Wednesday, May 22nd, 2019
Darling readers,
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this fabulous trip? I'm writing to you live from Vienna, Austria, a city that's truly stealing my heart with its elegance, its culture, and its incredible array of ... pink tutus, of course!
For this adventure, I decided to travel the classic way – by train. Snuggling into a first-class compartment, all comfy with a fluffy blanket and my favourite pink travel journal, I felt like a princess embarking on a fairytale journey. It really set the scene for the fairytale city I was about to experience!
And what a city it is! As the train chugged slowly into Vienna's grand central station, I could already feel the excitement buzzing in the air. Cobbled streets, stunning architecture, and charming cafes galore, it was like stepping into a real-life fairytale!
As I explored the city, I couldn't help but notice the wonderful, almost mystical connection between ballet and Vienna. The Viennese Waltz, the waltzing ballrooms, the elegant cafes where ballet dancers once socialised … everywhere I looked, it felt as if ballet history was whispered on the breeze.
After a rather luxurious (and definitely pink-hued!) afternoon spent in the Vienna State Opera, admiring the breathtaking chandeliers and opulent décor, I discovered something rather remarkable… The State Opera has its own dedicated ballet school, the Vienna State Ballet Academy. Oh my! Could there possibly be a more enchanting place on earth to learn the art of ballet?
My afternoon turned into a whirlwind of excitement as I was lucky enough to be given a private tour by one of the teachers, a delightful woman with sparkling eyes and a passion for ballet that was positively contagious! Imagine – I actually got to sneak a peek behind the curtain into the rehearsal rooms where budding dancers practised their routines and prepare for future productions! It was truly inspiring!
Later, a little peckish and longing for a sweet treat, I found a delightful little cafe on one of the charming side streets. And guess what? It wasn’t just a cafe, it was a little ballet-themed cafe! Every piece of cake was ballet themed! From petit fours shaped like ballerinas’ shoes to a delicate mousse-filled masterpiece in the shape of a tutu, the sheer cuteness had me absolutely captivated!
And while Vienna has been all about embracing its classical roots, the city really shines when it comes to its contemporary and avant-garde arts scene. My heart did a little pirouette when I stumbled upon a little tucked-away, grungy underground bar in a historic district… This wasn’t just any bar, oh no, this was a unique ‘ballet bar’! The music pulsed with the rhythms of contemporary dance, the walls were plastered with ballet photos, and every few minutes, ballet dancers would spontaneously take to the stage and mesmerise everyone with their incredible talent.
Here are just a few things that stole my heart:
The Imperial Palace: The sprawling grounds and ornate halls are truly majestic, taking me straight back to the days of waltzing Emperors and gracious Empresses. It's almost as if you can feel the whispers of history on the air!
Schonbrunn Palace: Nestled within an immaculately maintained garden filled with blooming flowers and majestic trees, this beautiful Baroque palace has a special place in my heart. It was the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs, and oh my, could I just imagine being a princess sipping afternoon tea and gossiping with my royal friends within its elegant walls?
The Spanish Riding School: I can’t believe I'm saying this, but my tutu obsession pales in comparison to my love for these incredible lipizzaner horses. They are simply divine, an embodiment of elegance, grace, and power. Seeing the horses perform in their historic school is a truly humbling experience. I have to say, I have the utmost respect for both the horses and the riders who make this magical show happen!
The Vienna State Ballet: Vienna is renowned for its world-class ballet, and with good reason. Watching the incredible dancers of the Vienna State Ballet, each graceful and expressive, is an unforgettable experience. You can’t miss the shows – they’re always amazing, every single time!
Vienna’s Fashion Scene: Of course, I had to indulge in some fashionable discoveries too! My first stop was the historic shopping district – think luxury boutiques with beautifully displayed window displays and incredible vintage treasures just waiting to be found! The Viennese fashion is sophisticated yet chic, a perfect balance between timeless elegance and modern trends. My new vintage ballet-inspired cardigan with floral accents is going to be my new favourite, trust me!
This city really has it all – stunning architecture, history bursting from every cobblestone, a culture of creativity and grace, and oh my, did I mention those dreamy tutus?
Vienna, you've already won a little piece of my heart, and I’m just starting to explore all you have to offer. This little Derbyshire lass has big plans for this vibrant and magical city, so stay tuned!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve just seen a lovely pink tutu shop I just have to go check out. Until next time, my loves!
