Ciao, darlings!
Emma here, back from a whirlwind week in beautiful Milan, with my pink tutu in tow of course! As you know, I post every Monday from my little corner of the web at www.pink-tutu.com, bringing you the latest fashion, ballet, and travel delights straight from the heart of Europe.
This week's adventures were nothing short of magical! Imagine this: cobbled streets buzzing with scooters and stylish Milanese, the aroma of fresh pastries filling the air, and the sun gleaming off the Duomo. It truly felt like stepping into a fairytale!
I travelled to Milan with the lovely Mary from Derbyshire. Mary's got the best collection of tutus in England - you should see her rainbow one - and she's an absolute vision on the dance floor. We came over to catch a few of the world-famous Milan shows and let me tell you, the passion for ballet here is infectious!
Now, my journey wasn't all about twirling on stage, darling! It wouldn't be a Pink Tutu Milan post without a dash of fashion and some shopping escapades. Let's just say, Milan didn't disappoint. The boutiques were brimming with gorgeous garments, and I couldn't resist a few pink-hued goodies, of course. From vintage stores in the charming Navigli neighbourhood to the luxury boutiques along Via Montenapoleone, I discovered some truly unique treasures!
Remember, I fund these lovely trips with my ballet performances. I've been lucky enough to secure gigs all over Europe and I always pick a few to travel to. And there's no place better for me than the home of Italian fashion, right?
Speaking of fashion, today is all about finding the perfect ensemble to enjoy Milan's vibrant street theatre and the grand La Scala ballet! I always find that shopping with Mary, the true ballerina, helps me to pick a beautiful tutu outfit. Mary's the expert!
For this evening's outing, I've settled on a divine shade of pale pink tutu that floats and flows like a cloud. I paired it with a blush-toned, silky top and my favourite pair of gold ballerina pumps. I simply can't wait to step into the enchanting world of ballet here in Milan, surrounded by such exquisite artistry and elegance.
But before I delve into the delightful details of La Scala, let's rewind a little. Shall we?
Travel Notes: A Romantic Ride
Getting to Milan was an adventure in itself. Mary and I decided to take the train from our lovely Derbyshire town, which allowed us to admire the ever-changing scenery. And honestly, who wouldn't be smitten by those panoramic views across rolling hills, sleepy villages, and vibrant cityscapes? The train journey was pure magic, even with the delightful train carriage chatter!
We spent some time at the beautiful Gare du Nord in Paris - I never tire of that Parisian charm - before making our way to Milano Centrale. Oh, darling, what a place! Stepping into the main station was like entering a grand hall, all vaulted ceilings and intricate mosaics. You can practically hear the history whispering in the air!
We found ourselves navigating through bustling Milan like pros! Of course, the trams became my favoured form of transportation. So easy to navigate! I just had to keep my eyes peeled for the distinctive, retro trams adorned with their pastel pink colours - so fitting, I thought! - gliding through the streets. The rhythmic clang of the bells as the tram clunked over the tracks reminded me of the enchanting ballet rhythms I live for.
Once we settled into our cosy little Airbnb near the Duomo - so picturesque! - we decided to take a delightful tram ride. The tram took us past all the city's major attractions – from the sprawling Parco Sempione, with its charming walkways, to the imposing Castello Sforzesco, steeped in rich history. Every corner presented a unique tapestry of history, art, and contemporary life.
A Taste of Milan: Aperitivo Hour & Italian Delights
We then stepped into the captivating energy of Navigli, a historic canal area. There were stalls bursting with colour, and we happily lost ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the street market. I indulged in a vibrant pink scarf adorned with the sweetest floral designs, a fitting memento of our adventure!
Our Milan adventure truly bloomed with every step we took! The evening saw us enjoying the Italian ritual of "aperitivo," where we gathered in a charming trattoria, the aroma of fresh garlic and herbs filling the air. We nibbled on creamy bruschetta drizzled with aromatic pesto, the taste so authentic it simply made our tastebuds sing! And the generous portions of spaghetti alle vongole – a classic Milanese dish - were simply divine! I had to share them, even though I wanted to savour every bite!
Our aperitivo concluded with a beautiful walk through the illuminated city, the twinkle lights strung between ancient buildings illuminating the cobbled streets. I must admit, we enjoyed a good old singalong to some old-school opera!
Milan, The Fashion Capital!
On our second day, we took a charming tram journey to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It is, after all, the grandest shopping mall in Italy! What a spectacular experience! You feel as if you are walking through a living cathedral, the glass-and-steel structure awash in vibrant hues and exquisite details.
Mary and I simply revelled in the dazzling array of boutiques that lined the central arcades – Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Armani, you name it! They are practically my Mecca! It is like walking through a world of luxury, every corner dripping with extravagance and haute couture.
And of course, being the Pink Tutu enthusiast I am, I gravitated towards the vintage stores tucked away in the side streets. A particular favourite was a shop called "La Sposa Vintage", an enchanting little space filled with decades-old, one-of-a-kind garments – from stunning beaded flapper dresses to intricately embroidered lace gowns, each piece whispering stories of another era. There, I managed to snaffle a vintage pink dress that would fit like a glove in my collection, I must say!
It wasn't all shopping though, darling. As any good Milan tour should, ours included a breathtaking ascent to the Duomo. We felt a rush of excitement and adrenaline as we reached the top, and we stood awe-struck, taking in the sweeping panoramic views. This magnificent masterpiece – with its intricate spires reaching towards the heavens, like a dancer gracefully leaping for the stars!
La Scala, a Ballet Dreams Come True
After all those beautiful memories, today we will see the amazing performance of La Scala! The world's most prestigious opera houses is no mere venue. It's an architectural marvel, draped in history, every corner breathing artistry and a palpable sense of reverence.
I spent some time this morning enjoying the captivating exhibition "A Day in the Life of a Ballet Dancer." It provided an incredibly intimate glimpse into the grueling yet rewarding world of dancers, from the intensive training and rehearsals to the captivating magic that unfolds on stage. A beautiful showcase of passion, dedication, and artistry, reminding us why we all love ballet so much!
I even bought a lovely souvenir, a gorgeous pink ballet figurine that I plan to keep on my dresser. A lasting memory of our magical time in Milan, wouldn't you agree?
This evening, I will immerse myself in the world of La Scala. The music will transport me to another dimension. The choreography will captivate my soul, each graceful movement expressing a thousand unspoken words.
This is a ballet fanatic's dream, dear readers! I simply cannot wait!
I shall leave you, dear readers, with this heartfelt advice. No matter where you go, wear your own unique style. Let your heart lead the way, darling. Find joy in every adventure. And never forget to twirl, always twirl! And please, let's try to encourage each other to wear pink tutus, because I truly believe, together, we can change the world.
Yours, always,
Emma The Pink Tutu Girl
