Ciao Bella!
It's me, Emma, your favourite tutu-wearing travel blogger, back with another fabulous installment from the fashion capital of Italy, Milan!
This week, I've been exploring the pinkest city I've ever seen (no, not in a literal sense!), with so much exciting ballet, fabulous shopping and delicious Italian treats. This post is dedicated to the beautiful ballet, the amazing architecture, the stunning fashion, and, of course, the pink, pink, pink!
It's Wednesday, 12th August, 1998, and the Italian sunshine is practically bursting out of the sky, making every building shimmer. Milan, in all its vibrant glory, is alive with energy, with everyone buzzing around.
Before we dive into my adventures, I need to tell you all about the stunning pink tutu I wore on my trip. A vision in light pink tulle, it had layers and layers of soft, delicate fabric, the kind that makes you want to twirl endlessly. And, oh, the colour! A beautiful shade of pink that was both classic and bold, a perfect mix for this dynamic city.
As usual, I got to Milan on the train. The journey from Derbyshire was amazing, watching the green English countryside gradually give way to the rolling Tuscan hills, dotted with quaint villages. And then, suddenly, we arrived at the Milano Centrale station – an impressive marvel of architecture, all arches and vaulted ceilings, its beauty surpassed only by the joy in my heart, being back in the City of Fashion!
My first stop? Shopping, obviously! Milan is a dream come true for a shopaholic like me, filled with luxurious designer boutiques, charming little shops bursting with character and hidden treasures. This time, I stumbled upon a lovely little boutique tucked away on a cobbled side street. Imagine my delight when I discovered a beautiful pink vintage hat with delicate feather details, just perfect for the theatre! It made me feel like a movie star, glamorous and chic, with a hint of timeless charm.
But Milan's not just about shopping; it's about ballet too! This week I’m catching "The Nutcracker" at the Teatro alla Scala, one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The iconic facade, grand columns, and majestic chandeliers create a truly magical setting for an evening of classic ballet. Can you even imagine, dancing in this historical venue? A ballerina's dream!
After the performance, we took a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets of the city centre. There were so many shops to explore, from beautiful Italian leather goods shops to charming bookstores bursting with poetry and history. Every corner offered something new to discover.
Of course, no trip to Milan is complete without indulging in its culinary delights. This week, we discovered this lovely little trattoria tucked away in a quiet alley. Imagine the best Italian pasta – with perfect creamy sauces, juicy meat and the most delectable desserts! This week, it’s tiramisu for me. I don’t even know what makes it so addictive, but it truly is, a masterpiece!
We spent a whole afternoon exploring the breathtaking Duomo, marveling at its intricate marble facade, its towering spires reaching for the heavens. And you can bet, I was wearing my new hat - looking as fabulous as ever in the Milan sunshine. The beauty of the cathedral left me utterly speechless! I even saw a couple get married inside. It’s easy to see why Milan is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world. It's a place where history, fashion, art, and beauty converge in a symphony of inspiration.
Later, I popped by the Brera District to explore the galleries and cafes. And of course, to admire the breathtaking architecture! You really cannot take enough pictures in Milan. Everything is so stylish and grand! The pastel walls of the cafes, the artistic flair of the shop fronts, the charming locals – I absolutely fell in love with it all.
But my absolute favourite part of Milan? It's got to be the beautiful tram network. Travelling on the trams gives you the best opportunity to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this stunning city. Watching the locals going about their daily lives, seeing their charming boutiques and cafes, everything felt so authentic and real. Milan, for me, is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern style.
In between my ballet performances, my shopping expeditions and my tram rides, I couldn’t help but spend hours simply gazing at the pink beauty of this city. Even in its most modern buildings, there’s this romantic feeling, a charm that's just unique to Milan.
The city's streets are filled with pink blooms spilling from flower boxes, pink ribbons tied around statues and bicycles, and, of course, the delicious pink gelato we've been enjoying every day! It feels like even the pigeons are sporting a pink feather in their wings!
Milan, you’ve truly stolen a piece of my heart!
I can't wait to share more adventures with you in the weeks to come, dear reader, as I continue to explore this magnificent city, taking in all the pink, fashion, and beauty that this amazing place has to offer!
As always, don't forget to pop over to my website, www.pink-tutu.com and take a peek at all the exciting photos and adventures I’ve been sharing from this wonderful city.
Until next time, darling readers!
Ciao bella!
Emma
P.S. Do you ever have days when you wish you could just slip into a pink tutu and twirl away all your worries? I’m here to tell you that it's never too late to dance, never too late to embrace your inner ballerina and make every day a little bit brighter with the power of pink! Remember, the world needs more pink tutus!
