Post #10392
Hello darlings! It's Emma here, your favourite pink-tutu-wearing ballerina, and I'm absolutely buzzing to tell you about my recent trip to Saint Albans!
You know how much I love exploring new places, and Saint Albans has been on my list for ages. There's just something so charming about this historic town, with its cobbled streets, beautiful cathedral, and hidden pubs tucked away in alleyways.
This time, my adventure took a slightly different turn - I swapped the cobblestone for carriages! Yep, I finally realised my dream of experiencing a real-life carriage ride, pulling into Saint Albans like a true fairytale princess! Now, don't get me wrong, I still adore my train journeys, but this was something special, truly adding a touch of magic to the whole trip. The sound of the horse hooves clinking on the cobblestones, the fresh air blowing through my hair... I could've happily stayed on that carriage for hours!
Of course, no Emma trip is complete without a touch of tutu magic, so this time, I packed my European-style tutu - all delicate lace, layers upon layers of tulle, and a splash of colour that even the English winter couldn't dim! I mean, who says a pink tutu isn't appropriate for a crisp December day? I've always believed in adding a bit of sunshine to the world, one twirl at a time!
First stop on my Saint Albans agenda? The magnificent St Albans Cathedral. Oh, it truly is a sight to behold! This majestic gothic masterpiece is practically begging to be twirled in front of! I even popped in for a quiet moment of reflection, mesmerised by the stunning stained glass windows. This was my ballet dancer moment - imagining graceful movements, choreographed with the towering arches and ancient stones, bringing history to life in a delicate, ethereal dance.
But Saint Albans wasn't just about grand historical wonders. I also had a delightful time exploring the bustling High Street, a treasure trove of independent shops, quaint cafes, and tempting bakeries. It's impossible to leave a town without a little retail therapy, so naturally, I ended up with a collection of charming souvenirs: a tiny, porcelain pink pig from a cute local store, a beautifully illustrated postcard depicting the Roman ruins, and some delectable shortbread from a charming bakery with a pink awning.
Speaking of charm, let's not forget about the Verulamium Park, with its gorgeous greenery and meandering paths perfect for a quiet stroll or an invigorating jog (if you’re into that sort of thing, of course!). Now, my heart belongs to creatures of all shapes and sizes, so naturally, I had to visit the Verulamium Museum, where I was enchanted by their collection of Roman antiquities. Even the ancient mosaics sparked some creative energy in me! I can already picture a captivating ballet sequence, weaving stories from the Roman era through graceful, dramatic movements.
Evenings in Saint Albans were filled with more than just twinkling lights. My evenings were filled with delightful sounds too. I popped into a cozy local pub for some hearty pub grub (yes, I even attempted a British pie – delicious!) while listening to live music. A classic British folk ballad playing in the background… who knows, perhaps it inspired a new choreography! The magic of travel, I tell you!
Of course, I didn’t forget about my own ballet practice during the trip. Even though it's a far cry from my usual Derbyshire studios, Saint Albans didn't disappoint. I found a fantastic studio with big windows, beautiful natural light flooding the space, and even the occasional glimpse of a cute little sparrow outside. After a session of grand jetés and graceful arabesques, I felt as invigorated as the fresh December air. And my trusty pink tutu, I assure you, was the perfect complement to this dance space!
You see, that's the beauty of ballet, it really is a global language, whether you're in the rolling hills of Derbyshire or the charming streets of Saint Albans. Everywhere I go, there’s an opportunity to dance, to express myself, to bring joy, and to inspire others to twirl with confidence.
The Saint Albans experience left me with a smile as wide as the Hertfordshire sky. So, as I'm writing this, I'm already dreaming of my next adventure. Perhaps it'll be a Scottish Highland journey, where I’ll explore majestic castles and rolling green hills, with a kilted dancer by my side. Who knows? After all, ballet is meant to be shared!
My dearest readers, remember: you don’t have to be a professional ballerina to embrace the magic of movement. So, grab your friends, put on your brightest tutus (you don't have to go pink, but I highly recommend it!), and let's fill the world with dance and laughter!
Stay fabulous, my lovelies,
Emma xx
