, what is a ballet-loving girly like me to do in a city like York, with all its historical charm? Why, explore the ballet world, of course! And lucky for me, I discovered that the York Theatre Royal, one of the oldest theatres in the country, was holding an enchanting performance of “The Nutcracker.” It was like stepping straight into a magical Christmas wonderland.
I practically bounced with excitement in my seat. The graceful ballerinas were exquisite in their shimmering costumes, the music filled me with a joyous energy, and the little ballerinas from the local dance school looked so utterly adorable, I practically swooned! The whole performance was utterly magical, a truly unforgettable experience that cemented my love for ballet and everything it represents - elegance, grace, and beauty.
Of course, a day in York wouldn't be complete without some pink! I found the most exquisite boutique hidden away in one of the cobbled side streets. Imagine, a shop filled with pink everything - pink silk scarves, pink feathered fascinators, pink floral brooches, even pink tutus! The lady who ran the shop, a stylish woman with a bob and a fabulous emerald necklace, even encouraged me to wear my pink tutu for my photos around the city. I wouldn't be caught dead wearing a pink tutu in Derbyshire, but in the historical charm of York, I felt anything was possible!
Now, this wouldn't be a proper travel blog without mentioning some wildlife, right? York was full of furry friends too - I saw a cheeky squirrel nibbling on an acorn in the gardens of the York Minster and a family of ducks taking a leisurely stroll in the River Ouse. The sheer amount of birdsong and the chirping of these little creatures just filled the whole day with this joyous vibrancy, adding to the enchanting aura of the city.
Leaving York felt like saying goodbye to an old friend, a sense of melancholic sadness but with the promise of seeing it again, a city filled with charm and magic that I will never forget. But don’t worry, my darlings, I won’t be leaving you hanging! Stay tuned for my next travel adventures, all brought to you by the pinkest tutu this side of the Atlantic!
And as always, remember, life’s too short for beige.
P.S. Did you know that York has a history of theatre performances that goes back to the Roman era? I bet those Roman warriors had no idea they were paving the way for the breathtaking Nutcracker performance!
Until next time,
Emma xoxo
