Ciao bella!
It's Wednesday, my darlings, which means another wonderful day in Milan, and I am utterly buzzing with excitement. I've had such a whirlwind week so far - you just wouldn't believe it! And today is no exception, I have a truly fabulous "pink tutu adventure" in store, but I want to tell you about my week before I divulge today's shenanigans...
So, this past Sunday was a right "corker"! I treated myself to a rather special experience: a first-class journey from Derbyshire to London for a Ballet Gala at the Royal Opera House. This event, you see, wasn't your average ballet. It featured not just our very own beloved English National Ballet, but also invited special guest performers from some of the world's most celebrated dance companies. Can you imagine the thrill?!
Imagine me, wearing a glorious pink tutu of course, tucked into a cosy first-class carriage, watching the scenery whiz past while dreaming of ballerinas leaping and pirouetting.
As I alighted from the train, the city pulsed with excitement - I knew the magic was about to begin! London never fails to thrill, it truly is the heart of culture in our nation!
After navigating my way through the teeming throngs on the Tube, I found myself at the glorious, iconic building of the Royal Opera House. It's simply a masterpiece! I stood there, momentarily speechless, taking in its grand facade and feeling the thrill of entering one of the most treasured institutions in our country.
Inside, it was pure decadence: velvet carpets, chandeliers sparkling with millions of tiny crystals, and the hum of conversation from beautifully dressed patrons - a glamorous orchestra of their own. I slipped into my seat, adjusting the tulle of my dainty pink tutu, my heart beating to the rhythm of anticipation.
Oh, what a night it was! There were thrilling leaps, graceful movements that had the whole audience spellbound, and the energy and artistry on stage were simply awe-inspiring. Each dancer seemed to possess the magic of flight, defying gravity with breathtaking ease. I felt a shiver of emotion rise within me as I watched, mesmerised by the stories told through their movement.
And the best part? It wasn't just ballet I was able to experience that day! I couldn't resist wandering through the elegant boutiques of Covent Garden. You know me, I simply had to indulge my love of pretty things! I stumbled upon a vintage hat shop that seemed to exist straight from the pages of a novel - a cornucopia of delightful treasures, with beautiful feathers, sparkling rhinestones, and brimmed shapes I couldn't wait to experiment with!
You might ask, why London? Well, my lovely readers, you know how much I adore travel. And as we approach Christmas, the city truly comes alive. The air is thick with the scents of mince pies and mulled wine, the festive decorations twinkle with joyful light, and every corner is filled with the sound of carols. There's a palpable buzz in the air, making London a true delight this time of year!
Pink Tutu Adventures: A Milano Day Trip!
Today, my darlings, it's a new adventure! A short train ride, a little bit of magic, and a whole lot of "pink tutu charm" await me. You see, my beloved Milano has a day full of delightful surprises, from the warmth of a local café to the sheer magic of an evening theatre performance!
You'll understand my excitement - a day in Milan never disappoints.
After a morning spent soaking up the sun while browsing the local markets for that perfect pink scarf, I decided to try a new cafe nestled within the quieter streets of the city. It felt as if I stumbled upon a little secret! With its crumbling terracotta facade and vine-covered awning, this was a hidden gem. And inside, it was pure artistry, the aroma of fresh coffee and pastries mingling with the sound of quiet conversation.
Of course, I couldn't resist indulging in a perfectly delicate almond croissant, its buttery flakiness and sweet filling just the fuel for my day. The pink latte they offered (naturally, my pink heart couldn't resist!), added a touch of girly charm to the already charming cafe. I'm afraid the cafe turned out to be too delicious for a brief visit and I spent a gloriously chilled hour reading the local paper - and let's not forget about planning my outfit for this evening's adventure!
And speaking of outfit… a true Pink Tutu devotee can never resist a good fashion show! Milano, with its dedication to all things sartorial, has a wonderfully dynamic atmosphere around the city, especially when you venture into the heart of the fashion district, just across the River. The energy is palpable: you can feel the pulse of creativity pulsing through the cobblestone streets.
