Good Wednesday, my dearest darlings! It’s Emma here, writing to you from the heart of Vienna, Austria! As the snowflakes softly descend upon this charming city, I’m wrapped in a warm coat (but of course, still sporting my favourite pink tutu underneath!), sipping a warming Gluhwein and taking in the magic of the Christmas season. This week’s adventures are full of twinkling lights, delectable treats, and a dash of ballet magic, naturally.
Vienna has been an absolute dream come true! It's like stepping into a fairytale with its beautiful architecture, quaint cafes, and friendly locals. This week has been a whirlwind of exploration and discovery, all the while channeling my inner ballerina, naturally!
First off, let's talk about the ballet scene. This city has a deep history with the dance, and it shows! The Vienna State Opera is, quite simply, breathtaking. I had the privilege of seeing "The Nutcracker" on Saturday night, and the production was just magical! The costumes were absolutely stunning, and the dancers were so graceful and powerful – a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary. And the music? Oh, the music! I almost burst into tears with emotion. This is why I love travelling; to experience things outside of Derbyshire and broaden my artistic horizon!
I even had a chance to catch a performance at the Volksoper, which is Vienna’s second opera house, a little more quirky but no less impressive. This time, it was "Swan Lake," and the beautiful ballerina dancing the White Swan role just blew me away with her ethereal elegance. I just wanted to run up on stage and join in – perhaps that’s a thought for another trip to Vienna. Who wouldn't want to be a Swan Queen?!
Speaking of ethereal elegance, I found a little hidden gem of a tutu boutique this week! It’s called "TutuVienna", and I practically cried tears of joy as I discovered shelves laden with fluffy tutus in every imaginable shade, with my favourite pink being a stand out colour (of course). Naturally, I had to treat myself to a brand-new creation for my ballet adventures this week – one in a gorgeous coral pink that will have everyone's eyes sparkling.
As always, my explorations didn't stop at ballet. Vienna is a fashion haven! I’ve been having an absolute blast wandering through the streets, finding the perfect cafes to rest my feet in (they do the best coffee and cakes, believe me!) and stopping by designer shops to pick up some festive little trinkets. One afternoon, I found myself browsing through the vintage market in the city center. I'm practically a vintage tutu queen myself – you just can’t beat the uniqueness! The colours, textures, and unique silhouettes are an absolute joy to discover. This city has something for everyone, darling.
My other favourite way to experience this beautiful city was through the lens of a leisurely carriage ride. A leisurely walk, as usual, with my favourite pink tutu fluttering in the breeze, but this time drawn by a magnificent horse! A traditional Viennese Fiaker is an absolute must-do for any traveller, especially on a cold, sunny afternoon like the ones we’ve had. We toured the city’s famous Ringstrasse, a stunning boulevard lined with grand buildings, and enjoyed the breathtaking scenery as we rolled past historical sights like the Parliament building and the Opera House.
But no travel story would be complete without food, and Vienna's culinary delights haven't disappointed! I've been indulging in Sachertorte, the iconic chocolate cake, along with all sorts of festive gingerbread treats, strudels, and hot chocolates – a sugar-coated haven! Let's not forget about all the amazing cheeses, cured meats and traditional Christmas markets, overflowing with goodies like handmade wooden toys, intricate glass ornaments, and delicious smells of cinnamon and almonds. And all this amidst the twinkling Christmas lights that hang over the cobblestone streets, truly making this city feel like a fairytale.
My dear darlings, Vienna has stolen a piece of my heart. The charm, the history, the architecture, and of course, the ballet! Oh, how I miss the city already – how will I ever say goodbye?! Well, maybe I will simply move here… but that's a story for another day!
I leave you with a final thought: keep on twirling, darlings! May your days be filled with pink tutus, good company, and delicious treats, just like my adventures here in Vienna. And don't forget: it's never too late to add a little pink tutu to your life. You know where to find me – on Wednesdays at www.pink-tutu.com for all the latest tutu tales. Until then, happy twirling!
**With love and twirls,
Emma**
