Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016
Bonjour mes chéries! It's Emma here, back from another whirlwind adventure, this time with the enchanting Vienna as my backdrop! I landed here last weekend, just in time for the annual Wiener Staatsoper Summer Festival. My little heart was beating with excitement, knowing I would be graced by the magical world of ballet. But before I delve into that enchanting experience, let's talk about how I arrived in Vienna, because my journey was just as exciting as the destination!
I'm a big believer in the romance of train travel, you know, with the clickety-clack and the views flitting past like a pastel movie reel. So, from Derbyshire, England, where the green fields meet the rugged Peak District, I hopped on a train to Brussels, my home away from home. My beloved Brussels, with its delicious waffles and cobbled streets, was a charming stopover, giving me a chance to reconnect with old friends and pick up some gorgeous vintage lace for my next tutu creation (more on that later!).
The train journey itself was like a journey through a storybook. It felt like one of those charming illustrations you see in old children's books – charming villages whizzed past, quaint cafes perched by winding rivers, and fields of vibrant wildflowers dotted the landscape. A moment of true beauty.
But when I arrived in Vienna, the magic escalated! Stepping off the train, I felt as though I had landed in a storybook world, with grand architecture, cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages, which I may or may not have taken for a spin, (shh, don't tell anyone!), to get my first proper feel of the city!
As if being in Vienna wasn't magical enough, the Vienna State Opera Summer Festival was just beginning! It was a spectacle like no other, and of course, I was there front and centre, wearing a blush pink tutu adorned with tiny golden butterflies, a symbol of the Viennese Waltz. I felt like I was floating in a dream!
Now, to be honest, my tutu made a splash! Everyone in Vienna has their own particular brand of flair, but let's just say, my pink tutu was like a little splash of sunshine on a grey day. And everyone just loved it! So much so, it was the starting point of several interesting conversations and even a little spontaneous ballet dance session on the street, led by me, naturally. We waltzed around in a joyful whirlwind of twirls and laughter, all because of a little pink tutu.
And let's be honest, no trip to Vienna is complete without some fabulous shopping! From quaint vintage stores nestled in side streets to grand boutiques along the boulevard, I explored every inch, soaking in the local charm and keeping an eye out for any hidden fashion gems. You just never know what treasures you might discover, right?
My Vienna Wardrobe Finds
Speaking of fashion gems, let me give you a little peek at my finds! I stumbled upon a gorgeous silk scarf with delicate hand-painted roses, and it's absolutely perfect for adding a touch of Viennese elegance to my wardrobe. I also found some divine white gloves that I envision wearing with a crisp, white tulle tutu and a wide-brimmed hat for that Parisian flair – think Audrey Hepburn in "Funny Face" meets "Breakfast at Tiffany's", oh so chic! And, I could not resist buying myself some chic new black satin ballet shoes, because they are not just for dancing! The simple lines of a pair of classic satin ballet shoes lend themselves so well to day and evening wear. Plus, they were such a steal, my inner ballet hoarder couldn’t resist!
And I can't talk about Vienna without mentioning the food! I've indulged in some delectable Wiener Schnitzels and have discovered the art of Austrian pastries - so incredibly delicious! From the creamy Kaiserschmarrn, a fluffy pancake delight, to the sweet Sacher-Torte, a decadent chocolate indulgence, I’m experiencing a food frenzy, one scrumptious treat at a time!
But, there's so much more I could tell you! From the majestic Schönbrunn Palace, the summery Danube River boat rides, and the fascinating Belvedere Museum with its collection of art masterpieces – Vienna truly has it all.
But I’ve got to head off to ballet class now, because let's be honest, a ballerina's got to stay in tip-top shape. I have a big performance this weekend – another fairytale ballet performance with a new costume design, and trust me, this tutu is a sight to behold! And trust me, I will be posting all about it next week on Pink Tutu Vienna.
And now I must go! This tutu-filled journey is far from over, and there’s so much more to explore here! But as I sign off, I want to leave you with this: remember, every single day is a chance to twirl in life’s beauty and to spread a little bit of pink joy wherever you go! So, keep your head high, your tutu bright, and don’t forget to dream big.
And I cannot wait to welcome you all to my blog next week to read about my big performance! Until then, I wish you all beautiful dreams filled with ballet shoes and a dash of pink magic!
XOXO,
Emma
