Hello my darlings!
It's Wednesday again, which means it's time for a new post on my little corner of the internet, www.pink-tutu.com! I'm still absolutely buzzing from my trip to Vienna, and honestly, it's only just sinking in how wonderful it was.
For those of you who haven't been following my escapades (where have you been?!), this past week, I've been hopping between stunning Viennese palaces, taking ballet lessons from a fabulous, tutu-loving teacher (I wore pink, naturally!), and soaking up the incredible atmosphere of this truly majestic city.
Oh, Vienna, you have stolen my heart! There's a certain romantic charm to this place that feels almost tangible. Imagine the air infused with the scent of Sachertorte and waltz melodies lingering in the breeze. And don't even get me started on the architecture - it's straight out of a fairy tale!
This week, I felt a bit like a character in one of those gorgeous historical dramas - think 'The Great' but with a splash of pink! There I was, waltzing down the cobblestone streets in my most beautiful, full-length, bubblegum pink tutu (the one with the glittering sequin detailing - divine!), with a jaunty straw hat perched upon my head and a bag bursting with handmade pastries. Honestly, it felt like stepping back in time, except I was doing it with my own little twist of flamboyant fun!
Vienna and I seem to have a magical connection. Perhaps it's because of the deep and enduring link between ballet and this city - Vienna, after all, is the birthplace of the Viennese Waltz, a dance as romantic and graceful as the city itself.
Now, let me tell you a bit about this glorious city and all the things I did there:
A Pink Tutu Waltz Through Vienna:
First things first - I simply had to immerse myself in the world of ballet here. Vienna is practically a haven for the art! From the majestic Vienna State Opera House, with its opulent decor and legendary performers, to the Vienna Ballet, which continues to thrill audiences with breathtaking performances of both classical and contemporary works - Vienna, my dears, is a ballet lover's paradise!
As a fellow ballet devotee, I, of course, had to take some classes. The waltz in Vienna, I discovered, has a very specific way of turning, and, thankfully, the lovely lady who instructed me (and the rest of the ballet students) was incredibly patient with my first, rather disastrous, attempts. We all giggled together when my pink tutu twirled in every direction but the intended one! Thankfully, I got there in the end and felt pretty proud of myself.
Of course, the highlight of my Vienna ballet trip was seeing the most enchanting production of 'Swan Lake' that I've ever experienced! The performance at the Vienna State Opera House was truly awe-inspiring. I even shed a few happy tears, honestly. To see those beautiful dancers transform on stage with the most delicate and graceful movements was nothing short of mesmerising. My heart still flutters at the memory!
Tutu Travels - My Train Adventures:
To make this trip even more delightful, I decided to travel by train from Derbyshire, England! The train ride across the European countryside is always a joy, with views that change from rolling green hills to picturesque villages, passing by quaint countryside churches and imposing castles - like scenes from an old movie!
But let me tell you, there's no train journey more romantic than the one to Vienna! I couldn't help but feel like I was in a film myself. The train, gliding through the European landscapes, while I watched from my comfy window seat (pink tutu, naturally!) - oh, it was such a dream! It truly set the mood for my adventures.
Vienna: A City That Speaks to the Heart (and my tutu!)
Let's get down to the specifics - a few highlights that tickled my fancy:
- Schönbrunn Palace: A truly breathtaking palace, both for its architecture and its gardens! I just had to wear my bright pink tulle skirt with its vibrant flowers to truly complete the feeling.
The Belvedere Palace: The opulent home of a fabulous art collection and a stunning Baroque masterpiece. Did you know that one of its highlights is the famous 'Kiss' painting by Gustav Klimt? Well, now you do! I absolutely loved the painting! It seemed to capture the essence of the city's romantic aura perfectly. I think the artists' bold colours complimented my pink tutu skirt brilliantly too, as if the artist himself was speaking through my outfit.
The Hofburg Palace: The majestic winter palace of the Habsburg dynasty - the former royal family of Austria! Just wandering the halls, imagining the imperial grandeur of the past, transported me to another world. The sheer size and historical importance of this palace left me breathless. It reminded me that we must never forget the rich history and the stories that lie beneath every structure - they shape us, inspire us, and carry a special power.
St. Stephen's Cathedral: This beautiful gothic cathedral dominates the heart of the city, with stunning architecture and breathtaking stained glass windows. This Cathedral truly embodies Vienna’s spirit and it is steeped in rich history. As a passionate advocate for preserving heritage and the cultural tapestry of our world, the sheer history and stories in each brick were powerful to me. The fact that it has been here for over 900 years truly shows how important we can be to building up each other.
The Vienna Opera House: I had to witness this famous opera house for myself! I felt as though the very building had a magical aura. I imagine, if we could hear what the building could tell us, it would share fascinating tales. Just the architecture itself inspires, I have no doubt there are hidden stories just beneath the surface. The whole experience was quite overwhelming. Just standing outside the building with its ornate facade is awe-inspiring, especially when you have your pink tutu and a hot cup of Vienna coffee! This was one of my favorite places in Vienna, its very walls held the souls of dancers and opera singers.
The Vienna Food Scene: A Pink Tutu Foodie Paradise:
This was the perfect place to combine my passion for pink with my love for food - everything from the traditional coffee and cake culture to the modern Michelin-star restaurants. A city truly to delight the tastebuds! And to make sure my journey was completely magical, my heart insisted on finding a bakery in Vienna, where I bought the most delicious rose petal flavoured Sachertorte to share with my followers (because I truly believe in spreading joy to the world, just like wearing a pink tutu)!
You can be sure that when I ate it, I did so with a sense of genuine gratitude and appreciation for life's little pleasures. And, yes, it tasted as divine as it looked, I promise. A true feast for the senses!
More Than Just a Pink Tutu - Reflections on a Trip:
You might wonder, why do I make these trips? What do I learn on them? Why wear a pink tutu? It's all very simple, I hope to bring a little more joy into the world, whether that's to others or to myself. Sometimes life can be tough, I can sometimes feel insecure, just like any other woman out there. But, when I'm on a trip, especially when I'm dressed in a pink tutu, I truly believe that I can live my dream life. You may think that wearing a pink tutu is odd, but it helps me feel happy, safe and empowered! It helps to remind me of my strengths and helps me to reach out for new adventures! I urge you, ladies, don't let anybody hold you back from being the pink tutu woman you are meant to be!
Now I'm off to plan my next grand adventure. Do any of my pink tutu followers have suggestions? Maybe the romantic city of Paris? I'll definitely keep you updated on where my pink tutu adventures take me next!
Until next Wednesday, darling! Keep shining bright!
Love, Emma xoxo
