Post #516 - 23rd March, 2005
Darling readers,
Oh my goodness! Can you believe it's Wednesday already? The week seems to fly by when you're in Vienna, a city brimming with charm and history at every turn. This week, my blog's all about my Viennese adventures – think waltzing in the Hofburg Palace, indulging in delectable Sachertorte, and, of course, exploring the ballet scene!
Now, where to begin? Well, last Saturday, I found myself in the heart of the city, gazing at the glorious Vienna State Opera House. The sheer elegance of the building took my breath away! It's just one of those places that makes you feel utterly transported, like you've stepped back in time. Of course, the main reason for my visit was the incredible "Sleeping Beauty" production – my heart almost burst with excitement! The dancers were divine, the costumes were exquisite (particularly a beautiful pink tutu worn by the Lilac Fairy), and the whole experience was simply magical.
But before we dive deeper into the ballet world, let's rewind a little. My journey to Vienna involved an overnight train journey, which, honestly, is one of my absolute favourite ways to travel. Snuggling in a comfy cabin, watching the world whizz past, and indulging in a good book (currently, it's "The Little Ballet Book" - you simply must get your hands on it!) makes for the perfect start to any trip.
Upon arriving, the first thing I did (after a spot of delicious Viennese coffee, of course!) was to take a romantic carriage ride through the city centre. I was swept away by the grand architecture, the cobblestone streets, and the smell of freshly baked pastries – truly a delight!
Later that day, my dear friend (who just happens to be a stunning ballerina herself) whisked me off to the Hofburg Palace, a building bursting with royal history. Now, the palace has a truly magical, almost fairytale quality to it, especially when you consider that some of the world's most famous waltzes were first danced in its halls! And just imagine, darling readers, those lovely ladies waltzing in their exquisite ball gowns, maybe even wearing a little touch of pink! (Don't worry, you'll find my favourite shade of pink sprinkled everywhere you look!).
Naturally, we had to take a waltz lesson in the Hofburg’s imperial ballroom, and oh, how elegant it was! The instructor was an absolute darling, and with his guidance, my friend and I waltzed as if we were born on the Vienna stage. Let's just say it wouldn't take much for me to fall into the Viennese way of life – I even wore a little touch of pink for the occasion. (More on my fabulous new dress in just a moment, it's to die for!).
Now, no trip to Vienna would be complete without indulging in the world-famous Sachertorte. My dear readers, this decadent chocolate cake is simply heaven! It's rich, creamy, and infused with apricot jam – a pure symphony of flavours. I recommend you go to the Hotel Sacher for the real deal, it’s a delightful treat that is definitely worth the splurge!
After the delightful treat, it was back to the ballet, this time at the Vienna Volksoper, for a performance of "Swan Lake." Now, let’s be honest, I’m completely enamoured with the history behind the famous “Swan Lake” story, as well as the intricate, romantic costumes! Of course, the main role is always danced by a lovely ballerina wearing a beautiful white tutu - what an elegant classic. I just can't imagine it any other way! I couldn't help but wonder, however, what it would look like if they included a touch of pink…maybe a touch of sparkle here or a delicate pink feather there? My inner ballerina just couldn't help but think!
And finally, let's talk about the dress. Oh darling readers, I found the most delightful frock while browsing Vienna's exquisite vintage boutiques. Imagine a gorgeous ivory-coloured dress, perfectly crafted and a tad bit vintage - you guessed it! I paired it with a bright pink tutu, a vintage fascinator with pink feathers and sparkly pink ballet shoes. This ensemble just oozed elegance, wouldn't you agree?
That's all for now, darlings. I have so much more to share about my Vienna trip, but that will have to wait for my next post. Stay tuned!
P.S. My friend told me there's a local Viennese street performance troupe doing a ballet street performance in front of the Opera House tonight – and apparently, it's the only time you can see their exquisite tutus and ballet performance! So exciting, don't you think? And I hear there is a fashion show happening tonight as well, showcasing Austrian designer clothes, can't wait to see it, but maybe you should stay tuned for the next post for more of that...
Until next Wednesday, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
