#PinkTutuVienna Blog Post #1093 - 13th April, 2016
Guten Tag, darlings! 👋
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time for your weekly dose of all things pink, fabulous and, of course, tutu-tastic! I’m currently basking in the glow of Vienna, Austria - the city of waltzes, emperors, and... well, let’s face it, incredible pastries! 🧁 This week has been a whirlwind of ballet, history, and oh, those glorious shopping streets! ✨
From Derbyshire to Vienna - a Railway Romance 🚂
I’m a firm believer that travel by train is the most romantic way to journey. It allows you to soak up the countryside, lose yourself in a good book (or even write a blog post, like this one!) and arrive feeling truly relaxed. This journey was no different - I’m obsessed with the way Europe's railway system whizzes you across borders seamlessly. And the moment I stepped onto the platform at Vienna’s Hauptbahnhof, I was captivated by the air of grand elegance that hung in the air, just like a waltz.
Dancing with History at the Wiener Staatsoper 💃
The moment I arrived, I had to experience Vienna’s most renowned institution - the Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera). As I walked up those iconic steps, I couldn’t help but feel like a character straight out of a ballet production! 🎭 This beautiful building is the heart of Vienna's cultural scene, a grand symphony of artistry. I’d seen Swan Lake and The Nutcracker there a few years back, so this time, I was eager to soak up the ambience, listen to the whispers of opera history through its corridors, and gaze at its breathtaking architecture. It’s no wonder the Wiener Staatsoper has attracted some of the most famous musicians, opera singers and dancers over the years. ✨
A Tutus and Trachten Adventure 🩰🇦🇹
For this trip, I couldn't resist getting into the spirit of Vienna’s traditional attire - the Dirndl! A lovely mix of contemporary elegance and historical charm. My gorgeous floral dress was complete with a delicate lace-trimmed bodice, a beautiful floral pattern, and, naturally, my favourite accessory - a pink tutu! 💖 I can't say that it's traditional attire, but when has that ever stopped me? 😉 I wore it with a stylish matching beret and an adorable white satchel - a look that made me feel like a modern-day Viennese princess! 👸
Exploring the Schönbrunn Palace 🏰
No trip to Vienna is complete without visiting the grand Schönbrunn Palace - one of the city's most recognisable landmarks! I absolutely love exploring palaces and castles. There’s something so fascinating about them - their rich history, their beautiful architecture, and their tales of forgotten empires! This particular palace has an even more personal significance to me because it's linked to Empress Elisabeth - better known as "Sissi." For those of you who haven't heard of her, she was an absolute icon of beauty and grace. She was a strong advocate of fitness and horse riding, and even a great ballet enthusiast herself! 💖 That's right, darlings! Sissi was an inspiration to so many - not just because of her timeless elegance, but for her love of horses and dance, two of my biggest passions!
An Imperial Waltz in the Gardens 🎻
After touring the magnificent rooms and soaking in the grandeur of the palace, I was delighted to find myself wandering through its sprawling gardens - a breathtaking green paradise right in the heart of Vienna! I strolled amidst vibrant blooms, feeling like a character in a whimsical ballet set. It’s easy to see how this would’ve been a favourite haunt of Sissi and other members of the imperial court. It was a beautiful way to soak up the atmosphere of Vienna’s imperial heritage!
Fashion Forward on Graben Street 👗👠
As a huge fan of fashion and shopping, I was, of course, dying to explore Vienna's vibrant shopping streets. I took a meander along the iconic Graben, the city's main shopping thoroughfare, with its charming cobblestones and elegant architecture. It was a delight browsing the chic boutiques and admiring the stylish Viennese locals. You just know the shops here are stocked with some beautiful fabrics for my future pink tutus!
Viennese Delights and Sweet Treats 🧁
And how can I talk about Vienna without mentioning the mouth-watering array of pastries that awaits you on every corner! This city is a haven for sweet treats, and I indulged in some of the most delightful pastries imaginable. From sachertorte to strudel to the ever-so-delicious “Mozartkugel” (Mozart ball), it’s no wonder Vienna is considered the pastry capital of the world! 🤤
Back on the Rails: The End of Another Adventure 🚃
After my whirlwind journey through Vienna’s delightful ballet, fashion, history and pastry delights, I had to say goodbye. It’s been a fantastic journey - filled with wonder, elegance, and of course, a touch of pink magic! My time in this gorgeous city will definitely remain with me. And I have to say, I have even more of an appreciation for the beauty of the railway system - it was the perfect way to get back home to Derbyshire, leaving Vienna behind with fond memories and dreams of my next grand tutu adventure! 💖
Until next week, darlings, remember that with a little bit of pink tutu magic, you can make your own waltz through life! 💃
Love, Emma 💖
www.pink-tutu.com
