Ciao bella! It's your favourite pink tutu-clad traveller, Emma, reporting live from the heart of Milan, Italia! This city is simply brimming with life and it's almost as if it's been infused with some sort of magic potion. Even the cobblestones have a spring in their step, and the sun is winking down on us like a friendly neighbour. It's Wednesday, the halfway point of the week, but in Milan, it feels more like the start of a brand new adventure!
Let's get one thing straight, dear readers, this trip to Milan wouldn't be possible without the magic of ballet! Yes, I know it sounds a bit cheesy, but I really believe that dancing is my calling. It's not just a passion, it's a way of life! And you know what? It’s paid for my incredible journey to Milan. Thanks to a flurry of captivating performances, I've found myself immersed in the energy and glamour of this fabulous fashion city.
Today's outfit, of course, was pink-tutu-tastic! This time I chose a blush pink tulle tutu, with its layers swirling around me like clouds on a breezy day. The colour complemented my sunny disposition perfectly! To complete the look, I layered it with a light, cotton bodice, which brought a touch of romanticism to the ensemble. As usual, my faithful ruby red lipstick and ballet shoes completed the picture.
Milan is the place for shoe shopping! In fact, today's itinerary involved a very strategic detour through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This magnificent, glass-roofed shopping arcade, with its mosaics and high-end boutiques, is truly an experience for all the senses. After my visit to the shop of my favourite shoe designer, I decided to take a spin in my pink tutus. I mean, a trip to Milan without a spot of dancing would be simply outrageous, wouldn't it?
A small group of shoppers stopped to admire my performance, and I, naturally, felt compelled to treat them to a couple more pirouettes! Even though my legs were protesting after my shopping spree, I had to admit, the twinkle in the eyes of those shoppers was utterly worth it. Perhaps it was the sunshine, the gorgeous architecture, or the contagious joy of dancing - whatever the reason, it was simply magic!
Milan's tram system is a fascinating adventure. It’s like travelling in a time machine, but instead of transporting me to the past, it whisks me around the city at a pace that's exciting and never overwhelming. The network is a real web, linking all corners of the city together like the strings of a grand ballet. And let me tell you, travelling by tram, with a pink tutu in tow, can be incredibly hilarious! This particular tram ride saw me navigating a crowded wagon full of stylish, chic Milanese folks. A few even stopped to compliment me on my fabulous tulle and the way I had accessorised my pink ensemble! I simply can't resist a chance to spread a little ballet magic.
Tonight, the ballet is back on the agenda. I'm off to the Teatro alla Scala for an evening of absolute enchantment. It’s almost as if I’m dancing through life, gliding from one exquisite experience to the next. This trip is about so much more than a love for ballet. It's a love for fashion, a love for Italy, a love for beautiful architecture, and above all, a love for embracing life with a joyful twinkle in my eye and a swirling tutu by my side.
So, my dears, join me on this extraordinary journey, through this fashion capital, where dreams are born and ambitions take flight. Stay tuned for the next post, and remember: always twirl! Always be bold, and above all, wear your pink tutu with pride!
Until then, remember, life is a dance, and you are the lead performer!
With love and pink tutus,
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
Thursday 2007-07-19:Dearest readers! What a glorious day it was yesterday. After a delightful evening of ballet, filled with grace and passion at the Teatro alla Scala, my spirit soared higher than a pirouette. And just wait until you hear about the ballet itself!
Last night, I witnessed a stunning performance of "La Fille Mal Gardée". I simply loved it! And I don't just mean I loved it as someone who is a little bit obsessed with ballet - I truly enjoyed it. The story was playful, the choreography intricate and engaging, the dancers’ grace breathtaking! Each move seemed to flow so effortlessly from one to the next, telling a beautiful tale of forbidden love and familial expectations.
You see, the entire production at the Teatro alla Scala is quite extraordinary! Not just because it’s an iconic, beautiful theater with a captivating atmosphere. Every detail, from the setting to the costumes, was designed with so much passion and attention to detail. And it made me realise that even if you’re not a fan of ballet, you cannot help but be transported by the atmosphere and artistry of such an extraordinary production!
I'm completely obsessed with the details of the costume! Just look at the colourful embroidery, the stunning layers of lace, and those magnificent headpieces. The vibrant colours, the rich fabrics, the textures, it was like the very embodiment of artistry in motion. I imagined myself being on the stage with them, spinning and leaping across the wooden floor. I suppose if you think about it, even everyday life can be seen as a kind of ballet! It’s a performance, full of intricate routines and surprising challenges.
