Wednesday 2nd May 2001
Oh my darlings,
I simply can't believe I'm finally here! Vienna, the City of Music! My heart is doing a pirouette just thinking about the beautiful waltz melodies that are already filling the air. I'm standing at the very grandest train station, with all the grandeur and flourishes you could possibly imagine! My pink tutu swishes around me as I step onto the cobblestones, my very own mobile symphony in this city of symphonies!
Today, Vienna is embracing me in the most wonderful way. I woke up in my darling Derbyshire cottage, sipped my morning tea and pondered my perfect pink outfit for the journey. My blush-coloured lace blouse, adorned with the most beautiful ivory floral embroidery, went beautifully with my bubblegum pink tulle skirt – not quite a tutu, darling, but it certainly felt like it! After all, what's a ballerina without a little tulle, even if it's not quite for twirling?
I arrived in the grand station just as the clock struck ten, and oh my! My dear little purse was already laden with purchases! It wouldn't be a trip to Vienna without a stop at one of the most luxurious fabric stores in the world, Stoffhaus Gerda, where I was simply dazzled by rows upon rows of silk, lace, satin, and velvet, in every colour imaginable. My heart beat a bit faster as I carefully selected some glorious pink silks and tulle, the colours reminding me of rose petals at dawn.
The trip to Vienna has been pure bliss so far! After the most incredible horse and carriage ride through the charming, picturesque landscapes, the carriage driver, a very dapper gentleman named Karl, pointed out the elegant Schönbrunn Palace. You wouldn't believe the amount of history tucked away within those golden walls! Apparently, the Emperors of Austria and their families lived in the palace for over three hundred years, and you can imagine all the ballerinas, the magnificent costumes, and the grand dances that have graced those halls over the years.
Oh darling, it makes me think of the time I saw a production of “Giselle” at the Royal Opera House in London. Can you believe they performed the final scene right on the balcony of the theatre, the moonlight cascading onto their delicate pink tutus? The effect was simply magical!
As I wandered through Vienna's beautiful gardens, a delicious scent wafted by, a heady mix of sweet blossoms and pastries. Oh, the sweet temptation! I simply couldn't resist the pull, and found myself at one of Vienna's most famous bakeries. My dear, my tummy practically cried out with delight. I indulged in a glorious Sachertorte, a rich chocolate cake that truly stole my heart.
Later on, I am heading to see the Vienna State Opera, for an evening performance of the magnificent "Swan Lake". I am simply beyond thrilled to see a production in the same city where the famous ballet was born. Imagine, my dears! Can you believe this piece was actually born here, a true triumph of musical artistry. I've already bought the most elegant black lace gloves and a beautiful pearl necklace to go with my gorgeous midnight blue silk dress, all so I can feel like I'm a part of this amazing world of dancing history.
And wouldn't you know it, as I strolled around this afternoon, I actually came across a very old bookstore where I purchased a beautifully bound copy of the original Swan Lake ballet program from 1877! I couldn't resist! It is a real treasure and a lovely reminder of the timeless artistry and legacy of ballet.
Tomorrow, my dears, we are exploring the famous Wiener Staatsoper where the ballet was first staged in 1895. It is simply unthinkable to miss such a place in Vienna! I imagine all the elegant ladies twirling through its halls and I'll just imagine all the magnificent costumes worn for the first ever performance of "Swan Lake." Can you just picture it? My mind's eye can hardly take it all in, so full of awe and wonder!
Oh darling, I'm simply brimming with inspiration here in Vienna, this wonderful city that feels like it's painted from the same palette as one of my very favourite ballerina dresses. This waltz of a city has already begun to weave its magic on my heart, and I can’t wait to share more of this musical enchantment with you.
As for my quest to inspire every lady to embrace their inner ballerina and twirl in a pink tutu, darling, well, it is truly going splendidly. Every day, a little more pink tutus!
Until next week,
Your beloved Emma x
