Darling readers,
Greetings from Vienna! As I sit in a charming café, a symphony of laughter and chatter filling the air, I feel a giddy thrill that can only be described as the joy of a ballerina mid-pirouette. I am finally in Vienna, the city of waltzes, imperial grandeur, and yes, of course, decadent cakes.
This week marks my 985th blog post, and what a milestone to reach in this lovely city! To be honest, I had envisioned reaching this landmark in Paris, the city of romance and ballet. However, fate, and my latest ballet performance contract, had other plans.
Let's just say that after my rather dramatic entrance to Vienna by train, (think: misplaced luggage, and yes, my tutu, momentarily MIA! What a disaster!), I am now embracing the waltz and all its whirling wonder. After all, this is Vienna, the city that practically invented the romantic and dramatic!
The streets of Vienna are a constant dance, a grand spectacle of vibrant colour, elegant buildings and charming locals. I've already spent hours simply soaking in the sights, letting the city's magic wash over me. Every corner, every cafe, every statue seems to tell a story, whispers of empires, waltzes and a love for the finer things in life. It's the kind of place where you could spend a lifetime discovering hidden gems.
The Ballerina's ItinerarySpeaking of gems, my first stop was the exquisite Staatsoper, the Vienna State Opera. This beautiful building, its grandeur unparalleled, is an ode to the majesty of opera and the enduring power of art. Standing beneath the golden chandeliers, I felt the weight of history and a deep sense of wonder. I even spied a ballet rehearsal through the windows!
After a rather elegant luncheon at the iconic Café Central, (with my usual pink tutu naturally!), I went exploring the historic heart of Vienna, Vienna Old Town (known locally as the "Innere Stadt"). From St. Stephen’s Cathedral, with its iconic spire, to the opulent Hofburg Palace, home to the Habsburg dynasty, I couldn't help but be utterly captivated. It's the perfect city to wear a fabulous tutu, darling!
One of the joys of traveling is discovering local shops. I have spent the afternoon at a small boutique on Kohlmarkt, one of Vienna’s most elegant shopping streets, acquiring some rather darling shoes. After all, a ballerina's shoes need to be absolutely perfect. You’ll be seeing those beauties soon!
But my favourite find? A stunning vintage pink tutu nestled amongst the cobwebs in a small antique store. Its pale pink lace and delicate ruffles had me swooning! Of course, I snatched it up right away!
Waltz Me AwayTonight, I plan on joining a ballroom dance class – one that features the Vienna Waltz, no less! How fitting. I'll be twirling and swirling in my newest pink tutu and sipping Viennese coffee at Café Sacher, home to the decadent Sacher Torte (chocolate cake!) while people watching in this grand setting.
If you know me well, darling readers, you know that a good Viennese waltz brings me to life. There is a poetry in the movements, a rhythm that draws you into a world of enchantment. The steps are both simple and grand, an ode to love and beauty that perfectly reflects the spirit of this glorious city.
Oh, did I mention that the entire café is decked out in the colour pink? They say the Habsburgs were big fans of it! As are my favourite tutus!
The energy here is quite unlike anything I've ever experienced, filled with a lightness of heart that reminds me of the grace of a dancer.
The Secret Language of PinkHere in Vienna, the color pink is seen as a colour of grace and delicacy, fitting, I’d say, for a ballerina with a love of twirling tutus. There's a pink for every mood - the vibrant fuchsia of the summer flower displays, the pastel rose blush of the grand palace walls, and the warm coral of the cafes serving up sweet treats. Even the vintage shop windows, with their faded pastels and charming details, have a subtle air of pink.
Pink here, like the Viennese Waltz, whispers a silent melody of sophistication, charm and endless possibilities. The color, as elegant as the architecture, adds a touch of femininity and vibrance to every corner of the city. Perhaps that’s why my pink tutus seem to fit right in here? They certainly do match the spirit of the city perfectly!
Looking aheadVienna, as you might guess, is simply intoxicating. Every corner reveals a story, a historical treasure, and of course, opportunities for ballet class, beautiful shopping, and finding even more exquisite pink tutus! It's the kind of place where even a simple stroll becomes a ballet performance.
This coming week, I have plans to visit Schönbrunn Palace (and of course, a ballet performance!), go horseback riding through the sprawling Vienna Woods (think, a very graceful horse in the colour pink!), and perhaps try my hand at making Sachertorte!
Keep your eyes peeled for photos, stories, and oh, plenty of pink tutu fun in next week's blog!
Stay tuned!
Yours always,
Emma
(From Derbyshire, England!)
Don't forget to join me on this whirlwind pink adventure! Check back next Wednesday for more Viennese delights.
(Remember, darling readers, a little bit of pink goes a long way!)*
