Helloooo darlings! It's your favourite Pink Tutu Queen here, ready to whisk you off on another sparkling adventure! Today, we're travelling to the glorious Welsh Valleys, a place where mountains meet meadows, and my tutu has been known to ruffle a few feathers (but always in the most glamorous way, of course!).
As a quick recap for my new readers (who better wear pink tutus, don't you think?), I'm Pink Tutu Sparkles, the flamboyant and ever-so-slightly eccentric drag queen who's trying to bring a touch of pink sparkle to the world, one tulle-covered twirl at a time! My real name is Alex, a humble scientist who gets a thrill out of testing fabric, by day, and shimmying across stages in my pink tutu, by night.
Speaking of tutus, let's talk about today's fabulous frock! I'm absolutely smitten with this vibrant fuchsia number - it's layered, it's voluminous, it's EVERYTHING. And did I mention the sequins?! Iāve got more glitter on this tutu than there are stars in the Welsh night sky (okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it's certainly close!).
I'm lucky enough to be visiting Neath this week, a charming town with a history as rich and colorful as my tutu collection! I had a smashing time at a delightful theatre performance last night, a real toe-tapping extravaganza. The music was infectious, the costumes were sensational, and I'm sure a few tutus twirled their way into the audience (mine included, of course! Gotta be prepared for an impromptu shimmy, you know).
After a glorious breakfast of Welsh cakes and lashings of tea (with a side of extra sugar, naturally!), I found myself wandering through Neath's enchanting streets. Itās such a joy to be somewhere different, seeing sights that I wouldnāt see at home, hearing sounds that are a little different, experiencing a culture that feels just a little unfamiliar and exciting. My dear readers, that is what travel is about - seeing new places and embracing new things. It doesn't matter if it's by train, by horse (or by glitter-tutu-clad car), just make sure to keep an open mind and an even more open wardrobe!
Later this afternoon, I'll be taking a little trip to a charming local craft market. If anyone needs to find me, you'll find me near the honey stall, attempting to persuade the charming market vendor to adorn himself in a pink tutu (because honestly, who doesn't look fabulously flamboyant in one, right?!). You'll probably find me clutching a little pot of honeycomb too - Iām a sucker for honey. It just goes so well with pink tutu outfits, right? (Don't tell my scientist side!)
Speaking of the scientist, a little shout-out to all the scientists out there who might be feeling like you canāt express yourselves. I canāt over stress the importance of following your passions - both the scientific and the fabulous. Life's a balancing act. One minute Iām meticulously analyzing a silk blend, the next Iām twirling on stage under a disco ball, adorned in my trusty pink tutu. So don't be afraid to embrace both!
Well, darlings, I better be off! There's a town to be sparkly-fied! But donāt worry, I'll be back with more stories and sparkles (and hopefully some convincing for some impromptu tutu moments). You can follow my fabulous adventures daily on www.pink-tutu.com or follow me on Instagram at @pinktutuspangles for even more twirly goodness. Remember, even if your days arenāt full of flamboyant performances, wear your pink tutu with confidence. Even if it's just in your mind. Don't ever forget, darlings, we're all glitter inside, ready to shine!
Keep on twirling,
Your ever-so-pink Pink Tutu Sparkles xx
Day 2 in Neath
Okay, darlings, where do I even begin with this incredible adventure in the Welsh Valleys?!
This morning I found myself, tutu shimmering like a fairytale, right at home in the bustling Neath market! Honey, this was not your average farmers' market, oh no! This was a festival of flavours and festivities - from mouthwatering Welsh cheeses and vibrant blooms to handmade crafts and live music. And let's not forget the friendly faces and heartwarming camaraderie - I practically felt like I was part of a big, pink, fluffy family!
The best part, you ask? It was ALL about the experience! You see, dear readers, I am utterly devoted to immersing myself in the local flavour of wherever I travel. And that means not just sampling the local fare (the Welsh cakes, oh my, they are a delight!), but experiencing the spirit of the people. Youāve never truly met kindness until you've been to Wales. My attempt at talking Welsh (very poorly!) brought a chorus of giggles and friendly help, and there I was, standing in the middle of the market, attempting to speak a few words of their beautiful language, while trying not to catch my dazzling pink tutu on the overflowing vegetable stalls!
