Ciao, darlings! It's Emma here, back with you from the bustling streets of Milan, where the air hums with fashion, the food is simply divine, and the trams, oh those trams... they have a charm all their own! It’s Wednesday the 25th of February, 1998, and this week has been absolutely whirlwindy - filled with gorgeous ballet shows, fabulous shopping finds, and of course, some spectacular Milanese delights that have been sending my tastebuds into raptures!
But before we get lost in the Italian charm, let me tell you how I got here! You see, my lovely Derbyshire roots are calling, but the lure of this magical city, where even the cobblestones seem to whisper stories of fashion and art, is too strong to resist! My weekly performances, from the quaintest villages to the grandest city halls, help fund my travel adventures. I might not be rolling in riches, but every penny earned means I can get closer to that magical dream… getting everyone, yes everyone, wearing a pink tutu! A pink tutu on every ballerina, on every girl, on every… well, everyone!
And how did I get here this time, you ask? It all started with a delightful, vintage red and cream train journey straight from my Derbyshire village, the sound of the wheels chugging against the tracks acting like the soundtrack to a delightful fairy tale! A little splash of romance, and we were in Milan, a place where a pink tutu, yes even a pink tutu, can feel right at home!
My Milan apartment, a tiny bijou treasure that I stumbled upon via the internet (who needs expensive real estate agents!), is tucked away on a side street, bursting with vintage charm, filled with light and, you won't believe it… covered in ballet posters! Every corner of the city breathes life into a dancer's soul, but it's within those four walls, surrounded by a mishmash of ballerinas from the past, where I feel most like myself… the Queen of the Pink Tutu!
But let's not forget… I'm in Milan, darling, so naturally, the shopping needs to begin! This week, I stumbled across the most adorable little boutique called "Bellezza in Rosa" - which translates, if my rusty Italian is anything to go by, to "Beauty in Pink"! You wouldn’t believe the pink delights nestled amongst those racks. I practically swooped in with a swish of my tutu, picking up a darling floral print dress - just perfect for a spring promenade along the Navigli canals, the sun dancing on the water, and… my darling pink tutu twirling in the breeze! And then there were the shoes! Delicate blush pink ballerina pumps, perfect for navigating the city, for strolling through museums… for a dance at the opera! They fit like a dream!
But a good dancer, they say, has to be able to feed a hungry soul too! So, of course, I ventured into a cafe in the heart of the city, the scent of freshly brewed espresso swirling with the sweet notes of fresh pastries. I enjoyed a truly delicious latte, perfectly frothy, topped with a little heart of chocolate… the perfect start to a busy afternoon!
Speaking of busy afternoons… oh, the sheer delight of experiencing the ballet at Teatro alla Scala! As I stepped into the majestic building, adorned with stunning frescoes and overflowing with history, the air buzzed with excitement. The performance itself, "Swan Lake" (oh how I love a good Tchaikovsky!) was beyond breathtaking. Each dancer seemed to float across the stage, a vision of graceful strength and artistry. And just watching it all unfold in that historical venue… oh, darling, it gave me goosebumps! I even caught a glimpse of a little girl wearing a pink tutu – my dream taking shape, even in Milan!
On a completely different note, my quest to find the ultimate Pink Tutu location led me to a beautiful bookstore on Via del Corso, a haven for lovers of books and stories. Tucked away amidst the vintage hardbacks and leather-bound novels, I found a quiet nook, sat on a plush armchair and just absorbed the aroma of aged paper and ancient tales. The perfect place for a cup of tea, some inspiration, and a daydream about pink tutus, of course!
One evening, I wandered past the Piazza del Duomo. The illuminated cathedral stood proudly against the velvet sky, a sight both awe-inspiring and captivating. A troupe of street performers, their colourful costumes swaying to the music, brought the square to life. One ballerina even sported a pink tutu – and a mischievous wink! That girl understands the pink tutu magic, darling!
I spent another day, after a glorious Italian lunch filled with creamy risotto and delicious vino, at the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, that magnificent shopping arcade right in the heart of the city! This place is practically a museum of fashion! It was pure, pink tutu heaven! There were just so many boutiques and shops… Each one with something spectacular to offer. The light shining through the stained glass windows created a mesmerizing effect. And just the energy of the place… it was almost electric! You could practically feel the pulse of Milan’s fashionable heart.
But of course, even my week in Milan, with all its beauty and magic, was coming to a close. I said goodbye to my charming little apartment, the pink tutus in the corners waving goodbye. Then, back on that delightful vintage train, watching the Italian countryside fade into a beautiful sunset, a bittersweet sigh escaping my lips... A million adventures and dreams, dancing in my head, fueled by the energy of Milan!
My Milan blog may have come to a close, but darling, remember this, the pink tutu dream never stops. Next week, I'll be sharing a new adventure! Stay tuned for my blog from Paris, filled with fashion, flair, and the magic of a pink tutu!
Until then, keep your tutus twirling, your spirits high, and always remember… every day can be a day in the pink!
Au revoir, and as they say in Milan… arrivederci!
