#PinkTutuVienna blog on 1997-09-17

Guten Tag, darlings! It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another dose of pink tulle and Viennese whimsy from your favourite tutu-clad travel enthusiast. I'm currently perched on a sun-drenched balcony overlooking the beautiful, bustling city of Vienna, a cup of steaming Viennese coffee in one hand and a feather boa draped around my neck – yes, even in the sunshine, my inner ballerina can't resist a bit of extra sparkle!

This week, my darling readers, I'm sharing all the highlights of my whirlwind Vienna adventure so far. It's been a whirl of waltzing horses, enchanting ballet performances, and of course, enough shopping to satisfy even the most demanding fashionista (which, let's be honest, includes yours truly).

My journey to Vienna began with a charming train ride across the English countryside. Yes, you guessed it – I wore a pink tutu! My fellow passengers, bless their hearts, took it all in stride, with a few raised eyebrows and an enthusiastic "hello" from a little boy with bright blue eyes and an unmistakable twinkle of admiration.

Speaking of admiration, the train journey sparked a wonderful conversation with a fellow traveller, an elderly gentleman who turned out to be an avid ballet historian. We talked about everything from the origins of the tutu to the historical significance of ballet in Vienna, leaving me bubbling over with excitement for what was to come.

The highlight of my first day in Vienna was a visit to the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Now, let me tell you, this wasn't your typical horse show. We weren't talking about high-kicking cowboys or leaping fences. This was artistry on a grand scale, where elegance and grace reign supreme. Imagine the beauty of a perfectly executed arabesque, except this time, the performer is a majestic Lipizzaner stallion, his white coat gleaming under the chandeliers.

It was a breathtaking display of classical equitation, and for a girl who loves to pirouette, watching those graceful horses perform their synchronized choreography was absolutely captivating. Of course, no visit to the Spanish Riding School would be complete without a photo in front of their beautiful golden carriage, adorned with ribbons and feathers, a perfect backdrop for my trusty pink tutu.

Vienna has a rich ballet heritage, and it was no surprise to discover a packed programme of captivating ballet performances. My first experience was "Swan Lake", performed at the exquisite Vienna State Opera. This magnificent building, with its opulent décor and breathtaking acoustics, was a truly stunning venue. And the ballet itself, oh darling, it was a whirlwind of passion, beauty, and exquisite choreography. I'm not going to lie, I had tears in my eyes during the swan’s mad scene. It was pure artistry and drama!

The next day, I caught a thrilling show at the Palais Garnier, one of the most iconic opera houses in the world. Seeing the opulent gilded interiors of this Parisian gem left me utterly speechless. It's no wonder the Paris Opera Ballet is considered one of the most prestigious companies in the world. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Of course, a visit to Vienna isn't just about ballet. There's a unique mix of historical charm and modern style, making it a perfect destination for a fashionista on the go.

I started my shopping spree in the beautifully preserved Old Town, browsing through charming boutiques tucked away in cobblestone alleys. I found a magnificent, hand-painted porcelain tea set, complete with a miniature pink ballerina on the lid! My heart skipped a beat, this would be a perfect addition to my collection.

Then, on to the magnificent Mariahilfer Strasse – Vienna’s flagship shopping street – where I found a glorious hat shop! After all, no outfit is complete without the right headwear, and I discovered the most beautiful silk flower headdress – just imagine it, with a pink tutu and white ballet flats… oh darling, simply divine!

No trip to Vienna would be complete without a good dose of caffeine. I wandered through the bustling city streets until I stumbled upon the cutest little cafe, tucked away behind a hidden doorway. The scent of fresh-ground coffee beans, the delicate aroma of Viennese pastries – my senses were utterly captivated!

The owner, a delightful woman with eyes that sparkled like a mischievous imp, gave me a big smile as I walked in. I knew this place was meant to be. After ordering a heavenly slice of Sachertorte (that rich, chocolatey treat, just irresistible!), I sat down at a charming table by the window, where the sunshine dappled through the leafy branches. Of course, my pink tutu was a perfect conversation starter. The other customers were absolutely fascinated by it. They asked about my travels, my blog, and most importantly, they were completely enthralled by my dream to make the world a pinker, more whimsical place!

As I sit here on my balcony, the warm Vienna air caressing my face and the melodious sound of a street musician floating through the air, I can't help but feel incredibly lucky. This city has stolen a piece of my heart with its vibrant culture, its architectural beauty, and of course, its delicious Viennese coffee!

I've realised that my journey is not just about ballet or fashion, it's about discovering new places, connecting with people, and reminding ourselves that there's beauty to be found in every corner of the world, even in the seemingly mundane moments. And, perhaps most importantly, it's about embracing our inner ballerina – no matter our age, size, or profession – and wearing our pink tutus with pride.

After all, if Vienna, with its majestic history and romantic atmosphere, can embrace a pink tutu, then surely the rest of the world can too!

Until next week, darlings, remember, you don't need to be in a grand ballet studio to experience the magic of dance – twirl, twirl, twirl!

Yours always in pink tulle,

Emma

www.pink-tutu.com