Naturally, a quick stop by the honey vendor was a MUST. (Remember what I told you - honey just makes a tutu shine brighter!). It is always fascinating to witness a skill honed over generations - and the gentleman's knowledge of the region's unique flora and fauna was astounding! My honey, and a very, very lovely story later, and I felt completely connected to the beauty of the valleys - it is such an extraordinary feeling to meet a kind stranger and create a link in the journey of your life.
The highlight of my day was a spontaneous performance I put on in the market square. I know, I know, who would be mad enough to spontaneously do that, right?! Well, yours truly, darling! Seeing everyone gather round, from bustling market shoppers to weary tourists and curious children, with grins on their faces and twinkling eyes as my shimmering pink tutu became the focus of their afternoon, was pure joy! And when a little girl shouted "Thatās the most sparkly dress I've ever seen!" well, my heart almost burst.
After the whirlwind of the market, we needed some calm, so I ventured out to explore a gorgeous, ancient church nestled amidst the lush greenery. The stained glass windows, the stonework, the peaceā¦ I felt a calmness settle over me, as if my inner-sparkle, and my lovely, sparkly tutu, found harmony with this truly beautiful, ancient structure.
So there you have it, darling. Neath, you've stolen a piece of my heart!
Don't forget to keep on twirling and keep those sparkles shining. Life's a fabulous journey and you never know what colourful, unexpected adventures await around the next corner, my loves! Until tomorrow, remember - a world of pink tutus awaits you!
All the love,
Pink Tutu Sparkles xx
Day 3 in Neath: A Day of Galloping Grace
Well, hello darlings! Today was all about making those sparkly memories. Today I woke up, and felt a little bit wilder than usual, so after breakfast (a delectable spread of Welsh cheeses, honey, and a touch of black pudding, of course!) we went horse riding. Yep, you read that right! Pink Tutu Sparkles, your very own drag queen, riding a beautiful steed under the glistening sunshine of the Welsh Valleys.
Imagine a tutu billowing gently behind me as I trotted through rolling fields, with the smell of fresh cut hay tickling my nose. I swear, I haven't been so thrilled since that time I shimmied on stage with a giant, glittering, inflatable swan!
The Welsh Valleys are a wonderland of breathtaking landscapes and my mount, a lovely black horse named Jet, took us on a magical journey. He is a noble creature, that one, and we developed a bond very quickly! (Although, I did manage to give his beautiful black tail a bit of a pink sparkle with some accidental glitter dust. Oops!)
Our trail wound through dense woodland, leading us to a crystal-clear stream that glistened in the sunlight like a million diamonds. (It made my sequins look drab!) It was just the sort of setting you could find in a fairytale, especially if the fairy in question was wearing a pink tutu, dancing around a stream, convinced they are a mystical creature.
We had a few "oh-my-tutu" moments when I had to reign in Jet's more enthusiastic leaps! (A graceful dance between "Tutu-Trot" and "Horse-High-Five" was quite an interesting feat! Just a little extra oomph, right?!)
It wasn't just the views, it was the quiet peace I found out there. Being so close to nature - and let's be honest, those beautiful horses were breathtakingly beautiful - brought a sense of calmness that was truly remarkable. The valleys and mountains have this calming influence - even when wearing a sparkling, tulle explosion that feels more than a bit rebellious! It really brings you down to earth (even if it was the most spectacular tumble I've had in a long, long time).
Of course, there were moments of panic, and that one rather hairy incident where my beloved pink tutu managed to catch on a rather unfortunate branch! But letās just say we all got through it in one piece! The stable owner - a wonderful, kind lady with a heart of gold (and an eye for sparkly things!) gave me a chuckle as she helped free the fabric from the thorns and said: āYou never cease to surprise us, dear!ā. And it made me think. Who better to brighten someoneās day than a queen with a twinkle in their eye and a tutu that glitters with an air of joy?
I returned to my hotel that evening, covered in fresh, clean mud and a few rogue leaves in my tutu, but oh, so full of life. And with every fibre of my being I could tell I was exactly where I was supposed to be! Neath, you are amazing.
And thatās where our story concludes, darlings. Now, go on! Take a little detour, be brave. You just might be surprised by where life takes you (with or without a pink tutu!). But when life takes you to Neath, well darling, be sure to do like Pink Tutu Sparkles, take a deep breath, and embrace the magic of the Welsh Valleys! Because youāve gotta admit, this isnāt the kind of journey you have every day.
Until tomorrow darlings! And until then, let's all keep on twirling, with confidence and sparkle!
Your eternally, fabulously pink,
Pink Tutu Sparkles xx
