Hello darlings! It's your favourite pink-loving, tutu-wearing traveller, Emma, back again for another whirlwind adventure! This week, I've swapped my Derbyshire hills for the cobbled streets and grand buildings of Vienna! Can you imagine, the birthplace of the waltz? Honestly, I can practically hear the Strauss waltzes whispering through the air. I’ve finally arrived at the glorious city of music, and it’s definitely exceeding all my expectations. This is my 554th blog post, by the way, just a little something to keep you all up to date with my journey around the world.
Speaking of journey, this time I went old-school – imagine a journey in a luxurious sleeper carriage! My train journey here from Budapest was utterly romantic, and not just because I’d packed a whole collection of ballet tutus in a lovely little vintage trunk, of course. My favourite pink tutu was proudly displayed alongside my copy of the "The History of Ballet in 100 Objects." I'm absolutely addicted to this book! Do you ever just get swept up in the history of these intricate, beautiful costumes? I find myself endlessly drawn to their artistry and symbolism – and that's why I believe tutus deserve a comeback. They're not just garments – they're stories sewn into fabric.
The moment my train pulled into the station, I felt like I'd stepped right into a movie set! Vienna truly does have that air of romantic old-world charm. You know, all those fairy-tale vibes! And it's absolutely beautiful, with so much charm and history on every corner. Did I mention how much I adore European cities? This place oozes culture, music, and elegance – what’s not to love?
Now, onto the real reason for this blog post - Vienna is perfect for a tutu-loving ballerina like me. It was so lovely to explore the streets, take in the vibrant atmosphere, and watch the ballet performances. I know what you're thinking: a pink tutu in Vienna? Honestly, it's a dream. The streets are filled with music, and even though I am only on day three of my journey, I feel like I've stepped back in time! It is so fascinating to walk in the footsteps of so many ballet greats – people like Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms – even Tchaikovsky. Just imagine those rehearsals, the whispers of history on the walls! The Opera House and the Theatre an der Wien, all the classical music that inspired generations of ballet – it’s pure magic! And you're right, dear readers, I'm certainly going to be hitting up a few of those ballet classes this week - imagine! Vienna’s best kept secret: "Tutus and Tea at the Vienna State Opera" (you're welcome for the idea!).
I was quite shocked, but the Austrians are just as much into the “pink tutu” vibe as I am. On my first day, I strolled down the Kärntner Straße in a bright pink, multi-layered tutu with little pastel bows. (You all know how much I adore a little flair!) People just smiled, and even a few people were taking photos, which I found just adorable! One lovely man in a tweed suit, he must have been in his 70s, came over and gave me a compliment! “I am from America,” he said, with a twinkle in his eyes. "When we think about Vienna, we think of culture, of fashion – and we just think of romance." And he wasn't wrong. Everything about this city feels like a story in the making!
So, where does a pink tutu enthusiast go for a first day in Vienna? Why, the Hofburg Palace, of course! This historic palace, formerly the home of the Habsburg emperors, has seen its fair share of historical drama! The grandeur and elegance are unparalleled - perfect for indulging in a bit of afternoon tea and scones! I am loving the Imperial patisserie on the street across from the palace, filled with delicate pastries and delicate chocolates that I just couldn't resist buying. (And then, naturally, trying every single one - no regrets! They were all absolutely divine!) I especially loved the Mozart Kugeln, the traditional Austrian confection with pistachio marzipan, which is quite fitting, considering he spent half his life right here! The locals also adore the sweet pastry Sachertorte, so I definitely had to give that one a try as well. I'm absolutely certain that everyone I bumped into this week thought, “Oh, that’s definitely an English ballerina!”
Of course, no trip to Vienna is complete without visiting the legendary Schönbrunn Palace. I felt transported into another era with its gardens filled with perfectly sculpted flowerbeds and a lush landscape that's just picture perfect! As if this day couldn't get any more amazing, I even managed to squeeze in a carriage ride through the park! Isn’t that divine? Honestly, I couldn't be happier – even with the faint hint of snowflakes fluttering around me (how romantic, eh?)!
My favourite bit, though, had to be my evening at the Vienna State Opera. Imagine the opulent decor! A dazzling spectacle, all gleaming chandeliers and velvet seating! My favourite was the impressive glass chandelier made from 5,000 lights, truly breath-taking! And I had the absolute pleasure of watching "Swan Lake!" It’s such a magical production - and I've never experienced it with such energy and passion. It reminded me once again why ballet is my life’s passion, and, well, you know, pink tutus!
Speaking of pink tutus, I'm on a quest for the perfect pink tutu here. You’d be surprised how many unique boutiques Vienna has – but finding a truly “unique” tutu with enough flair can be tricky! It can be quite the hunt, finding something really out there, just the kind of tulle that dreams are made of! There’s this fabulous shop, called Atelier Liebe, run by this lovely lady named Frau Müller – the sweetest person with the cutest accent, just adorable! ( I will have to get a photo with her.) Her designs are so imaginative, using bright colours and embellishments with loads of unique patterns – just think whimsical with a touch of modern flair. And you know me, I've already planned a special performance at a Viennese cafe – we’re calling it "The Ballet in Pink!" I can just picture it now: the sound of a waltz floating on the air, my pink tutu fluttering, and the warmth of all those lovely eyes upon me... This whole thing just seems surreal, doesn’t it? I've got to thank the amazing artists, those stunning dancers, and even that charming gentleman at the Hofburg who reminded me that "Beauty in any form is the ultimate gift" (I have to tell you, his words left me speechless).
Well, darling, that's all from me for this week! My dear readers, don’t forget to tune in next Wednesday for another blog from my lovely journey to Vienna – or, you know, any other wonderful European destination I can manage! Let’s continue this adventure of finding the pink tutus in our lives. Because really, isn't there something beautiful in the way we express ourselves, however wild or silly, elegant or demure, that is?
Love, Emma.
Don’t forget to head on over to my website at www.pink-tutu.com to see more of my amazing adventures in pink! I can't wait to share the next chapter in my pink-filled world. Until next Wednesday, darlings!
