Wednesday, 23rd July 2014
Bonjour, my dearest tutu-loving darlings! Emma here, writing to you from the most enchanting city in Europe: Vienna! As you know, my heart belongs to the stage, to graceful movements and shimmering tutus, and this week's adventure has been a delightful concoction of all my passions.
Oh, darling, Vienna has truly stolen my heart! This city pulsates with history, with grand architecture and cobblestone streets that whisper tales of waltzing emperors and powdered wigs. And, let me tell you, Vienna has been my happy hunting ground for all things pink!
This week, my travel journey began in the rolling green hills of Derbyshire, where I bid farewell to my charming little cottage with its ivy-covered walls. I packed my signature pink tutu - a fluffy, frilly delight with the most beautiful floral embroidery - and hopped aboard the London train. It’s so freeing, don’t you think, just hopping on a train and knowing that adventure awaits? My journey led me straight through the heart of England and, with a final stop at the lovely Eurostar station, I found myself aboard a fast-paced, bullet-shaped train hurtling toward Vienna.
You wouldn’t believe the conversations I had on that train, my dears! I sat next to a delightful chap in a velvet smoking jacket - his idea of the perfect journey involved a brandy and a good book. A charming lady, looking like she had stepped out of a Jane Austen novel, shared with me her tales of Vienna opera and the magnificent waltzes of Strauss. We both, of course, agreed that every lady needs at least one pink tutu in her life!
I must say, Vienna has an air of elegance that reminds me so much of London's West End. I’ve been indulging in the glorious fashion here – exquisite boutiques tucked away in cobbled lanes, with exquisite frocks and frills in all shades of pink, of course. I found the most magnificent feather boa – a riot of fluffy pink and emerald green – to add a touch of glamour to my evening outfit.
My first night in Vienna was truly special! Imagine this: A grand opera house, a cascade of chandeliers illuminating the velvet seats, and a stage buzzing with energy. I felt a frisson of excitement run through me as I settled in and admired the elegant women around me. I confess, there were not a lot of tutus, but I was determined to be a beacon of colour. I slipped into my gorgeous floral-embroidered pink tutu and sat proudly in the balcony.
The performance, my dears, was simply enchanting. We were treated to a rousing performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. I was captivated by the dramatic interplay of characters, the sheer energy of the orchestra and the soaring voices of the sopranos. The emotion and passion were breathtaking – pure magic.
Speaking of magic, have you ever thought about ballet history? Here in Vienna, I visited the beautiful Staatsoper. Walking through those grand hallways, it was almost like walking through time, and the thought of all those legendary ballerinas and their enchanting tutus filled me with such delight. The history of ballet, from its humble beginnings in the courts of kings and queens to its vibrant presence in the modern world, is truly inspiring.
After the opera, I went for a long stroll down the magnificent Ringstrasse. With the city lit up in soft amber glow, I wandered past magnificent buildings, adorned with elegant sculptures, and breathed in the beauty of the evening. Every corner held a story waiting to be discovered. I had a lovely dinner at a traditional Viennese restaurant - oh, the flavours, the rich stews, and of course, the Apfelstrudel! And wouldn’t you know it, the restaurant had a piano player - he even dedicated a waltzing number to my pink tutu!
But there’s more to Vienna than waltzing emperors and opulent opera houses. You see, darling, I am also drawn to the everyday charm of this enchanting city. This morning, I explored the Schönbrunn Palace – a fairytale palace with lush gardens that reminded me of the charming country estates of my dear Derbyshire. As I wandered through those beautifully manicured gardens, I realised how nature, too, embraces the beauty of a pink tutu! I imagined ballerinas flitting among the flower beds, the vibrant pink of their tutus echoing the colours of the rose bushes.
And then, it was off to a delightful Viennese café, one filled with swirling chandeliers and ladies with intricately designed hats. You’ll be delighted to know, a most charming chap in a velvet smoking jacket sat at the next table. (Yes, the same fellow I met on the train! Fancy meeting twice in a day, eh?) He confided that he is a true ballerina admirer and I confessed to him my dream to have every single person wear a pink tutu at least once in their lives. He said he’d consider it!
I’ve been on several journeys this week, my dears: journeys through history, through fashion, and through the delightful streets of Vienna. It's amazing how much a city can surprise and inspire you! The beauty of ballet, of course, weaves its way through it all. I even found the cutest little ballerina doll wearing a fluffy, pink tutu in the antique market. It reminded me so much of myself! I brought her home as a memento of my Viennese adventures, and you can be sure, I will proudly display her in my lovely Derbyshire cottage.
My dears, the day may have passed, but the magic of Vienna lingers, filled with beautiful music, exquisite fashion and the joy of ballet. Remember, wherever life takes you, let a little pink tutu sprinkle its magic wherever you go.
Until next week, my lovelies!
With a flourish and a twirl, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
