Bonjour, my dearest tutu twirlers!
It's Wednesday, which means it's time for another pink-tastic journey from your favourite ballerina blogger! Today, I'm whisking you away to the magnificent city of Vienna, Austria! The very air here buzzes with the romantic waltz, the elegant imperial history, and a love for the finer things in life, all perfectly captured in the grand waltzes, lavish opera houses, and exquisite palaces. Oh, Vienna, you are my dream city!
As always, I've brought my trusty pink tutu, its silk shimmering like the chandeliers in the Staatsoper, and a suitcase overflowing with frocks perfect for exploring the opulent side of life. After all, what's a ballerina's travel itinerary without a touch of grand fashion? My dear Derbyshire friends, do not be worried by my pink wardrobe! While the Derbyshire hills are my favourite playground, this trip called for a dash of Parisian flair, and pink, I believe, always matches that European sophistication.
The Journey: My travel to Vienna was an adventure in itself. I took the train, my heart fluttering with excitement, passing through charming German towns before reaching this exquisite city. I was even lucky enough to experience a carriage ride in the Prater Park, feeling like a princess transported back to the Habsburg Empire! My tutu swished magnificently with each clip-clop of the horses' hooves.
Ballet in Vienna: A Love Story Unfolding: I must admit, the most important aspect of my Vienna adventure was, of course, the ballet! My first night was spent at the Vienna State Opera, an architectural masterpiece. As the famous waltzing strains of Johann Strauss filled the grand hall, my tutu swayed with the music, each pirouette feeling like a whispered promise to the beautiful city around me. The ballet, a classic Swan Lake, was performed with an elegance that brought tears to my eyes.
But it wasn't just the big, world-renowned shows that had me smitten with Vienna. I also enjoyed exploring the local ballet studios. One charming little space nestled in a quiet corner of the city had me twirling in pure bliss. There's nothing like sharing a love of ballet with other dancers, especially with Viennese ladies who, like me, appreciate a bit of Parisian fashion in their tutus!
Fashion Finds & Coffee Dreams: No trip is complete without indulging in the delights of fashion and food. I've been having a whirlwind time at Vienna's charming boutiques. The shop windows, bursting with delicate lace, rich silk, and vibrant colours, are a feast for the eyes! And my fellow tutu enthusiasts, you'll be happy to know that the city has some gorgeous dance shops, brimming with dazzling tutus of every imaginable shade. There's even a shop on the Kärntner Strasse that specializes in handcrafted pink tutus! Naturally, I couldn't resist a new pink tutu with an exquisite touch of hand-stitched silk roses.
And how could I resist Vienna's legendary cafes? Every corner offers a taste of history, with the Viennese coffee culture woven into the city's fabric. Sipping on a delicious Wiener Melange, a fragrant concoction of espresso and foamed milk, amidst the gentle chatter of the locals, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and serenity. I indulged in some scrumptious strudels, the puff pastry layers as light and airy as a ballerina's leap, and marveled at the Viennese mastery of confectionery. Vienna has definitely earned its reputation as a culinary paradise!
Exploring Vienna’s Historical Charm:
But Vienna is more than just a feast for the senses. It is a place where history comes alive in its breathtaking architecture. The Hofburg Palace, the former imperial residence, was simply stunning! Imagine me, twirling through its halls, my tutu the perfect foil against the opulence of the Imperial Treasury. I felt like a ballerina stepping out of a timeless painting. The Schönbrunn Palace, with its charming gardens, was another highlight. It felt like I had wandered into a fairytale!
I even managed to snag some time at the Belvedere Palace, home to a collection of art masterpieces by Gustav Klimt. His vibrant colours, especially those lovely shades of gold and silver, reminded me of the sparkle of my pink tutus under the stage lights.
Pink Tutu Adventures on the Danube:
No trip to Vienna would be complete without a leisurely stroll along the Danube River. The majestic river, flowing gracefully through the city, offered breathtaking views of the charming bridges and the iconic architecture of the city. I walked along the Danube Promenade, admiring the elegant boats gliding down the river, feeling as carefree as a white swan on a tranquil lake. It was the perfect way to soak in the serenity and beauty of Vienna.
And So, my Tutu Twirlers:
Vienna has truly enchanted me! The waltzing music, the historical landmarks, the delicious food, the gorgeous fashion, and, of course, the passionate embrace of ballet have filled me with an indelible sense of joy. If you're looking for a destination that seamlessly blends cultural richness, elegance, and artistic brilliance, Vienna should be on your list!
Now, I'll leave you with a little piece of Vienna to enjoy. Here's a simple recipe for Wiener Schnitzel (a famous Austrian dish!) and a little piece of Johann Strauss II’s music for your ears:
Wiener Schnitzel Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs thinly sliced veal cutlets
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Instructions:
- Flatten the veal cutlets slightly with a meat mallet. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, add the breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each veal cutlet in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing to ensure it’s well coated.
- Heat the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the schnitzels to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the Wiener Schnitzel hot with your favourite sides like potato salad, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
Johann Strauss II Music: Here's a link to Johann Strauss II's famous waltz, "The Blue Danube." [Link to YouTube or Soundcloud]
Enjoy the music, my darlings!
Until next week, keep twirling, and remember, pink tutus are always in fashion!
Love, Emma
P.S. Don't forget to check out my website, www.pink-tutu.com, for more adventures in pink and ballet! I'll be posting more of my Vienna adventures on next week's blog!
