Wednesday, 22nd April, 2009
Guten Tag, my lovelies! This week, I've flown across Europe and landed in the most charming city imaginable: Vienna! I must admit, I couldn't wait to finally arrive here, the city of waltz, pastries, and, yes, you guessed it, some absolutely spectacular ballet. As always, I brought along my trusty pink tutu, the perfect outfit for waltzing around the cobbled streets and taking in all the sights!
My journey was nothing short of enchanting. I took the train from my lovely Derbyshire home, the landscape blurring into a kaleidoscope of colours. The train itself was an absolute dream, sleek and luxurious, with the most comfy seats and stunning views. It felt like a mini stage for my tutu-clad adventures, even though the fellow passengers kept glancing at me with a mix of amusement and curiosity. My love, it's the perfect accessory for travel, adding a touch of whimsy wherever you go!
Of course, I had to take the time to explore the train stations, especially those grand historical gems like London Kings Cross and Gare du Nord. You wouldn't believe the inspiration I find in their ornate ceilings, grand halls, and historical stories. It’s a bit like peeking behind the curtain at a timeless theatrical masterpiece. And I'll tell you a secret - there's something truly exhilarating about watching your suitcase roll along a seemingly endless platform!
When I arrived in Vienna, I was greeted with the most dazzling welcome – a horse-drawn carriage ride! How divine! With a delicate, rhythmic clip-clop, we ambled through the charming city, me clinging onto the side of the carriage as I took it all in. Just the image I had in my mind when I daydreamed about visiting Vienna – like a scene straight out of a fairy tale. It was just so picture-perfect, like stepping into a ballet, but with a horse and carriage instead of the stage!
I've been waltzing around Vienna, admiring the magnificent architecture of the Hofburg Palace and the opulent interior of Schönbrunn Palace. You can almost imagine royalty pirouetting in the grand halls and down those endless corridors, right? Each building is like a masterpiece waiting to be brought to life by dancers and tutus!
And the shopping! My dear, Vienna is a wonderland of delights, particularly when it comes to ballet fashion. The grand boulevards are lined with shops that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a costume drama. I couldn't help but fall in love with the delicate lace and intricate designs. A girl needs a new tutu every now and then, don’t you think?
One of the things I adore most about Vienna is the city's dedication to ballet. You can practically feel the history of dance seep from the walls, particularly at the Wiener Staatsoper (the Vienna State Opera). It’s just the most breathtaking place, full of such exquisite beauty and elegant décor. I even discovered a lovely ballet shop nearby called "Das kleine Ballett," crammed with tutus, leotards, and the cutest little ballet shoes you’ve ever seen!
You'd think I'd be exhausted after such a grand tour, but there's nothing like the energy of the Viennese ballet scene to rejuvenate a girl. I made sure to attend a performance at the Staatsoper, and let me tell you, it was divine. From the opening notes of the orchestra to the final graceful bow, I was transported to another world. I sat in the plush seats, my pink tutu the perfect complement to the opulence surrounding me, and let the magic wash over me.
There’s something quite special about seeing the world through a dancer’s eyes. It allows me to discover things others might miss – the way the light catches the stage at a certain angle, the delicate choreography, the expression in the dancers’ eyes. Every ballet tells a story, a universal language that transcends time and space, and Vienna has its own fascinating ballet history waiting to be unearthed.
Of course, no visit to Vienna would be complete without indulging in some delicious Austrian delights! From decadent sachertorte to delicate pastries filled with apricot jam, my taste buds are certainly being spoilt.
As for the people here? So kind, charming, and welcoming. They always seem to be in good spirits, whether they’re gliding around on bicycles or enjoying a cup of coffee at a charming café.
The city feels vibrant, a melting pot of creativity and artistry. Even the horses, I swear, move with an elegant rhythm, as though they were born for the dance. Perhaps Vienna inspires this effortless grace. Or maybe, my dear, it’s the tutus!
And what better way to conclude a blog post about Vienna than with a bit of a story about tutus? Well, let me tell you, Vienna has a rich tutu history! It's said that the very first ballet tutu was born here in 1832, thanks to Marie Taglioni, the famous ballerina. Legend has it that she was fed up with the restrictive, bulky dresses that were standard back then and decided to get creative, creating a light, floaty design to give her more freedom of movement. And thus, the tutu was born! I like to imagine her gracefully swirling through the streets of Vienna, her pink tutu swirling behind her, the wind whipping through her hair.
But you know what's even more fascinating? I just stumbled upon this old shop downtown selling tutus from every era! I was practically transported back in time. I can't wait to tell you all about it in my next post.
Well, dear friends, this is Vienna bidding you a fond farewell, at least for this week. Until next Wednesday, keep spreading your wings, keep twirling, keep on dreaming, and keep those tutus flowing! And don't forget, wearing pink is a magical thing - so join the Pink Tutu revolution! 🩰💖
