Darling readers,
Oh my, this week has been a whirlwind of waltzes and whipped cream! As you know, my Vienna adventures continue, and let me tell you, it's been nothing short of spectacular. This city is a feast for the senses, a melting pot of history, culture and, most importantly for a pink tutu-loving girl like me, stunning fashion!
A Dash of December Magic
December is a magical time in Vienna, and I’m experiencing every moment to the fullest. I woke this morning to the sound of sleigh bells, not in the street, but outside my charming little hotel window - how idyllic! The streets were a winter wonderland, dusted with snow and a dusting of magical Christmas magic, sparkling with twinkling fairy lights and festive stalls selling warming gingerbread and hot Gluhwein. I simply couldn’t resist a cute little pink scarf and some fluffy pink Christmas ornaments – wouldn’t be a true pink tutu trip without some pink touches, now would it?
* Ballet Beneath the Sparkling Stars*
Of course, my heart skipped a beat this week for the Viennese Opera, The State Opera House is quite simply breathtaking - all ornate gold, velvety plush and the most majestic chandelier I've ever laid eyes on! I had the incredible fortune of attending the premiere of “Swan Lake.” Imagine, the stage alight with dazzling costumes and the most graceful ballet dancing I’ve ever seen - utterly enthralling! It filled me with such an overwhelming sense of beauty and awe, I nearly shed a little tear of joy - that's how beautiful it was. The performance itself was utterly spectacular, with such passionate, passionate performers. Even the youngest ballerinas were positively dazzling. The stage sets and the orchestra, all in harmony – just absolutely enchanting! Afterwards, the whole crowd were mesmerized, bursting into roaring applause, and we all swayed to the tune of the finale, just so wonderful!
Vienna - a Dance Through History
Yesterday, I delved into the city's ballet history - something I simply couldn't miss. The Imperial Palace itself holds a beautiful museum dedicated to ballet. From its royal beginnings in the court of Empress Maria Theresa right up to today’s contemporary style, it was fascinating to see how the Viennese ballet evolved. A fascinating collection of tutus too! They looked just like ones I own, only with the addition of splendid embellishments fit for a royal princess.
*Riding on Clouds (Well, Almost) *
It's the first day of a brand new year and I spent it soothing my soul on a ride through the beautiful Schönbrunn Gardens - I know I always go on about it but the gardens truly are stunning! The trees decked with frosty crystals of snow - an incredible sight! For this ride, I opted for a magnificent, shiny, black horse and carriage for the perfect Vienna day-trip. There were horses in the Imperial Carriage collection! Imagine - these beautiful beasts have once carried emperors, queens, and even some royal ballerina-tutus!
A Fashion Feast
And what would a visit to Vienna be without a dash of fashion? Of course, I made time to wander the luxurious shopping streets. Vienna's a shopaholic's paradise – with elegant boutiques tucked away in cobbled corners and grand department stores displaying the latest designer threads. And believe me, I'm still daydreaming about those sparkly tutus I saw in a shop on Graben – they were practically begging to be twirled in. They certainly added some much-needed sparkle to my trip! And I couldn't leave Vienna without buying some chic Austrian felt hats. What could be more adorable than a pink tutu and a fuzzy pink hat? (Seriously, ask any Derbyshire villager)
Sweet Treats and Local Flavours
After a day of shopping and culture, a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee in a cute little cafe overlooking a frosty Vienna courtyard is my favourite thing - and oh, what cakes and pastries they have here! Vienna’s reputation for incredible sweets lives up to the hype. Sachertorte – heavenly, Mozartkugeln - decadent, and so many more treats to be discovered, it’s truly a sweet tooth paradise!
The Call of the Tutu
So, my dears, this is just a snippet of my enchanting time in Vienna. But there is more to come, stay tuned for the next installment in this fabulously pink fairytale! And never forget - pink is the ultimate colour, a tutu is a wardrobe staple, and you know what they say? "Vienna waltzes, pink twirls!”
Love, Emma xxx
www.pink-tutu.com
