Wednesday, 2005-03-23
Ciao, darling! I'm back in sunny Milan after a whirlwind trip to the breathtaking Dolomites, my legs are still screaming for a good stretch after conquering those mountain hikes! 🏔️ It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since I was last in Milan, but it feels like I've been here forever. There's something so wonderfully electric about this city – the vibrant streets, the intoxicating buzz, and the fashion, oh the fashion! 💃
This week, my adventures in Milan have been all about discovering new nooks and crannies, delving into vintage boutiques for the perfect pink tutu-inspired find, and taking in some absolutely captivating performances. As always, I've been living it up in my pinkest and most twirly get-ups. It seems I'm not the only one with a penchant for pink! The streets of Milan are overflowing with colour this spring, with every hue imaginable vying for attention, but nothing screams "Emma" like a vibrant pink. 💖
This trip, I've fallen head over heels for the trams, gliding effortlessly through the city streets like a gentle waltz. They're the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere and explore, not to mention infinitely more charming than any crowded metro. My recent tram journeys have yielded some real treasures, from a hidden artisan cheese shop brimming with decadent treats, to a small ballet studio tucked away in a cobbled alley, promising beginner ballet classes for grown-ups! You know I had to try it, right? 🩰 I can just picture it: a whole class full of tutus twirling gracefully around the room... that would make me so happy!
My love affair with Milan's trams didn't stop at street-level charm. I had the most fantastic journey the other day, taking a train trip to the enchanting city of Verona! The scenery outside my window was nothing short of cinematic, a blur of green hills, rolling vineyards, and medieval castles, perfectly framed by the warm Italian sunshine. It was an absolute dream, and made me feel like I was stepping right into one of those classic Italian films, ready to embark on a grand romance. 🥰
But, you know, there’s nothing more captivating than a classic Italian opera performance, which is why I was absolutely giddy to see La Traviata at the Teatro alla Scala. It's said to be one of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, and it certainly lived up to the hype! The setting was breathtaking – an explosion of opulent red velvet and golden chandeliers, and the performance itself was mesmerizing. The passion, the drama, the raw emotions – it left me utterly spellbound! I've never been so captivated by a story, let alone a ballet or opera! 💖
Speaking of captivating stories, the Museo Poldi Pezzoli was another must-see for me this week. This beautiful museum, a former palazzo owned by an aristocratic collector, houses a remarkable collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. It was like stepping into a fairy tale – gilded mirrors reflecting glittering tapestries, porcelain vases overflowing with delicate flowers, and paintings bursting with life and colour. It was like a visual symphony, celebrating art, beauty, and the sheer magic of life. 🖼️
My Milan adventures aren't all about elegant galleries and captivating performances, though. This week, I found myself venturing off the beaten track, venturing into some of Milan’s hidden gem markets. From the vibrant Mercato Centrale to the buzzing Corso Buenos Aires, there’s a buzz and energy to this city's markets that I simply can’t resist! My finds this week included a pair of delicate pink ballet flats, perfect for stepping out in style, and a collection of silk scarves, the vibrant colours reminding me of a blooming cherry blossom tree. 🌸
One of my favourite discoveries this week, though, wasn't tucked away in a hidden shop or nestled within an elegant palazzo. It was a little further afield, a tranquil oasis just a short tram ride from the bustling city centre – the Parco Sempione. This sprawling park, a testament to Milan’s love for green spaces, offers everything from a captivating view of the iconic Castello Sforzesco, to an open-air theatre that would surely be perfect for an evening ballet performance. It's a hidden gem, and one that I will most definitely be visiting again soon!
With so much to see and do, it’s no surprise that my pink tutu wardrobe has been put through its paces! From swirling around the picturesque courtyards of the Palazzo Reale, to pirouetteing under the majestic arches of the Duomo, my trusty tutus have become an integral part of my Milan adventures! 💖
But Milan isn’t just about historical sights and glamorous events, darling! Sometimes, it's about embracing the simple things – sharing a steaming cappuccino in a sun-drenched piazza, devouring a slice of fluffy gelato in a quiet backstreet, and basking in the warmth of the evening light, as the city slowly starts to wind down for the night. Moments like these are the perfect reminder that it's not about the destination, it’s about the journey!
It’s time to bid farewell to my favourite city, for now at least. But before I go, a little reminder: wear pink! Yes, that’s right, my dearest followers, go forth and let your inner ballerina shine! And don’t forget to visit www.pink-tutu.com, where you’ll find all my favourite pink tutu creations! 🌸 💖
Until next time, Emma
*P.S. * I’m giving away one of my favourite pink tutus to a lucky follower! Simply comment on my latest blog post on www.pink-tutu.com telling me why you love wearing pink!
P.P.S I'll be performing a selection of my favourite ballets in a small theatre just outside Derby later this month! It’s a great opportunity to support a young ballerina’s passion! Tickets available on my website.
