Well, hello lovelies! It’s your favourite pink tutu-clad blogger, Emma, back again from Vienna, Austria, ready to fill you in on another whirlwind adventure. This Wednesday marks post number 1226 of my Vienna escapade. Each Wednesday, you’ll find my latest ramblings on www.pink-tutu.com, chronicling my love for all things pink, tutus, ballet, and of course, travel!
As you know, I fund my adventures through my beloved ballet performances – and this trip was no different! My latest turn as a graceful swan in the “Swan Lake” (let’s just say the audience applauded wildly, I received a bouquet of roses from the leading male, and my tutus shone like moonlight – pure perfection!), was the ticket to my very first Vienna trip. Honestly, I feel like the most fortunate woman alive!
Vienna, darling! Oh, what a treat for the senses! This city has a captivating charm, filled with history and culture. Just a hint: prepare to fall head-over-heels for its cobbled streets, its decadent architecture, and its breathtaking parks – oh, and I'm completely smitten with their museums.
So, picture this: Me, in my favourite blush pink tutu, arriving at Vienna's Hauptbahnhof (that's the main train station) after a delightful train journey, and my, it was utterly divine! The journey, my dear readers, is all part of the experience! (and as a true tutu-lover, travelling by train is certainly more glamorous than that stuffy old Tube!) But Vienna holds its own special allure - it’s as if the city whispers tales of waltzing princes and imperial elegance.
My arrival was orchestrated by the wonderful folk at Vienna Tourist Board who gifted me a fabulous "Vienna Pass," – my personal ticket to access almost every must-see landmark and museum, giving me ample opportunity to indulge my love of fashion and ballet. Now, don't you just love a freebie!
On my first day, I whisked off to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace – I mean, I had to take a photo of myself by the ornate gates in my pink tutu – for Insta, of course! I swear, every step felt like I was walking into a fairy tale. Every corner I turned was just so... picturesque! It's no surprise this grand place was once the summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty! Imagine sipping your afternoon tea while watching the sunset in this glorious palace. It was enough to make me feel like an imperial princess, even with my trusty tutu!
After indulging in some delightful traditional pastries, I sashayed over to the Vienna State Opera - truly a spectacle for the ages. I'm talking opulent interiors, stunning chandeliers, and an air of sheer grandeur. And to make the day even more special, I got to witness a mesmerising performance of "Don Giovanni" by Mozart, my beloved Mozart. Now, my dear friends, it’s not easy to top that! I dare say it was like stepping into a grand, romantic operatic dream - my favourite shade of pink just couldn't have been more fitting! It was magical!
Of course, no trip to Vienna would be complete without exploring the enchanting Hofburg Palace! It’s not only a testament to the Habsburg Empire’s majestic history but also home to some extraordinary treasures. And my oh my, was it spectacular! The sheer opulence, the rich tapestries, the delicate sculptures... they made my heart sing with joy!
But you know, as much as I adore exploring history, my inner ballerina wouldn't be complete without visiting the world-renowned Vienna State Ballet. You can just imagine how excited I was to be a part of a dance class - a glimpse into their training regimen – in their historic building, where dance history simply emanates from every corner! This was my opportunity to practice my leaps, pirouettes, and chaîné turns - just picture it, me twirling around in my pink tutu in the midst of all those passionate ballet students! It's a ballet-lover's dream! Every minute was truly divine. And as you know, my tutu always compliments any occasion.
This time around, the Vienna State Opera housed another magnificent treat - a fashion extravaganza – the Wiener Opernball – oh, and what a dream! Imagine me dressed up in my latest couture creation from the prestigious Maison Chanel - I was the picture of refined elegance in my favourite hue of pink. (It just so happens that Chanel has a store right in the centre of the city - another perfect reason to come here! It felt so dreamy - just imagine a room full of exquisitely dressed ladies all twirling and mingling under an incredible, crystal chandelier. And of course, no ballet enthusiast could resist taking a photo of her outfit amongst the exquisite setting. I, of course, ensured my post received ample pink hashtags!
Vienna is a symphony of style, history and romance - it’s a true treasure. My journey here was punctuated with countless ballet performances – in beautiful theatre after beautiful theatre, in stunning old Viennese houses, in hidden courtyard gardens, under magnificent arched ceilings. I even found the time to partake in some enchanting dance workshops - just me, in my cherished tutu, dancing amidst a beautiful setting! The entire trip has been a testament to how vibrant and enriching life is when you embrace your inner ballerina!
I couldn't have left Vienna without enjoying the grandeur of the Albertina Museum - the largest museum for graphic art and graphic collections. As a self-proclaimed fashion lover, the exhibitions exploring graphic fashion illustrations and sketches from historical couture houses - with breathtaking artworks in a multitude of pinks – was nothing short of stunning! This was, without a doubt, the most pink and inspiring collection I have seen yet! The very same colour, it turns out, has been cherished by fashion icons since the early days of fashion, my dears! It truly resonated with my soul and provided an absolute explosion of aesthetic bliss.
But the journey doesn't stop here! My travels have led me on to explore new experiences – to enjoy some fantastic restaurants - let me tell you - the strudel was heavenly! - and even a journey back through the enchanting countryside, with a horse drawn carriage, and of course, with me dressed in a vibrant pink tutu, simply brimming with an unforgettable dose of pure enchantment! Oh my! Don't tell my dressmaker but the mud splashed all over my most prized pink creation - luckily, a good washing, followed by some hand-stitching, soon made my treasured pink tutu looking as good as new!
If you're looking for a trip brimming with history, grace and sheer wonder - Vienna is a place that needs to be experienced – a magical destination that stole my heart, leaving me forever inspired to pursue my dream of spreading the magic of the pink tutu all across the world! Until next Wednesday!
Always with love and sparkles, Emma xx
