Oh my darlings, let's get right to it! You know how much I love a good trip and this one is spectacular. Imagine me, Pink Tutu Sparkles, a little ball of pink fluff with more tulle than you could ever imagine, taking on the ancient, industrial heart of Wales! Pont-y-pool, that's where my travels took me, a destination full of hidden charm, historic tales, and… well, honestly, the most fabulous hotdog I've ever had in my life!
But first, the journey! There's nothing I love more than a train trip - the rhythm of the tracks, the rolling countryside scenery (always looks best in the early morning, don't you think?) and the chance to observe fellow passengers. I love people watching, and let me tell you, there's an entire cast of characters on any given carriage. I think the lady in the red hat sitting next to me saw a little bit of herself in my sparkly pink shoes - maybe it was a spark, maybe it was an internal “Oh dear Lord, there’s another pink outfit.”
Pont-y-pool, however, didn’t welcome me with a royal carriage and a trumpet fanfare - it welcomed me with… well, a whole lot of sheep. Apparently, this is what a quintessential Welsh town looks like? Who knew! Don't worry, darling, there's no judgement on sheep. The town centre has an old-world charm, just begging to be discovered. I walked those cobblestone streets like a queen, with the crisp autumn air whispering through my tulle. My tutus love a crisp day - it gives the pleats a perfect "bounce," if you catch my drift.
I was on a mission to find The Red Lion. This lovely old pub is the heart and soul of Pont-y-pool, brimming with history, locals with stories for days, and a menu that would make even the most demanding of drag queens swoon. (Oh, let’s just say they do a mean beef stew, darling!). I was surprised to find they even have their own stage! Well, it might be a bit small, more of a “perform your impromptu dance solo” area than a full stage, but it was enough for this pink-loving lady to have a impromptu tutu-fied shimmy session.
Speaking of dancing, how's this for a perfect Saturday night: dinner and a ballet show! I mean, this was my dream night. Pont-y-pool, darling, may be all about steel and history, but this little town had a side of “prima ballerina” you'd never expect! There was this local community theatre group putting on Swan Lake. Honestly, the entire town felt alive, and all these faces full of enthusiasm reminded me exactly why I fell in love with theatre. Remember, you can have a good night out, no matter what city or village you’re in, if you’re ready for fun and new experiences. That's what I call "living the tutu life."
For my afternoon delight, I wandered down towards the Pont-y-pool Museum. Honestly, these historical treasures gave me an afternoon full of fun. I'm not usually one for museums but here, there were tales from a bygone era! (Let’s face it, I was also mesmerized by the display of Victorian dresses… a little tulle never hurt anyone, right?)
Afterward, there was The Cwtch cafe. Imagine this, darling - a perfect tea room tucked into the heart of the town. And what’s a cafe without a fab tea and cake? It's like finding the magical elixir of comfort, a cup of something warm and delicious. A moment to breathe, observe and gather your thoughts while admiring your perfectly crafted cake - truly bliss, darlings.
Pont-y-pool was more than a town, it was a gateway to something bigger, an escape into history, a journey of charm and discovery. I hope my stories are enough to inspire you to embark on your own tutu-licious adventure!
Now, darlings, don't you fret! More tales, more twirls, and even more sparkles await on www.pink-tutu.com. See you there!
Your forever, Pink Tutu Sparkles
P.S. Did I tell you about my favourite part? On my walk to the station, a little girl came up to me and squealed, "Are you a princess?!” Now, that, darlings, is true magic! And, in case you hadn't guessed, her reaction is exactly what makes my life so amazing - spreading joy and sparkly wonder one tutu-licious day at a time. Let's face it, every little girl (and adult girl, or drag queen!) needs to be reminded that they can be a princess, if they believe they can be!
P.P.S. If you happen to be in the Derbyshire area, don’t be shy. Come see a pink tutu princess and join the pink revolution. You just might find out the joy of the sparkly pink life! 😉
