Wednesday 20th December 1995
Guten Tag, my darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad adventurer here, Emma, back from another fabulous adventure across the continent! I've swapped my trusty Derbyshire cobblestones for the grand cobblestones of Vienna, a city that feels like a fairytale waiting to be explored.
This week, Vienna has truly embraced the festive season. Christmas markets sparkle with twinkling lights, and the aroma of gingerbread, roasted almonds and steaming Gluhwein wafts through the air. Everywhere you look, there's a touch of magic. It's the perfect backdrop for a pink tutu-loving girl, especially one as excited about the holiday season as I am!
But before I get carried away with festive cheer, let's take a moment to admire Vienna's remarkable history. I've been exploring the majestic palaces, wandering through grand halls adorned with intricate murals, and marveling at the intricate artistry that decorates every corner. From the Schonbrunn Palace, with its expansive gardens, to the magnificent Hofburg Palace, Vienna truly lives up to its reputation as a historical jewel.
The ballet here is something else altogether, my dears. My time in Vienna always features an extensive ballet program, and this week I saw the Vienna State Opera's production of Swan Lake. Oh, the grace, the drama, the artistry! The swans' movements were as captivating as the opulent costumes, each detail as perfect as a Christmas bauble on the Vienna Christmas tree.
Speaking of ballet and costumes, I'm delighted to say I snagged myself the most exquisite tulle skirt in the city's oldest fabric shop, tucked away in a hidden alley. Imagine this: a luxurious lilac tulle with delicate embroidery of snowdrops, a true Vienna winter fantasy. I've already paired it with my favourite pink cashmere sweater for a dash of Christmas colour and whimsy, and I can't wait to twirl in this creation on my return to England!
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without a stroll along the enchanting streets, soaking up the atmosphere. And what better way to do it than by horse-drawn carriage! It felt like I'd stepped straight into a Christmas card, gliding through the snow-kissed streets, admiring the gingerbread houses, the fairy lights, and the joyous Christmas music playing softly in the air.
I know many of you love travelling by train, my dears, and let me tell you, my train journey here from Munich was delightful! A cosy compartment, comfy seats, steaming mugs of hot chocolate and scenic countryside whizzing past the window. Truly, there's something wonderfully romantic about train journeys! It's a slower pace, allowing for reflection, and gives you time to enjoy the journey itself, not just the destination.
Before I close for tonight, let me leave you with a reminder of why I chose Vienna for my December travels. The city radiates the same sense of fairytale wonder as a ballet performance, a feeling I find both captivating and inspiring. It’s a magical place, full of charm, warmth, and that ineffable magic that makes Christmas feel like something truly special.
Remember my dears, even amidst the bustle and excitement of the season, always make time to wear a pink tutu. Life’s a performance, so let’s embrace the stage with grace, confidence, and a whole lot of pink!
And remember to catch up on my blog at www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday! Until next week, stay fabulous!
Emma x
P.S. My trip to Vienna has filled my head with dreams of waltzing and ballet, and I think that makes the perfect Christmas present: an afternoon spent exploring ballet’s history! So, if you need an inspiring festive gift for your ballerina friend (or even yourself!) check out my latest post on the history of tutus.
I’m sure you’ll find it as magical as the snow-covered streets of Vienna.
