Hello darlings! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-clad blogger, back from a whirlwind week in the beautiful city of Vienna. This week marks my 90th post, can you believe it?! I feel like I've barely scratched the surface of all the incredible destinations awaiting my tutu twirls, but I'm loving every minute of this journey. And where better to celebrate this milestone than in the heart of waltz and Strauss waltzes, the city of Vienna!
I arrived in Vienna by train, naturally! Nothing says "fashionably chic" quite like a pink tutu and a comfy carriage ride through the European countryside. I love train travel, it gives me time to dream, plan my outfits, and most importantly, listen to my beloved ballet playlist.
Vienna immediately charmed me with its graceful architecture, cobblestone streets, and the beautiful Viennese women with their stylish frocks. They are so much inspiration for my own outfits! But, of course, nothing could outshine the city's connection to the art of ballet.
The Ballet History that Makes Vienna Truly "Waltz"ing!
From the time of Marie Taglioni and the rise of romantic ballet in the 19th century, Vienna has held a special place in ballet history. It’s not just about waltzing in fancy dresses; it's about artistic expression, about stories told through the dance, and about the elegance of movement. The Vienna State Opera, the Burgtheater, and even the Hofburg Palace – all these grand spaces have echoed with the steps of ballet legends over the years.
A Trip to the Vienna State Opera: A Dream Come True!
My week in Vienna culminated in the most magical event – attending a performance at the Vienna State Opera. The grandeur of the building, the stunning gold and velvet decor, and the air of anticipation made the experience simply sublime. I couldn't resist slipping into a glittering, deep pink tulle tutu that matched the blush of the chandeliers!
The ballet was Giselle, a tragic masterpiece that sent shivers down my spine with its romantic choreography and the hauntingly beautiful story of love, betrayal, and the supernatural. The ballerinas were absolute perfection, moving with grace and fluidity, each step telling a story in itself.
After the ballet, I felt inspired to dance myself, so I found a lovely park near my hotel and pirouetted under the starry Viennese sky, my pink tutu shimmering under the moon. Oh, to have my very own fairy godmother!
A Day for Clothes Shopping (And Pink Tutues!)
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without some serious shopping. I made my way to Kärntner Strasse, a lively street overflowing with stylish boutiques and grand department stores. I spent hours browsing through the racks, finding exquisite fabrics, whimsical hats, and yes, you guessed it, the perfect pink tutu to complement my latest ballet-inspired ensemble!
Vienna is simply bursting with shops catering to all tastes. The shops along the Mariahilfer Strasse have everything from chic department stores to trendy independent boutiques and I found a little treasure trove that sold beautiful hand-stitched embroidered hats that were just perfect to match my tutu.
Horse-Drawn Carriages and Magical Evenings in Vienna
Another charming activity was riding a horse-drawn carriage through the city centre. As the horses trotted along, I felt as though I was stepping into a fairytale. The buildings glowed with warmth in the fading light, and the music of street musicians filled the air, creating the most romantic atmosphere. I can imagine Vienna’s carriage riders seeing Marie Taglioni twirling in front of the opera house. It is certainly a city that lives and breathes romance!
The Viennese evenings were equally captivating. There was music, food, and laughter at every corner. One night, I went to a charming outdoor concert featuring traditional Austrian folk music and danced my heart out in the crisp night air. The other night, I wandered into a charming little café, ordered a slice of delicious apple strudel (a must-try in Vienna!), and sat mesmerized by a talented young pianist playing Mozart by candlelight.
Culinary Delights: Wiener Schnitzel and Delicious Viennese Cakes
Oh, and let's not forget the food! Vienna truly is a foodie's paradise. The Viennese cuisine is known for its rich flavours, delicious pastries, and hearty, comforting dishes. I absolutely adored the Wiener Schnitzel - a crispy, pan-fried breaded cutlet that was so flavorful it literally melted in my mouth! I devoured a slice of classic Sachertorte – a decadent chocolate cake with a delicate apricot jam layer, at the Cafe Sacher. It was a true taste of Austrian history. But truly, I discovered some incredible pastries at the traditional coffeehouses I found all around the city. There is a real charm about Vienna and her coffee culture, and the atmosphere at some of these old traditional shops with the delicious cakes is really magical.
Pink Tutu Inspiration – Everywhere I Turn!
The most wonderful thing about my time in Vienna is how the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and elegant atmosphere has provided so much inspiration for my blog. Every building, every street, every cafe, every performance – has sparked something new in me! I hope that you’ve all enjoyed reading about my journey and the vibrant stories that unfolded around me here in Vienna.
This city really inspired me to expand my tutu collection, I think I will have to go on the hunt for a tutu inspired by the Viennese Opera! You will be the first to know if I find a fantastic new piece.
Next week, my journey takes me to the picturesque city of Prague! Keep your eyes peeled on pink-tutu.com for my blog next Wednesday, as I will be bringing you stories from my Czech Republic adventures.
Until then, wear your pink tutu with pride and live life with the grace and joy of a ballerina!
Yours in pink,
Emma