Of course, as a ballet enthusiast, my journey to the theater always starts well in advance! This morning, I was up early, feeling an unusual burst of excitement and anticipation, which usually comes along with wearing a bright pink tutu for a ballet show. This time I had chosen a delicate shade of pink for my tutu, a little lighter than my usual blush shade, which somehow felt perfectly suited to the theatre’s grandeur and history.
I know my fashion choices often provoke surprised looks and amused comments, but I just love a bit of pink, especially in the heart of fashion-forward Milan. What’s more, as I navigate through the elegant marble hallways of Teatro alla Scala in my flamboyant tutu, the contrast against the exquisite elegance is truly a delight! People sometimes gasp with surprise as I swirl past them with a smile, the pink tulle swirling in a delightful counterpoint to the traditional grand interiors of the theater.
My evening wouldn’t have been complete without indulging in a bit of indulgence after the ballet. I mean, you have to try the gelato when you're in Italy, and let's be honest, every opportunity to make a stop at a Gelateria should never be missed. I treated myself to a scoop of creamy hazelnut gelato - it was simply divine!
Today was one for the books. Milan is overflowing with surprises, and its atmosphere is full of vibrancy. From exploring the captivating cobbled streets to diving deep into the beauty of the city's ballet world, the atmosphere here makes me want to dance, dream, and just be my most expressive, bold and authentic self! I guess a big part of why I love to travel is that there's something wonderfully liberating about taking a step out of my everyday routine and allowing yourself to become a part of another culture's rhythm.
Until tomorrow!
Much love and dancing tutus!
Emma www.pink-tutu.com
Friday 2007-07-20:A presto! What a whirlwind this trip to Milan has been, but there is no doubt in my mind that I am experiencing the city’s beating heart with a sense of awe! My visit wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the incredible blend of history and fashion that you find here at every corner, alongside, of course, the sheer deliciousness of Italian cuisine. Oh, I can’t leave without indulging my taste buds and sharing a delightful discovery from last night!
The evening was a celebration of Milanese gastronomy, with a truly indulgent treat that almost made my taste buds dance. I’m not exaggerating, the experience was almost ballet-like in the sense that it took me on a journey! A journey that led to my new favourite restaurant, in an old and wonderfully charming trattoria.
My evening started as any great Italian feast would - with an enchanting glass of fine, full-bodied Italian red wine! And I must say, the red wine matched my chosen shade of red for the evening - a deep, almost garnet-hued tutu with just a little bit of black tulle. This made the deep colour pop against the rustic Italian restaurant. A fitting way to blend fashion with a local culinary experience, if you ask me.
The traditional Milanese food experience at a classic local trattoria is really something quite unique, especially compared to the slightly more modern dining options that you'd find in larger cities around the globe. Let’s face it, the local feel and atmosphere here in Milan can really make your senses tingle! This delightful and quaint restaurant was one of those places that really makes you feel that you’re getting a taste of the authentic local culture. I especially loved how this particular place felt so cosy!
In all the hustle and bustle of a big city, you don't always find yourself stepping into places that have such a relaxed vibe! The friendly staff welcomed me like family and that warm feeling extended to the delicious smells coming from the kitchen, the earthy tones of the interior and the chatter of other guests enjoying the atmosphere, the authentic food and of course the Italian wine.
Oh, I was positively enchanted by this charming Trattoria in its quiet little nook of Milan.
But it’s not just about the food and atmosphere at this place. The Ossobuco! Oh, it’s delicious. The Ossobuco was absolutely magnificent! A piece of meat braised until it just falls apart and melts in your mouth. I have to admit it was definitely a culinary “standout moment” of this trip! I'm a sucker for traditional and authentic Italian flavours and this was an experience for the senses! The creamy polenta, served alongside the succulent Ossobuco was pure perfection!
However, after my evening at this hidden culinary gem, there’s only one place for me to go this Friday night – and you guessed it, I’m off to see another show! There’s something incredibly alluring about the theater, with all the grand curtains, the glittering lights and of course the magic that only a show can conjure up. This weekend I am ready to enjoy the ballet from the heart of the theater's captivating magic and embrace a few final hours of Milan's incredible energy.
Keep up with all the happenings from this extraordinary Milan adventure by visiting my site regularly.
See you soon!
Love, Emma
www.pink-tutu.com
