Hello darlings!
It's Emma here, back with another pink-tastic adventure, this time straight from the heart of Wales – the gorgeous, historical town of Merthyr Tydfil. I'm always drawn to places with rich history and this one did not disappoint. Now, you might think, Merthyr Tydfil? Not the first place that springs to mind for a tutu-wearing traveller, right? But let me tell you, it’s hidden a treasure trove of charm, stunning nature and…a surprise I'm gonna spill the beans on in a bit!
This journey, as per usual, began with a delightful train ride. I must admit, I miss my dear old steed but there's something so chic about a good train ride. Especially when it’s adorned with plush red velvet seating and windows framing panoramic countryside views. As I gazed out at rolling green hills, a flash of pink in my mind took over: I realised that all of those lush green fields just begging for a splash of my favourite colour, a vibrant tutu twirling in the breeze!
Speaking of breezes, let me tell you, the wind in Merthyr Tydfil can be a tad frisky! 🌪 Especially when you’re in a tutu. Luckily, I brought my trusty travel tutu - it's stiff, it's fabulous, and it just about withstood the gusty Welsh winds. You’d be surprised how many impromptu photo-ops happen because of a gust of wind! And the light that day was simply magical – I swear, the colours in Merthyr Tydfil looked like they were straight out of a Monet painting!
Merthyr Tydfil’s beauty wasn’t just limited to its landscapes though, my darlings! This town has such a unique heritage and it’s so easy to see it around every corner. From the historic Cyfarthfa Castle with its beautiful gardens, to the stunning neo-gothic church, every corner told a story. And even though it was a bit nippy (did I mention those winds?) my love for exploring in a tutu made me brave it all! 😉
My first stop, of course, was a spot I heard whispers of - the Cyfarthfa Castle Park. It’s like stepping into a fairytale! Beautiful, lush grounds with a shimmering lake, peacocks strutting around like they own the place, and…wait for it… A massive statue of a ballet dancer in mid-leap, all in flowing pink robes! 🤯 You couldn't write this, darling! My heart did a triple pirouette at the sight. I couldn’t resist grabbing a snap of me posing in front of her, like a sisterly salute to her beautiful form. I mean, could it be more perfectly aligned with my pink tutu mission? 😂
That afternoon, after a proper tea with homemade cake (Wales has amazing cakes!), I decided to see a little bit more of Merthyr Tydfil’s heart. I strolled past quaint shops, their windows twinkling with Christmas lights (early, I know!), past cafes with delicious-smelling aromas drifting out, and, yes, you guessed it – I found a ballet class. A real one! How could I resist?
Wearing a more "professional" pink tutu (my secret weapon, if you will) I felt right at home as I twirled among these passionate local dancers. I’m definitely not a professional dancer – my “expert” status lies in twirling for the fun of it, with a side of fierce determination, obviously – but they all welcomed me with open arms (and big smiles). We danced the afternoon away, sweating, laughing and feeling absolutely fabulous in our twirly skirts!
Now, for my secret surprise! While walking past the beautiful St. Tydfil’s Church, a local artisan showed me their hand-made tutu creations! Apparently, this town has a growing ballet scene (yay!) and these unique tutus are made by a woman who actually used to perform in the theatre! They’re the most beautiful pieces I’ve seen, adorned with crystals and beads, the most incredible hand-painted designs. This truly made my Merthyr Tydfil journey complete. I even snagged a stunning purple number for my upcoming London gala performance, a touch of Merthyr magic for my next stage debut!
So there you have it, my dear pink tutu loving readers – Merthyr Tydfil has captured my heart! A mix of beautiful natural scenery, vibrant culture and history, sprinkled with unexpected ballet moments. It was definitely a highlight of my travel adventures.
I can't wait to see what magical discoveries my tutu will take me to next! 🩰
Until then, keep those tutus twirling, darlings, and remember, anything is possible if you dare to dream big! 💖
Much love,
Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
