#PinkTutuVienna blog on 2005-09-21

Wednesday, 21st September, 2005

Hello my darling darlings! It's your favourite pink tutu-wearing ballerina, Emma, reporting live from the beautiful, enchanting, utterly magical Vienna! Oh, I am simply besotted with this city, it’s just so... breathtakingly elegant! I can’t quite believe I’ve only been here a week – time seems to flit by on a feather light, pink-hued cloud of Viennese charm!

But let’s rewind a little… shall we? This week’s travel journey began with a romantic train journey from Budapest, a charming mix of old world elegance and exciting modern touches. There’s just something so captivating about rolling past rolling green fields and quaint villages in the gentle rhythm of the train tracks. It feels a little bit like dancing itself, doesn't it?

Vienna, oh Vienna, you've stolen my heart in a heartbeat! From the moment I stepped off the train at the impossibly grand Vienna Hauptbahnhof, it’s been a whirlwind of wonder.

First on my to-do list? Shopping of course! (Who am I kidding, this was practically a non-negotiable part of the itinerary!) I confess, my first purchase was a beautiful lilac-hued lace tutu, the perfect colour to match the delicate lavender roses adorning the windows of a shop nestled in a cobbled alleyway. And how could I resist the irresistible allure of a blush-pink brocade jacket – so very Viennese, don’t you think? I paired the ensemble with my trusty sparkly ballet flats, of course.

Speaking of ballet, did you know Vienna is considered to be the ballet capital of the world? Just the name, “Vienna”, conjures images of twirling ballerinas, exquisite music, and impossibly romantic waltz scenes.

My biggest treat of the week has to be seeing a performance at the glorious Vienna State Opera House. Oh my, the grandeur! The plush red velvet seating, the shimmering crystal chandeliers, the elegant ambiance. And the ballet itself… magnificent! I have to say, seeing the world renowned Vienna State Ballet perform Tchaikovsky's Swan Lake made my heart sing! The dancers moved with such grace and artistry, it was like watching a beautiful dream unfold on stage. I simply couldn't take my eyes away from them, my whole body moved in empathy. Every graceful leap, every gentle plié, every breathtaking extension... just incredible!

But it’s not all about glamorous performances and fancy dress. I'm learning so much about Vienna’s rich history and, dare I say, a little bit about myself. Vienna has a captivating legacy when it comes to ballet, from the famous Hofburg Palace, once the Imperial Residence, and now home to the Ballet School of the Vienna State Opera to the Volksoper, the Vienna People’s Opera, offering both theatrical drama and ballet to a diverse audience. Vienna is a true melting pot of culture, a delightful mix of tradition and the cutting-edge of contemporary performance.

And just as important as ballet and history is… food! Vienna doesn’t disappoint on the delicious front, not one bit.

I have had the absolute joy of experiencing a delicious array of traditional Viennese fare, the flavours a captivating mix of rich and delicate, with each dish more delicious than the last. A real stand-out for me was the Wiener Schnitzel, perfectly golden-brown and crispy on the outside, with juicy and tender meat on the inside, oh so delightful. It’s no surprise the Wiener Schnitzel is one of the country’s national dishes – you can just tell how much care and tradition has gone into this simple yet masterful culinary treat.

Speaking of traditional, I simply had to indulge in some genuine Sachertorte. Rich, moist chocolate sponge, sandwiched with a thin layer of apricot jam and topped with the most divine chocolate icing, I don’t think I could have chosen a better way to spend my afternoon than enjoying a slice of this decadent Viennese treat! It was heavenly – like taking a bite out of a little slice of Austrian history, sweet, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.

Every day brings a new discovery, every corner offers a captivating view. My favourite walk this week was through the Stadtpark, a beautiful oasis in the heart of Vienna. Amidst towering trees and elegant benches, it is so relaxing. I especially love the statue of the beloved waltz king Johann Strauss, forever twirling in the gentle breeze.

And speaking of twirling, my dancing has never felt quite so graceful, quite so expressive. Vienna seems to inspire it in every way!

For my darlings who love fashion, I’ve been making some fascinating finds in the shops around the city. This week’s outfit? A beautifully-crafted silk polka-dot dress paired with a black tulle tutu - a touch of vintage elegance with a bit of tutu fun. I can't wait to explore more of the shops in the city and maybe even pick up some souvenirs to share with my loved ones back in Derbyshire. I can't imagine leaving Vienna without a few gifts to share with my loved ones, and they have to be a touch tutu too. There are some stunning tutus in Vienna shops here, with every colour you can imagine. I just had to pick up a lovely pale pink for myself, and a fabulous magenta tutu for my friend at home, Millie. She's an incredible dancer with the loveliest moves. I think she'll simply adore it!

But, as every good ballerina knows, time waits for no one. Soon enough it will be time to move onto another adventure – my next performance awaits!

Before I go, do remember you can follow my blog journey on www.pink-tutu.com every Wednesday. I’d absolutely love to hear from all my dear readers! Have you visited Vienna? Share your adventures with me, perhaps we’ll discover new treasures together. And, most importantly, don’t forget… wear your tutus with confidence and love! Until next week!

With twirling love and lots of tutus,

Emma