Well, darling, I’ve finally made it to Vienna! This magnificent city has been calling to me for months, and I can’t believe I’m finally here, wearing a pink tulle so voluminous I swear I could get lost in its ruffles. The train journey from Munich was an absolute dream - I loved looking out of the window and seeing snow-capped mountains whizz by, it felt just like a fairytale! I do hope my travels by train are never anything but dreamy.
Today is Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009. You know what that means, right? My Pink-Tutu.com blog post! And to think I actually had to catch the early train, something that rarely happens in the pink-tutu world. It was quite the adventure, having my big, puffy, blush pink skirt swish and swoosh with every bend and corner on the train!
As soon as I arrived at the Vienna Hauptbahnhof – the Central Train Station – I knew I was somewhere special. The architecture was magnificent, and even though it was quite cold (and not surprisingly snow was on the ground), I was in awe! But then, I’ve always felt at home amidst grandeur. This train station feels as though it should be part of a grand ballet! Imagine a huge ball room, glittering and shimmering. With a fantastically staged grand ballet performing there! The lights, the costumes! Now wouldn't that be divine!
Of course, I couldn't visit Vienna without trying a Sachertorte (I'll save that for a later blog). But, before my cake, I went for a walk. Vienna is simply charming, cobbled streets filled with Christmas markets adorned with glittering lights, the scent of roasted chestnuts and sizzling sausages in the crisp air! There were people of every kind, dressed to the nines for the holidays – all wrapped in coats, scarves, and, of course, lots and lots of gorgeous winter hats. Oh, and don’t get me started on the shoe choices! I saw some boots, both stylish and chic – something I am definitely going to write about next week – they just call to the fashionable ballerina in me. It’s a real visual feast!
Then, to my joy, I stumbled upon the Wiener Staatsoper, the Vienna State Opera House! I was so thrilled, I simply had to enter and get a glimpse of its splendour. What I was able to see (as it was very, very dark inside), was magnificent. The majestic interior was lit by softly glowing chandeliers and adorned with beautiful decorations. Oh, how I longed to be in a tutu on the stage in that magical space.
Being surrounded by history and the heritage of classical music was simply breathtaking. Even just being near the Wiener Staatsoper filled me with such energy, such an artistic urge to get dancing! Oh darling, can you even imagine how amazing it must be to dance there, amongst so much history and glamour?! This must be the ultimate stage! To perform here – you’ve no idea, I’m thinking about making a proposal to myself. Just me and my beautiful pink tutu - but more about that later.
For tonight, though, my day in Vienna continues to get better! I’m so excited for the *Vienna Christmas Market. I will go back to that later, as the Wiener Staatsoper stole the show this morning. However, this evening, I will be attending the Vienna Ballet School Christmas Performance. It’s held in a beautifully decorated space at Hotel Sacher Vienna, just beside the grand Vienna Opera House. Imagine the magical atmosphere of the Vienna Opera, just next door! This, darling, is a little slice of heaven, for sure! Oh, don’t get me started! And the delicious hot chocolate and festive delights offered are truly decadent! But that, dear readers, is all for my next blog post.
Before heading to my dinner and dance at the Hotel Sacher (where else!), I will also, I am sure, shop till I drop, even though the city’s closed for Christmas I just know I shall find some treasures! If I don't buy it today, it will be gone! And I have a lot of fun, Christmas and sparkly shopping to do. Plus I shall do a blog update and post some more photographs on the pink tutu.com website, because who can’t have pictures in their wardrobe, in their hotel room, or just enjoying their evening walk. That's right - I'll just take pictures as I stroll around!
You’ve simply got to come to Vienna. There is nothing I love more than visiting the most famous city of ballet.
Speaking of which, did I tell you about the most delightful vintage pink tulle I found in a boutique this morning? It’s the perfect shade to capture the Christmas lights that shimmer throughout the city streets!
As I sit down with my coffee and my croissant, I’m already dreaming of my next big adventure, my next ballet journey – and imagining myself waltzing on the grand stage of the Wiener Staatsoper dressed in a spectacular pink tulle. The beauty of it all is beyond compare, and as I imagine myself dancing, I can't help but feel a little closer to that dream! And in the spirit of Christmas magic, I wish it for every single one of you – find a reason to dance, find a reason to twirl, and most importantly, wear that pink tutu and let your light shine!
Have a fantastic festive week, darlings!
P.S. Keep checking in here for updates! And, of course, on pink-tutu.com! I will be doing several posts from my travels around Vienna, and the Pink Tutu has many ideas for Christmas, ballet, Vienna, and a little sparkle! You've simply got to see what's coming next, but my next blog will also include lots of photos and video, to ensure you get a flavour of how enchanting it is. And if you haven’t already, you can subscribe to my website, Pink-tutu.com!
P.P.S If you are also here in Vienna this Christmas season, or you are considering a visit next year, do tell me your experiences, any places that made you twirl with glee. I want to hear about all the fun and fashion in your Christmas in Vienna (and remember to wear that pink tutu! I am waiting for your pictures).
Until next Wednesday,
Lots of love,
Emma 💖 🩰
*Pink-Tutu.com * is a blog written and posted once a week on Wednesday, and occasionally when the author’s schedule and dancing takes her there, and, as usual, I am travelling around Europe using money raised through ballet shows, where I always dance in a pink tutu.
