Hello my beautiful ballet bunnies! 🐰💖 It's your favourite pink-tutu-clad blogger, Emma, checking in from the charming town of Colchester! I'm absolutely bursting with excitement after a whirlwind trip to Essex, which definitely lived up to its reputation for being a real treat. I even wore my new pink tutu to match the gorgeous sunsets over the River Colne. 🌅
As always, travelling is the perfect way to get my creative juices flowing and find inspiration. This time, I decided to hop aboard the train - you know how much I love those scenic views and the opportunity to soak up the landscape! Colchester definitely had a unique energy - a wonderful blend of history and bustling charm, which is something I can definitely get behind.
My first stop had to be Colchester Castle, a magnificent feat of Norman architecture that stood strong for centuries! I even got a bit carried away trying to imagine what life would have been like back in those days, all knights and jousting and…well, maybe not so much dancing in tutus! 😅 But I did wonder if maybe they did a little pirouette or two in their time.
Next up, a delicious bite at the vibrant Colchester Market - imagine my delight at the stalls overflowing with colourful, seasonal produce! I picked up some of the freshest berries I’ve ever seen and some local honey - pure heaven! Colchester, you definitely know how to treat a foodie like myself. 🍯🍓
Of course, no visit to a new town would be complete without some cultural immersion. This time, it was the Colchester Arts Centre, a haven for all things artistic. I spent the afternoon lost in a mesmerising contemporary dance performance, and felt that familiar rush of emotions that only a brilliant dance piece can bring. 🩰
I actually stumbled across this gem whilst exploring the cobbled streets and the historic centre, which was a joy to wander around. Those old houses with their half-timbered structures, those hidden alleyways whispering secrets - there was so much character in every nook and cranny!
And let's not forget the magnificent Roman ruins at the Colchester Archaeological Resource Centre, just begging to be explored. Stepping back into history felt like being transported to another time. Walking among the old foundations, it was easy to imagine the bustle and the daily life of those who called this place home centuries ago. 🏛️
But as much as I love to explore history and discover the hidden treasures of every place I visit, I must confess my biggest love affair is with nature! Colchester didn’t disappoint. After an afternoon of sightseeing, I hopped on my trusty steed - a beautiful white horse called Cloud, which was a gift from a wonderful friend who knows I love a good adventure - and set off to explore the beautiful Dedham Vale, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a perfect escape from the city bustle. This region was actually an inspiration to the famous artist John Constable, and I completely understand why!
Watching the sun set over the meandering River Stour and its majestic meadows was a sight I will never forget. It was a perfect end to an incredibly beautiful day, reminding me of why I am so grateful for these amazing travel adventures. 🏞️
As always, my time in Colchester wasn’t just about sightseeing and enjoying delicious treats, It was also about connecting with the locals. Their warm welcome, their love for their town, their charming accents - I just fell in love with this little corner of Essex. It even made me want to take up the local pastime of walking a donkey! Not quite ballet, but fun nonetheless. 😉
I also took a moment to reflect on how I, a simple Derbyshire girl, have found myself travelling the world, chasing my dreams of dance and inspiring others to embrace their own love of movement, of artistry, of life! It’s truly been an incredible journey and I’m only getting started.
Speaking of journeys, I'm already dreaming of my next adventure - where will the pink tutu take me next? Who knows? But I can't wait to share all the magic, the discoveries, and the pure joy that awaits us on the next page of this dance!
Until then, remember - the world is a giant stage, waiting for you to twirl your way onto it! Embrace the magic, darling, embrace the joy!
💖 Live your life in pink (and with a tutu!). 💖
Lots of love,
Emma
