Hey lovelies! It's Emma here, back with another whirlwind of a day in the world of tutus and twirls.
Today, I decided to ditch the usual pink for a vibrant cyan tutu! I know, I know, a bold choice. But sometimes a girl just needs a little burst of colour in her life, don't you think? I think it's especially apt, as this vibrant hue somehow seemed to echo the exciting energy of Fareham, a charming little town in Hampshire, with its cobbled streets and hidden gems.
My journey to Fareham was a delightful adventure in itself. Instead of catching the train (though the Southern Rail network does have its charms, I swear!), I decided to go old school. Picture this: Me, a vibrant cyan tutu billowing in the wind, riding horseback through the Derbyshire countryside towards a sun-kissed horizon! The perfect image, wouldn't you say? (Disclaimer: I do wish I could say I rode to Fareham in one go, but that journey would have been, shall we say, slightly challenging).
Now, Fareham might not be on everyone's must-visit list, but it really charmed the tutu off of me! A hidden gem for lovers of quaintness, the place was practically designed for a ballet-loving girl like me!
First stop? The Ferneham Hall Arts Centre! (The name is almost as beautiful as the building itself!) Now, anyone who knows me, knows that I adore all things theatre. A proper classic, from grand operas to moving musicals, you'll always find me in the front row, soaking up every single note. The Ferneham Hall boasts an incredible programme. Their current performance of "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" had me absolutely glued to my seat. The story, so touching and beautifully told. Plus, the actors were exceptional.
My heart was brimming with so much joy and inspiration that I felt a need to move. I had to twirl. It had to be done. I slipped into a quiet corner, spun, and spun, letting the feeling of joy take over. Luckily, no one else was in the hall to see me, so the performance wasn’t interrupted.
Fareham wasn't all about grand performances though! You could just tell, as I strolled around the cobbled streets, that Fareham holds a special place in the hearts of the people who call it home. There’s a delightful village-like atmosphere about it. I stumbled upon a little dance studio tucked away on a charming backstreet called “The Fareham Dance Academy". And, it was a delight. They had a sign outside stating they were having "Twirl Time" on Saturday mornings - I can’t tell you how badly I wanted to just barge in and join the fun. Instead, I settled for a lovely cuppa and a delicious cake in a café right opposite. But, don't worry, I’m adding a dance class there to my “Things to Do” list as we speak.
Next up on the agenda was exploring the nature. Fareham isn't all cobblestone streets and theatre, it’s surrounded by stunning countryside! The countryside reminded me of my Derbyshire roots - oh, the lush greenery! I'd spotted this lovely picture on Instagram with wild deer in the Fareham Country Park, so off I went to track them down. A truly captivating sight, watching them graze, utterly graceful and captivating. There was a very curious red squirrel scurrying around in the woods as well, and it was all too tempting to get close to him - he even gave me a wink. (Or, maybe that was just me, yearning to play!).
As I ventured deeper into the countryside, I realised this was the perfect spot for some pink-tutu photos! (Always important! I've got a whole blog to feed!). My cyan tutu swayed gently in the summer breeze, looking perfectly in place with the countryside, and me.
Of course, no day trip would be complete without some delightful refreshments. And, in the end, Fareham, did not disappoint. I'd heard about the "Fareham Foodie Festival", and luckily for me it was happening the weekend I was there! And you just can't say no to food, especially when it comes in such an eclectic variety - my favourite? Definitely the handcrafted marshmallows from “Marshmallow Mania!” They tasted like pure summer, if summer had a sugary scent. I may have just gone back for another dozen.. whoops.
It truly is hard to beat the feeling of discovery that comes from exploring somewhere new. Fareham, you truly are a hidden gem, and I shall be back for more of your delightful charm!
Well, lovelies, until next time, don't forget to wear your tutus proudly, and most importantly, never forget to live life in pink. And maybe a little cyan too, occasionally!
Head on over to www.pink-tutu.com to see the photos from today's adventure!
Stay tuned for more tutu-filled fun!
Love,
Emma xx
