Hello lovelies, it’s your girl, Pink Tutu Sparkles, here! Welcome back to the pinkest, most sparkly blog in the land – and to post number 1384! It's me, Alex in my daily drag queen blog for www.pink-tutu.com – every day, ready to brighten your day with all things fabulous and pink!
Today, my tutus have taken me to the lovely town of Grays! Now, I know what you're thinking – Grays? Really? But trust me, darlings, Grays has a charm all of its own! It’s a place with history, culture and of course, a fabulous market I absolutely HAD to check out!
But before I get to my fabulous fashion finds, let me tell you how I got here. This journey was all about getting back to nature. Well, sort of! You see, darling, I’ve been a bit caught up with lab reports and testing fabric samples by day (don't tell anyone, but my day job involves quite a lot of… well… beige!), and a bit of glitter and sparkle is just what the doctor ordered. So I decided to ditch the motorways, the petrol fumes, and embark on a proper adventure – the old fashioned way: by train!
Now, there’s something about a train journey that’s just so elegant. It’s an opportunity to observe, to imagine, to dream! Especially when you're surrounded by fellow travellers who might just be inspired to wear a pink tutu too. (Because remember my dream, darlings – I want to see the world wearing pink tutus!).
As the train rolled into Grays station, I knew I was in for a treat. Grays is a town that’s proud of its history, and it really does feel like you're stepping back in time. They've got these stunning old buildings, a quaint high street that feels almost forgotten – it’s truly charming. And of course, there was a lovely, bustling market – just my kind of place!
It was bursting with colourful stalls overflowing with fruit, flowers, jewellery and delicious food. There was something for everyone, from antique clocks to artisanal crafts, to vintage hats and handcrafted bags! Honestly, I could have spent hours browsing and getting lost in the wonders.
You know what I spotted, darlings? An absolutely divine pink knitted cardigan on one of the market stalls! It’s the perfect colour, perfect shade and a beautiful delicate texture. You’ll have to excuse me for gushing but, as my grandma used to say – a good cardigan is like an extra hug. It’s like finding a little treasure, isn't it? It's an accessory I’m going to wear all the time, especially with my favourite pink tutu.
Of course, a good outing needs good eats! So, I decided to sample the local delicacies. Now, I know this sounds strange, but one of the absolute best things about Grays is a rather peculiar food item: it’s a savoury cake called a ‘Grays cake.’
Picture it, darling: a kind of scone or muffin-shaped pastry with an assortment of vegetables and meat cooked into the dough. A little unusual, I know! But believe me, it was a flavour sensation! It’s a really tasty combination of sweet and savoury flavours, the vegetables adding this freshness. You’ll have to try it when you’re here, trust me!
To get a true sense of the town's spirit, I took a leisurely stroll around Grays's historic heart. There are cobblestone streets, stunning old pubs, and the iconic Thurrock Thames Gateway Project right next to the Thames riverbank - they really did have some brilliant landscaping ideas! It felt a bit like a journey to the past, but also a peek into the town's bright future.
This journey was all about finding that balance between glamour and practicality, a little slice of historical charm with a touch of the modern world - and Grays provided that perfectly! I found myself wondering what secrets lay behind the charming doorways. So much beauty, so much history. It's those details that make a place like Grays feel special and unique.
As the sun began to set, it cast a beautiful golden light over the Thames – the Thames River, darling! That is just beautiful, right?! The River Thames – you’d think it would be on the tourist map, but you've got to search out the local delights, those special little spots!
The perfect way to end the day? A stroll along the Thames with a little takeaway, some pink bubblegum, and my latest favourite cardigan, and dreaming up a fabulous show inspired by the town’s beauty, history, and people. I already have some ideas… a "Twinkle on the Thames" ballet performance or "Tutu Trails on the Thames Path," perhaps?!
Speaking of pink tutus… Grays has the most amazing pink flower stalls! They were stacked with bouquets of gorgeous pink flowers, which made my heart flutter. I think my trip to Grays was the perfect escape. You're just moments from London, and it has this magical feel to it – that small-town feel that's a bit forgotten by time. And just so you know, darling – Grays definitely left me wanting to go back!
Until next time, my dearest readers.
And don't forget - always keep on sparkling, and don't be afraid to let your true colours shine!
Stay Pink, Pink Tutu Sparkles xxoo
(P.S. Find my new adventures at www.pink-tutu.com - don't miss the latest outfits from my pink and sparkly fashion blog - and find me on stage – wherever the pink tutus lead me!)
