Hello, my lovelies! 💖 Pink Tutu Sparkles here, signing in from a breezy Ramsgate on the glorious Kent coast. It's been a whirlwind of travel this week, and I'm so thrilled to be sharing my experiences with you in this, my 430th blog post on www.pink-tutu.com! (I love that we're reaching this kind of landmark together, don't you? 😄)
Now, let's rewind the tape to the moment this adventure began. It all started with the thrill of boarding a glorious old-fashioned steam train. Oh, the smell of coal and the rhythm of the chugging engine - a little slice of vintage heaven. Plus, let's be honest, a train journey is a chance for some fabulously dramatic makeup touch-ups and the perfect opportunity to let my fabulous tulle train billow in the breeze! The whole journey felt like stepping into a glamorous Victorian-era travel poster, with the sea air brushing my cheek and the salty spray adding just the right touch of rebellious flair to my shimmering eyeshadow. ✨
My journey from Derbyshire (which, as many of you know, is home to Peak District vistas and lots of tweed – far removed from the sparkling shores of Kent, haha!), was full of anticipation for Ramsgate. I've been picturing myself on that iconic promenade since I was a little kid! I couldn't wait to twirl by the pier, to breathe the salt air, and, of course, to unleash some fabulous drag performance right there on the sands! After all, a good pink tutu is always right at home by the sea, wouldn't you agree? 🌊
Upon arriving in Ramsgate, I was struck by the delightful charm of this little town. It's just so quaint and perfectly old-world with those charming terraced houses. And speaking of houses, let's take a quick detour to a fun little detail: you see, a lovely lady who runs a bakery there took me in as a paying guest. The place was called "Betty's Bakery," and it was a dream! My heart went pitter-patter when I saw the sign for it: "Welcome, Darlings. Freshly baked goods, delicious smells, and plenty of sugar for your sweet tooth!". It seemed custom-made for a Pink Tutu Sparkles fan! 😂
Naturally, my time there wasn't complete without some decadent, melt-in-your-mouth pastry! (My favourite was a delicate rhubarb crumble tart with lashings of cream. Yum!). Plus, the deliciousness made the early-morning dance rehearsals I did there even more worth it! It turns out the baker herself has always had a secret passion for ballet, and even had a little space for her own little dance studio. (Can you imagine the sight: a dainty little bakery that transformed into a sparkling studio after hours! How absolutely magical!)
In a complete change of scenery from the serene pastel tones of the bakery, my main Ramsgate gig was in a bustling Victorian-era amusement arcade right by the pier! (Think those vintage coin-operated machines and those bright-neon prizes, only better with Pink Tutu Sparkles performing!) 🎤 This felt like the ultimate contrast - high fashion in a setting bursting with arcade action!
This place felt like stepping into a time capsule from the Victorian era! But before you go imagining penny-farthing bicycles and high-necked blouses, remember: this is Pink Tutu Sparkles we're talking about, so we’re injecting a whole heap of sparkle and glamour into the mix! 🤩
After several spectacular performances – I was feeling pretty confident about that new 'Seaside Mermaid' choreography, the one with the shimmering seaweed illusion – I did something quite bold: I did a spontaneous street performance right there on Ramsgate's promenade! I have to say, that crowd was pretty amazing: lots of cheering children and very surprised elderly folk. (Who knew so many people were just waiting to be dazzled by a pink tutu-wearing queen?) 💕
For all my love of those fabulous grand seaside hotels – the ones with grand ballrooms and afternoon tea – I had to get myself down to that pier! This felt absolutely essential. There's something about a classic wooden pier jutting out over the ocean that just gets my heart thumping.
The day I visited, it felt almost deserted - just a few happy gulls circling overhead and the rhythmic crunch of my platform heels on the worn wooden boards. I stood there, lost in thought, admiring the sweeping view. It made me feel like a beautiful piece of driftwood that the tide had washed in, perfect and ready to catch the sunlight. 💖
But no trip to a seaside town can be complete without a little souvenir shopping, right? Now, this is where the real adventure began, because I found this absolutely gorgeous antique shop tucked away in a back alleyway! (Remember: I always say it pays to follow your intuition!). After weaving past the creaky Victorian-era staircase and peering into a few cabinets crammed full of intriguing trinkets, I struck gold: a little wooden doll in a vintage pink tulle tutu! It felt almost meant to be – it had to come home with me, like it was part of some destined connection. (I swear, even the dust on the antique doll felt pink!) 💫
My journey home was just as eventful, but this time I was riding a vintage coach that seemed plucked straight out of the pages of "The Famous Five!" Imagine – a horse-drawn carriage carrying Pink Tutu Sparkles on an exhilarating adventure! And guess what? That doll? She sat perched by the window beside me.
Overall, my Ramsgate escapade was a pure delight! It filled me up with that delicious feeling of joy you only get when you let yourself get carried away by something special. And guess what? I have a hunch this little seaside adventure is only just the beginning… (Because we all know: there are a hundred more dazzling coastlines out there, just waiting to be explored! 😉 )
Thanks for joining me on this lovely voyage, my darlings. Until next time, let's keep those pink tutus twirling! 💖
