Guten Tag, darlings! It’s Emma here, back from the most magical trip to Vienna! This week, I'm swapping the cobbled streets of Derbyshire for the grand boulevards of Austria’s beautiful capital, all while twirling in my favourite pink tutu, of course!
This post is coming to you live from my hotel room, where the walls are adorned with vintage ballet posters and my suitcase overflows with gorgeous floral frocks. As you know, Vienna is a city that vibrates with history, culture, and… you guessed it… ballet! From the majestic Vienna State Opera to the intimate stages of the Volksoper, Vienna is a haven for dance lovers.
My journey started with a thrilling train ride, whizzing through rolling green countryside towards the heart of Europe. I’ve always found something so romantic about train travel - a chance to truly soak up the scenery and feel the wind in your hair (or, in my case, my pink tutu!). And who can resist a proper afternoon tea on board?
Upon arrival, the first thing I did was visit the Vienna State Opera House. Oh, my darlings, this place is pure grandeur! Imagine ornate chandeliers, golden-gilded walls, and velvet seating that could make a duchess faint. It was absolutely breath-taking! They were even holding an opera performance that night! A delicious ballet production based on "The Sleeping Beauty", a perfect evening to end the day, twirling my tutu in the grand lobby after.
Next on my agenda was a whirlwind shopping spree, exploring the enchanting boutiques of the city centre. The array of gorgeous fashion in Vienna is enough to make any fashionista swoon! I've never seen so many stunning brooches and hats - I felt like I'd stepped straight into a 1920s film set! I snagged a few gorgeous vintage brooches to adorn my pink tutu, adding just the right touch of whimsy and vintage flair. I found myself wandering through streets adorned with pastel-coloured buildings and cobbled alleys, soaking in the charm and sophistication.
I discovered an adorable little tea shop that served the most decadent cakes you can imagine. The "Torte" - or "cake" in German - is legendary in Vienna and deservedly so. Vienna was founded by the Romans so perhaps their famous 'cake' is their take on Roman ‘Torte’s’.
Later, I went to the Schönbrunn Palace, which, in my opinion, is one of the most spectacular palaces in Europe. I could almost imagine Empress Sisi twirling through the grand halls in her luxurious ball gowns, perhaps even in a pink tutu, imagining she was on a stage with a full orchestra. What a perfect picture of what I am trying to create - beauty, dance and tutus!
Of course, my trip wouldn't be complete without experiencing a bit of Viennese nightlife. One evening, I popped into a quaint little tavern called "Zum Schnitzel" for some traditional Austrian food and music. It felt like being whisked back in time - the live band played lively folk tunes, while people in dirndls and lederhosen danced with gusto. Let's be honest, I wouldn't have been able to resist joining them if my trusty pink tutu had allowed!
The food in Vienna is an absolute dream. I devoured classic dishes like "Wiener Schnitzel", "Sachertorte", and a steaming bowl of "Gulasch" while people-watching from a street cafe.
And speaking of people-watching, Vienna's streets are bursting with personality. I saw men in dapper suits and women with impeccable style, each bringing their own touch of elegance to the city. There’s a timeless beauty here, a sophisticated charm that you just can't help but fall for.
I truly fell in love with this captivating city. Every cobblestone street, every hidden café, every majestic palace tells a story - and for a tutu-wearing ballerina like me, Vienna truly was a fairytale.
Speaking of stories, my friends, have I got a story for you! On the way back from a delicious Wiener Schnitzel, I noticed a young girl looking up at the State Opera, clearly admiring its grandeur. She looked sad. Now, I believe we can all benefit from a little joy in our lives - and what's more joyful than a pink tutu? So, I walked up to her, twirled my tutu in the evening air, and gave her a huge smile. In an instant, her face lit up with a radiant grin. You see, even a little spark of pink tutu magic can change someone’s day. And that's my mission - to bring joy and twirling into every corner of the world!
That, dear friends, is the real beauty of Vienna: a city where history and tradition mingle seamlessly with a spirit of whimsy and delight.
Don’t forget, I'll be posting every Wednesday on www.pink-tutu.com!
Keep your tutus twirling,
Emma xx