I am obsessed with vintage style right now. It's a world of grace, elegance, and those fabulous fabrics, I just adore the era of Dior! But I find my personal style evolving, taking in modern trends with a vintage twist - you could call it vintage chic, a sprinkle of playful whimsy, a dollop of bold colours (my signature pink, of course) all tied up in a perfectly-tied ribbon of timeless sophistication.
As you may guess, Milan is a fashionista’s paradise. I spent a few hours in one of the famous boutiques of the Quadrilatero della Moda, feeling like I was in a world where creativity knows no limits. The elegant designs on display seemed to whisper secrets of beauty and glamour, inviting me to try them on and dream of all the fabulous occasions I could wear them for! I am quite the "window shopper" (that's what we call it in England, I'm learning "spiare la vetrina" is the Italian expression! Such beautiful language).
However, I am afraid, to be quite honest, nothing captured my attention in the same way that the local vintage stores had this weekend! A vintage jacket, a dress made of velvet… it felt as if the designers of yesteryear understood something about fabric, the movement and the drape, something so simple and yet so beautifully crafted!
One of my very favourite places in all of Milano (and believe me, there are many) is the stunning Palazzo della Permanente. It's such a historic landmark and the events held within its halls never disappoint. From classical concerts and fascinating exhibitions to theatre performances - there's a real eclectic mix!
Tonight, my readers, I'll be attending a show that I've been looking forward to for months. This evening, they will be performing a re-telling of the classic French tale "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme", set to a delightful score. The sheer creativity, the use of space within the building itself and the costuming and dancing, it always has me enraptured! I am such a "sucker" for theatre productions of all kinds!
You see, I have this strong conviction: we need a little bit more whimsy in our lives. I believe we could all benefit from a little bit of enchantment and imagination. It's those moments that make life extraordinary. I do not think one can have too many pink tutus! And for a pink tutu to truly fulfill its destiny, it needs an appropriate backdrop - something full of atmosphere, energy and grace, something like an enchanting theatre performance.
Speaking of pink tutus… you just have to see how I’m styled for my night out at the theatre. It's truly a symphony in pink! My dreamy ballerina dress in pastel pink, it has the most gorgeous full skirt that makes me feel like I'm twirling on clouds, then I paired it with a simple vintage pink cardigan and sparkly silver shoes to complete the look! The combination is both stylish and elegant. It is the ultimate Pink Tutu statement.
However, let's face it, we can’t live solely on whimsy. And for someone like myself who is living on the road, being financially independent (the Pink Tutu is a full time career for me!) means embracing all the "nuts and bolts" of travel, especially those boring "logistics"! But honestly, a bit of practical matters do make life easier for me, you see!
Tonight, the challenge for my lovely pink tutu and myself is the trams. As I am making my way from one part of Milano to the other, I'm planning on exploring some of the local streets, experiencing the buzz of the city at night. The good old trams, especially at this time of year, are a fantastic option. It’s quite an interesting contrast; I can truly be "immersed" in a lively atmosphere. Then again, a simple act like travelling by public transport often reveals stories we wouldn’t normally see - an art in itself, almost!
You know, a simple act like a train ride or a tram trip, allows us to connect to the soul of the place we are exploring. They are portals to the heart of everyday life, connecting me to a deeper understanding of the community. They're full of surprises too; that is a beauty all in themselves! I always find it delightful to be among local citizens and experience their routines - it gives you such a different insight, it really does!
I have a fantastic view of Milano from the upper floors of our accommodation here and sometimes I like to relax on the balcony with a glass of "vino rosso" (wine! So delicious) to reflect on what I've been able to see, do, and learn! It helps to understand and absorb it all.
A journey to the beautiful, vibrant Milano is something you should truly put on your “Pink Tutu” bucket list - it’s a city overflowing with creative energy! You'll see a passion for art, architecture, and life itself reflected in everything from the cafes and shops to the streets where the locals go about their days. So why not come along for a spin through the lanes, streets and theatres of Milan.
I’m here every Monday and you're invited! Just pop on over to www.pink-tutu.com to read all about our adventures!
Until next time, take care and don’t forget to smile, ciao ciao!
