Wednesday, 29th February, 2012
Guten Morgen, darlings!
As the saying goes, there's no place like home. But Vienna, Vienna... you're definitely a very close second! This magical city, with its beautiful architecture, stunning parks, and oh, the pastries! I could get used to this kind of lifestyle!
And speaking of lifestyle, the fashion here is simply divine. Let's just say the Vienna ladies are well-acquainted with a statement piece. While I, naturally, opted for a delicate pink tulle tutu that swirled in the Viennese wind, there were a delightful array of chic outfits - from crisp white blouses to flowing, printed skirts, and yes, a sprinkle of pink. š
So, letās get on with the grand adventure! After my journey from London to Vienna, aboard a wonderfully glamorous carriage train (first class, of course!), I couldnāt wait to hit the cobbled streets. First on my itinerary was a visit to the stunning Vienna State Opera House, the very place that housed a mesmerising ballet performance only last night ā "Giselle"! I can still feel the goosebumps.
I simply must gush about "Giselle" ā it was pure, ethereal ballet magic. The ethereal grace, the passion of the dancers... and the costumes, oh my, the costumes! Exquisite layers of tulle, soft pink accentsā¦ It just goes to show you, thereās a certain je ne sais quoi about tulle. š
While I may have missed out on seeing "Giselle" on stage, a sneaky peek at the show programme provided the most wonderful insights into the history of this particular ballet. Imagine, the story and costumes first being presented to the public all the way back in 1841. How fascinating to imagine the spectacle of "Giselle" all those years ago ā and to think, those original tutus still remain today in costume houses around the world. And theyāre likely still beautiful!
The "Giselle" costumes have inspired some truly elegant tutu creations in modern-day fashion, and my very own pink tutu couldnāt be more thrilled! This delicate piece, perfect for exploring the cobblestone lanes of Vienna, brings back the graceful memories of āGiselleā. It really is such a beautiful thing to wear a piece of history in the form of a tutu. What could be more divine?!
As you may already know, darlings, one of the best parts of exploring a new city is embracing its cuisine. The aroma of coffee wafting through the cafes, pastries galore (from Sachertorte to Strudel), the tantalising Vienna sausage ā it was a foodieās paradise. I even treated myself to a delightful afternoon tea experience, complete with dainty finger sandwiches and pastries ā and naturally, a very charming pink teacup! It felt truly fitting to indulge in such lovely treats after all that dancing!
This beautiful city just had me falling head over heels in love. With the most graceful and romantic carriage rides (how else to truly explore Vienna!), breathtaking architecture like the Schƶnbrunn Palace, and the Vienna Philharmonic orchestraās iconic musical sounds ā my soul felt incredibly light. Vienna has a magic all its own ā one I felt deeply connected to.
And, of course, there was shopping. And more shopping. You can imagine, darlings, it wasnāt difficult to find the perfect little pink accessory to add to my already quite sizable collection. A delicate, pink feather boa, found on a back street in a quaint shop owned by a kindly, sweet lady. She spoke to me about Viennaās beautiful heritage, about fashion, about beauty... She said, āDarling, remember to always wear something pink! It's like a splash of happiness." Well, of course, I had to get that boa, wouldnāt you agree?!
I think youāre starting to understand the sheer joy and the vibrant love of this city ā all topped off by a fabulous evening ballet performance at the Opera House.
As I danced and twirled the night away, I thought of all the lovely readers at home, hoping they too felt the magic of Vienna through my eyes. I even took a lovely, pink rose from my āGiselleā inspiration! (That's a good old-fashioned fashion tradition from the Victorian era... Iāve always been a fan.)
And now, Iām back in my hotel room, wearing a fresh and stylishly fluffy pink dressing gown.
My lovely Derbyshire readers, do remember: thereās a little pink tutu princess in all of us. Embrace your inner girly girl. Take time for dancing. And maybe, just maybe, pop a splash of pink into your outfitā¦
Have a lovely week, darlings!
With a sweet kiss and a graceful twirl, Emma xoxo
P.S. Don't forget to join me next Wednesday for a new adventure! P.P.S Follow me on Pink Tutu.com and keep your tutus at the ready! š©° š
The Little Extras That Made My Vienna Journey Spectacular:Opera House Exploration: The Vienna State Opera House was a highlight! It's more than a place for performance; it's a grand piece of Viennese architecture, with stunningly opulent interiors, rich in history, just waiting to be explored. Even just admiring the building itself was a visual treat.
Romantic Carriage Rides: While most of my explorations were on foot, hopping onto a carriage ride allowed for a much more romantic glimpse of Vienna's picturesque streets. Every corner felt like a scene out of a fairytale, and the romantic Vienna breeze was simply lovely.
Sweet Treats, Coffee, and All the Things! From Sachertorte and apple strudel to delightful coffeehouses (oh, the coffee!) ā Viennaās culinary scene truly surprised and delighted me! It's a perfect way to indulge after a day of exploration.
The Beauty of Ballet Street Performance: The dancing life of Vienna has a soul! Whether it was watching professionals grace the stages of the opera house or discovering hidden treasures amongst street performers, the art form was a joy to experience, in every corner.
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Note: This blog post focuses on the enjoyment and appreciation of a particular theme ā the color pink and the fashion sense of the blogger, with a nod to ballet history, street fashion and an exciting view of Vienna, Austria. The focus remains light and entertaining while offering genuine appreciation for the cultural delights of Vienna.
