Hello, darlings! It’s your favourite tutu-clad traveller, Emma, reporting live from Vienna, Austria, the city that embodies fairytale magic and opulent beauty. This week’s adventure has been particularly enchanting, infused with the festive cheer of the season.
Wednesday, 23rd December:
I woke up to a glorious blanket of snow, blanketing Vienna in an ethereal white. The city, already adorned with glittering Christmas lights and market stalls brimming with festive cheer, seemed even more magical with this fluffy winter coat.
Before heading out for my morning routine of ballet class (which, let me tell you, is essential for maintaining my twirling prowess even when the city's cobblestone streets get slippery!), I had to treat myself to some seasonal treats.
Vienna is absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to festive delights! I picked up some divine Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies), a couple of intricately decorated stollen (fruit bread) and, of course, a hot cup of Glühwein (mulled wine) – a must-have during Vienna’s chilly December days.
A Whirl through Vienna’s Christmas Markets:
Feeling warmed and ready for some Christmas cheer, I went for a whirl through Vienna's magical Christmas markets. Imagine cobbled squares filled with glittering wooden stalls, brimming with hand-crafted ornaments, festive treats and, my personal favourite, twinkling fairy lights strung from every corner.
It’s impossible to resist the charm of these markets, each one brimming with unique traditions and unique, handcrafted goodies. I snagged a couple of delicate Adventskränze (Advent wreaths) - one for myself, and one for my mother, back in Derbyshire. She will love it!
After my festive foraging, I was drawn to the magnificent Vienna State Opera. Every time I see this glorious edifice, it fills me with awe! There's something about its architecture, so grand and theatrical, that makes my tutu heart flutter with excitement.
An Evening of Tchaikovsky at the Opera:
The Opera was hosting The Nutcracker tonight – a classic ballet that takes me back to childhood Christmases filled with magic and wonder. Of course, I had my tutu prepped and ready - this is Vienna, after all, and one must always be prepared for a spontaneous pirouette or two.
As the orchestra warmed up, I was captivated by the atmosphere, the plush velvet seats and the glittering chandeliers. Then, the curtain rose, and I was swept away to a world of magic.
The ballet itself was exquisite – each movement a masterpiece of grace and emotion. I was especially enchanted by the Snow Queen's delicate leaps and the Sugar Plum Fairy's breathtaking pirouettes. And, oh, the costumes! The sheer amount of detail, craftsmanship, and sparkles was utterly divine. I made a mental note to search for some Nutcracker-inspired pieces for my next blog post – you just have to have some ballet magic in your wardrobe, darling!
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride through the City:
No visit to Vienna is complete without a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic centre. It felt truly magical, riding through the beautifully lit streets, the clip-clop of hooves on cobblestones providing a rhythmic backdrop to the bustling city. It reminded me of the scene in Cinderella – well, I guess every beautiful thing always does!
And as we passed through the city’s charming alleyways, I couldn't help but wonder how many other ballerinas had graced Vienna’s stages in the past – legendary ballerinas like Anna Pavlova and even the great Carlotta Grisi herself! Their spirit definitely still seems to be alive in Vienna!
A Magical Stay:
I spent my evening in my gorgeous, tutu-themed hotel room. There’s something about the perfect combination of a chic, comfortable space and a good book about ballet history that truly soothes the soul. I couldn’t help but daydream about the legacy of ballet and my personal ambition - to get the whole world to wear pink tutus.
As the snow falls outside my window, and the Christmas carols echo through the city, I'm truly feeling the magic of Vienna. I'll share more stories and photos from my enchanting journey next week – perhaps I’ll even share a peek into some of the fascinating ballet archives that Vienna holds!
Until next Wednesday, darlings!
Emma x
P.S. Make sure you pop over to the Pink Tutu website (www.pink-tutu.com) for some exciting new tutu styles - they're perfect for festive cheer, ballet class and even a glamorous evening out! Remember, you’ll find me posting a new blog every Wednesday.
