It's Wednesday, and I'm already a little jet-lagged, even though I only arrived in Milano yesterday. My adventures continue! Remember how I told you I’d be travelling to Italy? Well, here I am, exploring this beautiful city, all in my signature pink tutu of course. And my oh my, I'm surrounded by stunning sights and sights and sights… and some absolutely amazing fashion!
Just for a moment, though, let me whisk you back to Monday. I had a simply spectacular performance in Derbyshire - my "Birds of Paradise" ballet was met with standing ovations. Feeling triumphant, I packed my suitcase with my favourite pink tutu, my favourite fluffy pink jacket and enough blush pink nail varnish for a month (a girl’s gotta be prepared, right?). And then I set off for the station, my mind buzzing with excitement for what awaited me. I always get a little bit emotional when I step aboard a train to another country. The world suddenly feels smaller, and all the possibilities in the world seem open to me!
By the time I reached Milano, it was early evening. I took a tram through the heart of the city, all those buildings bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, just like in my favourite movies. The trams here are absolutely beautiful; all traditionally crafted with rich dark wood interiors, and even they have their own unique charm!
Milano! Oh Milano! The city itself feels so exciting; there's just so much happening! And, of course, I had to make a quick stop at the Scala. You can't come to Milan without visiting this majestic place, right? I could practically feel the history just walking through the entrance. It felt so magical to stand where so many other famous dancers have performed before me.
But I couldn't just stare at the theatre. No, dear reader, my inner ballerina and shopping fanatic simply had to experience Milano’s shops! My, oh my, the fashion in Milan is to die for! I found a boutique on Via della Spiga that practically took my breath away! I'm a bit ashamed to confess I didn't even think of the price tag when I saw these darling ballet flats; a symphony of soft pink satin with a touch of diamanté. They called out to me. "You need me!" they said, and I, with my irresistible shopping weakness, simply had to buy them.
And while I'm on the subject of fashion… Oh my heavens, I just have to mention a darling little café that serves the most beautiful cappuccinos in this beautiful city! My cappuccino was even decorated with a cute pink swirl and, you guessed it, some tiny pink candies - a perfect combination to kick-start my day.
It was Tuesday and it felt like the most fabulous day for exploring Milano’s artistic scene. I set off towards a local community hall. My eyes were wide with delight when I discovered an open-air ballet class, nestled amongst the flowers of a lovely little piazza! There were around fifteen dancers of all ages, and the whole thing was set against the backdrop of a cobbled lane. The instructor was brilliant, giving clear and simple steps - even though he was talking in Italian, I could easily understand and follow the routine. I got to know a few of the ladies there, and we all shared a lovely plate of homemade pastries after the class - I'd even managed to say "Buongiorno!" in perfect Italian!
After such a wonderfully invigorating class, I couldn't resist venturing further afield, exploring Milano’s rich tapestry of galleries and art museums. It was so inspiring! There's so much to see. But for a change, I wanted to try something a little more dynamic, so I headed to a ballet performance at the *Teatro Carcano on Tuesday night. The production was beautiful; "Swan Lake," with breathtaking costumes and wonderful, elegant choreography!
Today, Wednesday, I decided to indulge my sweet tooth! The most adorable café had opened a block away from my boutique find, selling the most magnificent cakes, beautifully presented on little, delicate tea plates. There was even a cake that resembled a mini ballet shoe! The cakes looked like paintings on tiny porcelain discs; they tasted even more decadent, just like a ballet show. The best part was all the flavours - lavender and vanilla, lemon, poppy seed, orange and cranberry... There are enough flavours to create a whole symphony! I ordered one of each!
The good news is, you can watch a livestream of today’s performance at the Teatro alla Scala from the comfort of your own living room, if you go to their website. I’ll have to go again tomorrow because, my lovelies, it's a show that everyone needs to experience.
It's an exciting moment in my Pink Tutu adventures. As a ballerina, and a bit of a girly girl (you knew that already, right?) my mission is to share my love for everything pink and elegant with the world! If you’re feeling bold enough, join me on this mission - step out of your comfort zone, wear your tutu with pride, and make your dreams a reality! Until next week, dearest reader.
Ciao for now! Emma xx
Pink Tutu ShoppingHere are my tips for fashion lovers: * Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city’s boutique shops. Even if you’re not planning on buying, the window displays alone will give you enough inspiration for a lifetime. * Embrace the glamour. Shop for statement pieces. You deserve it, darlings! * Don’t forget your pink tutu. A statement piece can help you to stand out from the crowd in a positive way.
Pink Tutu Milano EssentialsI have compiled a little checklist of things you might find helpful on your trip to Milan. It might seem long, but believe me, this city demands a girl be extra-prepared.
1. A fabulous pink tutu
2. Your best smile
3. Your ballet shoes - you can't just walk through the cobblestones, and you will never know where you might be drawn to practice.
4. Comfortable shoes (walking shoes - you will be doing a lot of exploring).
5. Pink lip balm - because even the freshest air can still feel a bit drying
6. Your phone and your camera (a great opportunity for Instagram, darlings!)
7. Pink nail varnish
8. Your love for ballet
9. Your willingness to explore
10. An extra suitcase! (You never know what gorgeous items you might stumble across in your wanderings!)
Don’t forget to check out www.pink-tutu.com, for the newest blog post every Monday, darlings! And remember - if you have any travel tips to share, or have been inspired to wear a tutu yourself - please leave a comment. Love and tutus, Emma xx
