Hello lovelies! It's Emma here, your Pink Tutu princess, waltzing into Vienna for the very first time! As I said in my last post (you can find it over on www.pink-tutu.com, by the way, where I blog every Wednesday), I've always dreamed of coming to this city, and finally, the dream is coming true!
My journey began in good old Derbyshire, England. I swapped my usual ballet shoes for comfy hiking boots and hopped on the train, a glorious silver streak through the countryside, taking me all the way to the Channel Tunnel, where I was whisked across to Europe. I adore train travel! There's something so magical about the way the world flies past the window. You just sit back, admire the view, and enjoy the journey. It's far more romantic than any airline flight, I tell you!
Of course, a Pink Tutu girl wouldn't travel without her signature attire, a gorgeous baby pink tutu! The train journey was all about layers. A comfy pink cardigan, my favourite ballet leggings (you know the ones!), and a cute little blush pink scarf tucked around my neck. It's important to stay cosy even in a hot climate like this - that's my motto, anyway.
When I finally arrived in Vienna, it felt like stepping into a storybook! I couldn't believe my eyes, with all the grand buildings and beautiful, cobbled streets. They've been keeping the cobblestone tradition alive here for centuries, so you can imagine my delight at clinking my heels along those charming pathways!
Now, I can't tell you everything about Vienna in just one post, but I can tell you about a wonderful evening I spent in a quaint cafe called Der Kaffeehaus right off the Ringstrasse. Oh my, this was pure delight!
It was such a vibrant place with a lovely atmosphere, everyone in the cafe was happy, smiling, enjoying themselves, and it was filled with this gentle buzz of conversations, laughter, and of course, the gentle clinking of china cups and saucers. I had the most delicious coffee - I was a bit worried it would be strong, like some European coffees can be, but it was delightfully smooth and I even added a generous sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra special touch. They serve the most delightful pastries there too! I savoured every mouthful! It felt very aristocratic.
Talking of aristocrats, Vienna is famed for its history! The beautiful Schƶnbrunn Palace is here - I actually walked right past it the other day! I just know I'm going to spend an afternoon getting lost in its glorious corridors. Imagine, dear readers, a stunning ballet set inspired by such a historical masterpiece! I've already started jotting down some ideas for a performance at my London theatre!
After all that exploring, you might imagine I was tired. But, a Pink Tutu princess never gives up! After all, a show must go on! I'd heard so much about Viennaās famous opera house - the Vienna State Opera - that I simply had to see it for myself.
Let me tell you, my friends, it is even more dazzling in person! You just can't capture that grandeur in photos. It felt like a palace from a fairytale! As a ballerina myself, it was a truly inspiring place, brimming with history and elegance. I sat in a box overlooking the stage, and I just felt the spirit of past ballerinas and their captivating performances rising around me. The chandeliers, shimmering and gleaming like diamonds, were breathtaking. I had goosebumps from the moment I stepped inside. It truly was a dream come true.
I went to see a performance of the classic ballet āGiselle.ā This enchanting tale never fails to move me with its heartfelt story, and it really showcased the passion and dedication of every single dancer. Their skill and artistry just brought the stage to life. Every movement, every twirl, was breathtakingly beautiful.
Even though the Vienna State Opera had been filled to the brim, it felt incredibly intimate, as if it was just for me. You know, that feeling where the world disappears and all you feel is the magic of the dance, the rhythm of the music, the emotions of the story... Pure magic! I am definitely planning to see another show when I'm back in Vienna, maybe āSwan Lakeā this time! I imagine the final scene would look utterly exquisite in such a glamorous setting!
Oh, and have you seen the costume designs for their ballet productions? Itās sheer elegance with a dash of classic romanticism!
Speaking of elegance, we can't forget fashion! You know I just love exploring the boutiques of a new city and Vienna hasnāt disappointed me! From the iconic Burggasse to the trend-setting shops of the Museumquartier, Viennaās fashion scene has truly impressed me!
On the day after my opera night, I wandered through Vienna's fashion streets and, as you might guess, Pink Tutu came out to play. I donned a magnificent blush-pink peplum top that whispered of Viennese sophistication, a flowy skirt in the softest shade of petal pink (imagine the blush on the petals of a pink rose), and my go-to tulle-layered tutu, all with my favourite high-top white ballet sneakers to complete the look. Of course, my pink leather handbag and an array of pastel pink accessories added to the overall picture!
Believe me, I was the picture of sophisticated charm while indulging my sweet tooth with some delicious pink-icing-covered Austrian Sachertorte in the Hotel Sacher - now thatās a bit of a Vienna institution, you know! My afternoon tea was served on a magnificent set of china ā I felt so special sipping my cuppa while gazing at the chandeliers. I might even have sneaked a little dance around the cafe. I mean, I couldnāt resist the allure of the elegant tunes from a string quartet who played in the grand lobby. Vienna truly is the city of elegance!
Then it was back to shopping! In the heart of Vienna, I found a glorious shop full of stunning pink and pastel outfits ā you could say it was heaven for a Pink Tutu enthusiast like myself! My wardrobe has never felt so well-loved ā itās a shopping spree that I wonāt soon forget! And then, oh the hats! From classic to whimsical, Vienna's millinery scene stole my heart! I almost bought a vintage hat covered in dainty pink feathers but decided to wait until the last day of my visit, you know, when the final suitcase allowance gets stretched just a bit!
Donāt even get me started on Viennaās stunning architectural heritage! It's almost impossible to not feel inspired here, just gazing at the stunning Neoclassical architecture of the Austrian Parliament Building! Then thereās the breathtaking Baroque charm of Belvedere Palace ā the palace is truly jaw-dropping, even more spectacular than I imagined! Itās simply mesmerising. The city itself is an art installation.
While exploring the city, Iāve noticed Vienna's dedication to cycling ā it's so eco-friendly! They've got the most stylish bike paths, snaking their way around the streets and alongside the river Danube. So, on my next day, I thought it was only right that I rented a pink bike! And guess what? Vienna's cobblestone streets were surprisingly comfortable! Who knew? Maybe that's why everyone rides bikes here - I felt very cool as I explored. I had a fantastic time cycling past St. Stephenās Cathedral, which looks simply incredible - almost like a fairy tale castle!
Then thereās the Vienna Woods, just outside of the city. Oh my goodness, those lush, vibrant green forests are truly breathtaking, like a fairytale wonderland. I found a secluded clearing amongst the trees, perfect for a ballet practice! My imagination was set aflame as I twirled amongst the pines. Viennaās truly inspired my inner ballerina, that's for sure.
Now, of course, my trip wouldnāt be complete without a waltz around Vienna! I couldnāt resist taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets, which are filled with elegant architecture ā every street feels like a film set, you know! I felt like I'd stepped into the past. There's something truly romantic and old-fashioned about it! I had the most wonderful time exploring the city this way. And you can bet I was dancing the Viennese waltz in the carriage, just as if I was on a stage!
So, my lovelies, Vienna, you've captured my heart! From the grand buildings, the enchanting atmosphere, the beautiful music and, of course, those spectacular ballet shows, I just know I'll be back for more! Vienna truly is a symphony of delights! I hope this post has been an enjoyable waltz through my Vienna journey so far, and remember, donāt be afraid to get in touch! Leave me a comment on my website, www.pink-tutu.com, to let me know what you think. And, until next weekās post, don't forget to live life in a pink tutu!
With a twirl and a smile,
Emma
P.S. This Saturday, 11th February, I'll be taking to the stage once again for my performance of āCoppelia,ā so come along and see your Pink Tutu princess dance! There'll be pink tutus galore, of course.
