Guten Tag from Vienna!
Oh my goodness, my darlings, Vienna is absolutely divine! I’m just bursting with excitement to tell you all about my adventures here. This is my first time in Austria and I’m just besotted. It’s like a fairytale come to life. From the magnificent architecture, the bustling streets filled with chic locals, the incredible cafes and, of course, the delicious pastries – Vienna truly has captured my heart.
My journey here was just as charming. I boarded a grand old train in Derbyshire, all plush red velvet and glittering chandeliers. I love travelling by train, it’s so romantic! I spent the whole trip reading ballet books, gazing out the window at the beautiful countryside and dreaming about all the gorgeous tutu creations I’d soon be buying in Vienna. I even met a delightful old gentleman who told me fascinating stories about the history of the train itself - did you know that the very first trains in Vienna were powered by horses? Can you imagine?!
Anyway, upon arriving in Vienna I checked into the most beautiful little hotel - think chandeliers, frills and fluffy pink cushions. Honestly, the only thing missing was a tutu-shaped bedspread! 😉 I spent the first day getting my bearings. It was the most perfect autumn day, with sunshine dappling through the trees and the crisp air making me feel as light as a feather. I wandered around the city centre, marveling at the grand buildings, soaking up the energy of the bustling crowds, and feeling a distinct urge to burst out into a pirouette every few steps!
I even found a truly exquisite boutique – just a little pink gem tucked away down a side street. Let’s just say I couldn't resist buying myself a brand new, hand-stitched pink tulle tutu! It's so decadent and floaty - it practically sings as I twirl in it! And, I’m going to share it with you all! 😉 Stay tuned, my darlings, for some utterly stunning pictures tomorrow.
But enough about my sartorial adventures! Tonight I'm off to see the Vienna State Opera! I have been so looking forward to this evening - Vienna is, after all, one of the world’s ballet capitals, and I simply had to catch a show. I managed to snag tickets for a performance of “The Nutcracker” – and let me tell you, it’s just as exquisite as I’d dreamed it would be! The theatre is spectacular, and the costumes are just breathtaking! Even more delightful was seeing a real, live ballet in this gorgeous old theatre, where legend has it ballerinas like Anna Pavlova danced. My, oh my, just being here in Vienna makes me feel like I’m living in a fairytale!
You can just imagine how thrilled I was when, at the interval, I stumbled across a shop bursting with all sorts of fabulous ballet memorabilia. It was absolutely overwhelming - and delightful! The owner, a woman named Frau Klinger, has an amazing collection of antique tutu books. She even showed me an original Tchaikovsky ballet score from 1892! It was just glorious, all handwritten notes and intricate calligraphy. I’ll be sharing more of my ballet book treasures with you tomorrow.
Tomorrow is also a big day! I've been doing my ballet class research and I have a fun lesson booked. And there are some exciting, delicious discoveries in Vienna - I just HAVE to find the most delightful patisserie to share with you! It’s the perfect way to indulge your inner princess (or perhaps I should say, ‘ballet princess’!).
Keep those tutus twirling,
Emma xx
