Ciao Bella! 👋
Well, here I am, perched on a gloriously sunny window seat in my hotel in Milan, watching the world whizz by in a beautiful ballet of trams and laughter. It’s December 23rd, the day before Christmas Eve, and the atmosphere here in Milan is simply magical! Every corner is twinkling with Christmas lights, the air smells of roasting chestnuts and warm bread, and everyone’s faces seem lit by a joyful glow. It's like stepping into a fairytale! ✨
This week, I thought I'd share a bit about what it's like to be a tutu-clad traveller during the most wonderful time of year, especially in a city like Milan. There's something undeniably special about experiencing the holiday season in a place that oozes both history and fashion! And, of course, my journey wouldn’t be complete without the usual dose of ballet, shopping, and maybe even a spot of festive sightseeing. 😉
As always, I'm keeping it fabulously pink and festive for you all. So, grab a steaming cuppa, settle in, and let's dive into this week’s Pink Tutu adventures!
A Journey to the Heart of Milano: A Pink Tutu Goes Train Spotting! 🚂
Now, you all know how much I love the magic of train travel. There’s just something utterly romantic and nostalgic about speeding across the countryside, watching the world go by in a kaleidoscope of colours. So, after a truly delicious breakfast of fluffy scrambled eggs and perfect espresso (they really know how to do coffee here in Italy!), I grabbed my trusty pink tutu bag (with its requisite stash of pink ballerina flats!), jumped aboard the train, and was off on my Milan adventure!
This time, I wasn’t headed to the bustling station, but to a little village just outside the city centre, a hidden gem I stumbled upon online. I won't spoil the surprise (it's part of my gift to you!), but it’s the perfect place for a peaceful retreat with some hot chocolate and maybe even a cheeky pastry.
The train ride was truly idyllic! The winter countryside outside my window transformed into a landscape painted by a Monet: golden wheat fields, snowy peaks in the distance, and sparkling, ice-encrusted trees. The sun was dappling through the carriage windows, throwing a lovely glow on everyone’s faces. There was a palpable sense of peace, of being connected to something beautiful and grand. ✨
I’m not sure about you, but the railway just inspires me! It’s a world of possibility, a tapestry of interwoven journeys and stories, and for a girl who loves her pink tutus and travelling to exotic places, the railway offers endless adventure!
A Tutus-ful Trip to La Scala! 🎶
Speaking of possibility and adventures, how about a glimpse of the most beautiful and prestigious theatre in Italy? No, not a panto this time, but La Scala! The legendary opera house. 🤩
A visit to La Scala was, quite frankly, on my Italian to-do list since my first day in Derbyshire. I have vivid memories as a child of watching ballet performances on the TV, those wonderful televised broadcasts from the legendary house. For someone with a pink tutu-filled heart like mine, a pilgrimage to Milan and La Scala felt essential.
You might think a ballerina would be intimidated by a place like La Scala, but to be honest, the feeling was exhilarating! It felt like home. It was buzzing with excitement. The minute I stepped into the ornate lobby, the very air thrummed with music, history, and anticipation. It's like entering another world!
That evening, I slipped on my favourite pink tulle skirt (it really did seem appropriate for the occasion), and felt a rush of adrenaline as I watched a stunning ballet performance. It was a modern interpretation of “Swan Lake,” and even I, a lover of the traditional, was blown away! The grace, the strength, the passion – I was enthralled from the first pirouette! It’s not easy to stay quiet in the presence of such sheer beauty, but the energy of the performers truly swept me away!
You know, after witnessing this level of artistry, I can truly appreciate how lucky I am to be a part of the ballet world. It is a world of sheer dedication, precision, and a remarkable blend of passion and discipline.
The Christmas Lights are Blinding in Milano! 🌟
While Milan is dazzlingly beautiful year-round, I must admit that the city feels truly special during the festive season. Christmas lights blanket every street in an extravagant symphony of colours, casting a warm, ethereal glow on everything. You feel the Christmas magic as soon as you step outside! 🎄
Milan is famous for its incredible architecture, and with the twinkling Christmas lights framing its stunning landmarks, it’s truly a sight to behold. I’m thinking of capturing some of this magic on my little Pink Tutu camera! There’s a gorgeous Renaissance square just off the bustling Galleria, with a giant Christmas tree decorated with sparkling silver balls and colourful fairy lights. It’s so beautiful, it almost makes me want to ditch my ballerina slippers and start doing impromptu pirouettes in the snow! 🌨️
And just around the corner, the historic Duomo stands proud, adorned with sparkling decorations, reflecting a hundred shimmering lights in its marble façade. The entire area, bustling with festive crowds, transforms into a living tableau, a captivating snapshot of Christmas cheer!
Speaking of festivities, the markets here are amazing! Stalls piled high with Christmas ornaments, artisan gifts, handmade decorations – the entire place practically radiates joy! Even the air smells of cinnamon and freshly baked goods, beckoning you in for a delicious treat.
Milan is truly a city of celebration! From the ornate architecture to the beautiful festive spirit, every detail seems to resonate with the magic of Christmas. ✨
A Fashionista's Dream: Milan's Glamour Galore! 👠
But, of course, this trip to Milan wouldn't be complete without some serious retail therapy! A quick walk down Via Montenapoleone is enough to make any ballerina feel like she's stepped into a scene from a fashion film! Rows and rows of luxury boutiques showcase the latest designs from the world's most renowned designers.
To be honest, sometimes I wish I could just wear a giant pink tulle tutu and swan about Milan in full ballerina mode – and maybe get away with some impromptu pirouettes! Imagine that: you’re shopping for your perfect Christmas gift (a new pair of pink shoes, perhaps?) and all of a sudden, you’re graced by the beautiful sight of a ballerina, pirouette-ing through the high-fashion street! 🩰
The air here seems to buzz with creativity. Every window is a miniature stage, showcasing beautifully draped garments, intricate embellishments, and sleek accessories. My imagination starts to work, and I can picture myself on stage, with the costumes inspired by the fashion that’s all around me! ✨
And who knows? Maybe this is where the inspiration for a brand new “Pink Tutu Milan” collection will come from!
The Pink Tutu Christmas Spirit 🎄
I can feel the Christmas magic swirling in the air. There’s an intangible but very real energy in the city, one that draws you in and warms your heart. You see it everywhere – in the lights illuminating the majestic Duomo, in the joyful chatter spilling from cafes, in the smiles of children and families sharing the Christmas spirit. It’s truly captivating. ✨
You know, sometimes I feel like a child myself when I visit a new place. This whole city feels like one big magical adventure, a world overflowing with beauty, history, and stories just waiting to be uncovered. My heart is full! I’ve realised there’s something truly unique and captivating about travelling solo as a ballerina. I love the feeling of exploration, the rush of freedom that comes from stepping outside my comfort zone. But of course, being in Milan with my Pink Tutu family brings an added sense of warmth and joy, making these festive travels all the more magical. ❤️
You’ll have to check in next week for an exciting update on how I’m celebrating the festive season in Milan, and maybe even some snaps of my amazing pink tutu haul! I can’t wait to show you all! 😉
Stay fabulously pink,
Emma x
P.S: For anyone planning to visit Milan, make sure you check out the incredible Nativity scenes on display in churches across the city. It’s an ancient Italian tradition, and a truly unique experience. It's like being transported back in time! 💫
P.P.S. Don't forget to follow my Pink Tutu blog, www.pink-tutu.com, every Monday for your weekly dose of travel adventures, fashion tips, and ballet inspiration! I’m also active on social media! Check me out on Instagram at #PinkTutuMilan! 👋
See you next week for another Pink Tutu adventure! ✨
