Hello darlings! It's Emma, your pink tutu-wearing travel buddy, back with a waltz-filled update straight from the heart of Vienna! As the chilly autumn breeze whispers through the chestnut trees, I find myself utterly captivated by this city of waltzing waltzes and breathtaking history.
Vienna is simply enchanting! I've been gliding around on my ballet slippers (because let's face it, comfy shoes are key when you're exploring a city like this), marveling at the glorious architecture, indulging in the local delicacies (sachertorte, anyone?!), and soaking up the fairytale-esque charm.
A Tale of Two Trains:
My journey here began in Derbyshire, a journey fuelled by hot tea and the excitement of my first trip outside of England since my glorious performance as Clara in The Nutcracker. (Yes, a few twirls in that costume still get me an encore on my solo trip to Austria.)
From my humble beginnings, I hopped onto the Eurostar, a sleek and stylish train that whisked me across the Channel. I felt like I was in a scene from one of my favourite period films, but instead of riding a horse-drawn carriage, I was aboard a technological marvel of comfort and speed. It's a marvel how we get around these days, truly!
The transition to the Austrian Railways was seamless, and the scenery only got more breathtaking. Mountains painted in shades of ochre and emerald stretched out before me as we chugged onwards. The sheer joy of watching the world glide past my window - with my latest pink tutu creation taking pride of place on the seat beside me - is something I'll never tire of.
A Whirlwind of Elegance:
My first evening in Vienna was pure magic. The Grand Hotel, a majestic establishment with a history longer than my favourite tutu collection, welcomed me with open arms. My room was a delightful dream with sweeping views of the city – a perfect stage for my pink tutu photoshoot.
And what a first day in Vienna it was! I discovered the Vienna State Opera House, an architectural masterpiece, and while I could have sworn I spotted a pair of sparkling tutus amongst the golden embellishments of the ceiling, alas, it must have been a figment of my imagination. My eyes, though, were dazzled by the sheer scale of the venue, the grandeur, and the history etched in every brick and mortar. It is truly a temple of the performing arts.
Of course, no visit to Vienna is complete without a trip to the Schönbrunn Palace, the former imperial summer residence. I imagine the elegant waltzes and lavish balls held within these gilded halls, and couldn't resist a few spins of my own amidst the manicured gardens. Every step was a fairytale moment.
The Ballet of Taste Buds:
Vienna, my dears, is not just about beautiful sights; it's about delightful smells, and, of course, incredible tastes! I've been on a gastronomical adventure, sampling the city's famed pastries. Sacher-Torte, Apfelstrudel, and a divine selection of viennoiserie, oh my! It’s enough to make you twirl! The Austrian bakeries, with their heavenly scents and elegant displays, have been a delightful treat for my senses.
I found myself seated at a sidewalk cafe, basking in the late afternoon sun, my favourite ballerina-inspired scarf draped around my neck and enjoying a coffee with the locals. It's a beautiful scene – a scene that you don’t find every day, even in my tutu-filled dreams. The locals, as welcoming as their pastries are divine, have made me feel instantly at home.
A Night of Ballet at the Opera House:
But let's get down to business. As you know, a true ballerina, even one as amateur as me, never forgets her roots. Last night, I stepped into the world of true magic: The Vienna State Opera! And it was not a Nutcracker ballet this time - but an actual Romeo and Juliet ballet, performed with such grace, passion, and theatrical flair! My tutu-inspired outfit, a custom-made pink satin number with tulle layers, was the perfect compliment to the luxurious opulence of the opera house.
Every twist, every turn, every arabesque – it was breathtaking. My heart ached and soared in equal measure. I even had a brief encounter with a renowned choreographer during intermission, a gentleman who spoke so eloquently about the ballet's nuances that it inspired me to push my own dance practice to new heights. (Though, my dear readers, that may take more than a Viennese dream. Ballet needs years of rigorous training! It is much like sewing a custom-made tutu – it takes dedication!)
Finding My Inner-Viennese:
Speaking of my favourite creation, my newest tutu design is a marvel of pink tulle and delicate embroidery, inspired by the delicate floral patterns adorning Vienna's palaces and gardens. This beauty has already been causing a stir! People stop me in the street, gasping in delight. One elderly gentleman, who looked like he had stepped straight out of a Viennese painting, complimented me on my "unique" sense of fashion. (And I knew it wasn’t his opinion of pink that had him impressed, either, although I do think pink suits everyone. The tutu, of course, is a statement, a whirlwind of grace in motion! But I think the gentlemen in Vienna secretly appreciate its allure, don’t you?)
The local dressmakers here have been wonderfully enthusiastic about my vision. They’ve offered to teach me the secrets of Viennese tailoring – a truly exciting prospect, wouldn’t you say? And just imagine, the waltzing designs, with delicate floral prints on flowing pink tulle...Oh, my imagination is racing! My next tutu will truly be a spectacle.
Fashion Finds and Cultural Enchantment:
My shopping bags are already brimming with treasures – silk scarves, hand-painted china, and the most delicate floral perfumes – each piece a delightful reminder of Vienna’s charm. The shops here, overflowing with vintage trinkets and charmingly unique souvenirs, have captivated me. But my absolute favourite find? A delightful pink porcelain ballerina figure, nestled delicately in a display case like a precious jewel, and as I am a firm believer that one should never resist a ballerina-themed treasure, I will be taking her back to Derbyshire with me, I must.
But it's not just the fashion that's stealing my heart. I've been exploring Vienna's hidden gems: museums brimming with history, the whimsical ambiance of the Naschmarkt, where I purchased some of the most glorious flowers to compliment my current pink tutu creations! Every street corner in Vienna feels like a brushstroke in a masterpiece, each alleyway offering a new secret, every cobblestone paving a path to wonder. There's magic in the air here.
A Farewell Waltz:
And as I begin to think about leaving Vienna soon (as I always find myself ready for new adventures!), my heart twirls in sadness. I will miss the waltzing rhythm of the city, the delicious aromas, the beauty that hangs in the air, but I’m looking forward to continuing this journey of ballet and beauty wherever life takes me next. I’ll be sure to share every bit of it with you all. My latest creations will be shown at a special Parisian performance in December, and my dear followers are cordially invited. As for the next stage of my world tour - I think I'll be spending a week in Tuscany, exploring more medieval castles, charming shops, and sipping Tuscan wine. My travels, I promise, will continue!
Stay tuned, darlings, for more twirls and stories as I explore the world with my pink tutus! Until then, remember: every day is a chance to wear a pink tutu, be your own beautiful, whimsical self and never stop believing in the magic of the world!
Bisous, Emma
