Guten Tag, darlings!
It’s Emma, your pink-tutu-wearing, ballet-obsessed travel blogger, and I'm bursting with excitement to share my adventures in the enchanting city of Vienna, the very heart of Austria!
This week, I’ve traded my Derbyshire dales for the grand boulevards of Vienna, and I can’t help but feel like I’ve stepped into a waltz from a bygone era. The cobbled streets, the elegant architecture, the air thick with the scent of coffee and pastries - it's all so delightfully charming and utterly inspiring!
But before I get carried away by the romanticism of it all, let me tell you about how I got here! As always, my travels are funded by the joy of dance - I performed at a wonderful charity gala in Budapest last week, and the proceeds allowed me to book a scenic train journey through the breathtaking Hungarian countryside. Imagine, the rolling hills covered in wildflowers, the sun glinting off the Danube, and me, of course, in my signature pink tutu, causing a stir amongst the locals! (Let's be honest, I'm sure the charming conductor had a little something to do with the stares!)
Vienna itself has a special place in my heart. My great-aunt, Beatrice, used to tell me stories of Vienna’s incredible ballet history, whispering tales of the Vienna State Opera and its renowned ballet company. She’d say that every single dancer there was a master of grace and technique, a true embodiment of elegance. So, this visit was not only about exploring the city's wonders but also about discovering the legacy of ballet in Vienna for myself.
And boy, have I been spoiled! Last night, I was lucky enough to see "Giselle," one of my all-time favourite ballets, at the Vienna State Opera. It was breathtaking! The artistry, the precision, the emotion... it left me feeling completely spellbound! The costumes were particularly dazzling - I’m talking swirling skirts, feathered tutus, and the most magnificent use of lace you've ever seen! As I watched those dancers soar across the stage, I couldn’t help but wish I could teleport onto the stage and join in!
But, alas, real life awaits! This morning, I was determined to experience the city from a different perspective, and what better way to do it than by horse-drawn carriage? Imagine me, twirling my pink tulle in the gentle breeze, taking in the beauty of the Vienna Woods, the sunshine warming my skin, the clip-clop of hooves a symphony of pure joy. I think the horses enjoyed it too - they were pawing the ground and shaking their manes, almost as if they were taking part in a little dance themselves!
After a delightful picnic in the park (a classic Austrian "Schnitzelbrot" for me!), it was time to explore the city's more glamorous side! Vienna, with its abundance of designer boutiques, has stolen a place in my fashion-loving heart. After a little retail therapy and some coffee at the Hotel Sacher (I couldn’t resist the legendary Sachertorte, a Viennese chocolate cake that's simply divine!), I was ready for the grand finale of the day - a delightful ballet class!
And oh my, I found the most delightful studio nestled in the heart of the city! It's run by a charming Madame, who with her sparkling blue eyes and kind smile, welcomed me into her ballet family. It’s an absolutely gorgeous studio, filled with antique ballet bars, and beautiful mirrors, where the light dances like a thousand tiny diamonds!
The class itself was fantastic! I was a little out of practice after all the travelling, but the other dancers, all ages, with different styles and experiences, were so encouraging and warm. There's something magical about ballet class, how it can connect us through the universal language of movement. For a few precious hours, it was as if all our worries disappeared, leaving only the beauty of ballet to guide us.
The day is almost at an end, and I’m about to settle into my charming Viennese apartment, dreaming of tutus and graceful steps. It’s days like these that truly fuel my love for life. The world is a vibrant, wondrous stage, and I, my dear readers, am here to experience every magical moment with a little bit of pink tulle and a whole lot of joy.
Until next Wednesday, Your Tutu-fied traveller, Emma.
P.S.: Remember, life is a stage! Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner ballerina! Who knows, perhaps you’ll even be inspired to put on a pink tutu, and take your own graceful journey. 😉
