Hello, my lovelies!
It’s Emma here, reporting live from the magnificent city of Vienna, Austria! This week marks a special Christmas edition of the Pink Tutu Vienna blog. The air is crisp, the shops are full of festive cheer, and Vienna has been sprinkled with a magical kind of snow that’s already inspired me to whip up some extra-tutu-tastic outfits.
For those of you who haven’t been following my escapades, I've been flitting around Europe in my trusty pink tutu, exploring new cities and sharing my adventures with all of you. It’s been an absolute dream come true - who knew you could see the world whilst wearing a pink tutu?!
Before we get to my Viennese festivities, let’s travel back to England for a moment, shall we? You see, this Christmas I had the most delightful pre-Vienna adventure!
My hometown, Derbyshire, was the perfect place to enjoy a snowy Christmas, filled with festive cheer, mulled wine, and my family. My Auntie Jean - a veritable queen of the Christmas cake, if ever there was one - even made me a beautiful new pink tutu! This is no ordinary tutu, mind you. It's made of the finest velvet, and sparkles with silver thread. It’s the perfect colour for this season. Honestly, if I didn’t look so dashing in my pink tutu, I would've worn this one on our Christmas train trip! But, it seemed best to leave the sparkly surprise for Vienna.
Speaking of trains, let’s talk about travel! My journey to Vienna from Derbyshire was filled with delicious anticipation. Nothing beats the romance of travelling by train, the sound of the clickety-clack on the tracks, the ever-changing landscapes whizzing by. A perfect Christmas journey indeed! Especially with my own little vintage suitcase full of festive tulle and sparkly ballet shoes. I mean, what is Christmas without some sparkle, right?!
Of course, a trip to Vienna wouldn’t be complete without visiting the magnificent Vienna State Opera House. It is simply stunning, draped in finery like a beautiful ballerina herself. The building's rich history, the glamour of the performances, the sheer elegance of it all… Oh, it makes my ballerina heart sing! It even has its very own museum where I learned that ballet and tutu history is as fascinating as ballet itself! Did you know that the tutu evolved from the ‘tutu à la grecque’ in the 19th century, a Greek-inspired dance dress made of diaphanous fabric? Talk about a revolutionary fashion statement!
There's a magic to being in Vienna that transcends mere words. It's a city steeped in history, in culture, in artistry. Just walking down the streets is an inspiration! Every building is a beautiful tapestry of grand architecture, every corner a hidden story waiting to be discovered. It feels like every single person here appreciates the finer things in life, the arts, fashion, and beauty! Oh, I'm completely in love! Even the Viennese pastries are like miniature masterpieces. Who knew a simple ‘sachertorte’ could be so elegant and delightful? I must confess, I’ve sampled more than my fair share in the past few days.
Now, for the star of the show… Christmas Markets!
Vienna transforms itself into a sparkling Christmas village with the most adorable little markets. Every alleyway seems to have its own little chalet, offering handmade ornaments, intricate Christmas decorations, festive treats and, my personal favourite, mulled wine. Did I mention there’s a special Christmas market on a horse drawn carriage, too?! What a fantastic idea! And as if that wasn't enough, they also have one at the city’s oldest Christmas market on the beautiful ‘Freyung’, with more than 60 charming stalls offering handmade delights! Oh, what an enchanting place to get into the spirit of Christmas.
But this trip wouldn’t be complete without a visit to * Schönbrunn Palace*. Yes, the Palace of Emperors, full of elegant balls and imperial dances. The Palace gardens are simply breathtaking with beautifully manicured gardens, ponds, and the Vienna Zoo! Talk about a historical day out!
Every step I take in Vienna seems to lead me closer to a new discovery, and even my fashion finds are worthy of the Christmas story. This Christmas, the colour scheme is mainly red and gold, with dashes of sparkling silver. I’ve even managed to squeeze in a fabulous new pink velvet tutu - the perfect Christmas companion. And yes, my pink tutu made its appearance in the Christmas market as well. I may be a bit of a rule-breaker, but hey, everyone needs to embrace the Christmas spirit and have some fun! It certainly brightened everyone's day!
I’m looking forward to continuing to explore Vienna throughout this festive season. After all, there are still plenty of Christmas markets to explore, festive drinks to enjoy, and, of course, a magnificent New Year’s Eve to prepare for!
So, remember to join me on my weekly adventures on Pink-Tutu.com, every Wednesday, to discover all that this magnificent city has to offer. Until then, keep twirling and keep shining. Happy Holidays!
Emma xo
P.S. Don't forget to send me photos of you wearing your pink tutu, I would love to see you all spreading the pink tutu cheer!
*P.P.S I’ll be posting updates about my New Year's Eve adventure in Vienna, so don't forget to check back next Wednesday! *
