Ciao, darlings! It's Emma, your pink-tutu-wearing travel companion, writing to you live from the heart of Milan, Italy! It’s my sixth week here, and this magical city is starting to feel like home, filled with its own brand of romance and excitement that only Milan can offer. I'm practically bubbling with the sheer joy of being surrounded by such beauty, and I know, my darlings, you're going to adore this week’s post. Let’s dive in!
From Derbyshire to Duomo Square
Since I last wrote, I’ve been busy exploring the charming corners of Milan. I found a cute little cafe near my flat called Dolcezza which means “sweetness”. Honestly, you could say the same about Milan! Their pastries are to die for, and I swear, every day, a new, fabulous treat seems to find its way onto the counter. I must admit I've found my own little routine here, my very own pink tutu routine, that is.
Mondays are all about exploring a different part of Milan, preferably on foot! My first stop on this particular Monday was the Duomo square. The sheer size of the cathedral is truly awe-inspiring! Standing in the shadow of its intricate spires, you just have to feel a sense of awe.
For a fellow dancer like myself, the gothic architecture is just breathtaking, a symphony of stone with delicate carvings, stained glass windows like gemstones, and soaring, sweeping arches that made me think of graceful arms outstretched. This whole city seems to embrace the artistry and the sense of movement that I love, not just in architecture, but even in the fashion, oh darling, don't even get me started on the fashion.
My New Pink Tutu Adventure: The Fashion Streets of Milan
For me, a pink tutu means adventure, and a pink tutu in Milan means fashion! What's a ballerina doing in Milan without going shopping, you might ask? It's a fundamental law, I believe, like gravity or the way pink just makes everything prettier! My shopping spree in Milan started in the Via Montenapoleone. You can imagine, dear reader, my heart practically skipped a beat when I first saw this elegant street, lined with exquisite boutiques like Cartier and Valentino. Oh, the fabrics, the textures, the colours, everything here screamed ‘luxury’! Even the air felt perfumed!
But it's not all about high-end luxury, no, darling, not in the least! I also found the cutest little independent shops with handcrafted goods, vintage treasures, and even unique, handcrafted pieces from up-and-coming designers. This week, I even treated myself to a pair of sparkling pink stilettos – well, it just wouldn’t do to visit Milan without some high heels, now, would it?
I also love the street fashion here. Milanese women, oh they know how to work their style! And I absolutely adore the way they pull their looks together. They all have that effortless Milanese elegance, you know, like a beautiful ballerina just floating down the street, grace and confidence radiating from every step.
Ballet at La Scala: A Night of Magic and Motion
Speaking of dance, did I mention I'm attending a performance at La Scala, the legendary opera house, on Friday? I simply had to experience this hallowed place of music and dance, a treasure trove of Italian heritage and artistry! It’s the one place in the world that's been on my ‘must-see’ list ever since I first started to love ballet in my home town of Chesterfield.
It took months of careful planning and budgeting to be able to afford this little dream of mine, and darling, I couldn’t have done it without those fundraising performances back in Derbyshire! I had to pull out all the stops. Imagine, pirouette by pirouette, plie by plie, I was dancing my way to Milan. I really can’t express my gratitude enough to all the beautiful people who attended my performances. Every clap, every smile, every pound was one step closer to the grandeur of La Scala.
It was like stepping into a magical world. The air itself crackled with anticipation, and the majestic, opulent interiors of the theatre just took my breath away! They're not kidding about this place being world famous, darling! And guess what? There are beautiful costumes, beautiful music and exquisite choreography planned for the performance, not to mention amazing dancing from a host of top ballet professionals. Oh, the thrill, darling, it just fills me up to the brim. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of!
Pink Tutu Travel Tip of the Day: Milan’s Tramways and Trains
Okay, now I can't let you go without my favourite part of this week, my fabulous Pink Tutu Travel Tip! I’m all about navigating this enchanting city in the most fabulous way possible, and let me tell you, the Milan Tram system is nothing short of incredible! It’s super efficient, fast, and affordable, taking you all around Milan for as little as 1.50 Euros, darling. You can simply tap on with your card, then sit back and relax as you are whisked away to wherever you need to be in a comfortable, stylish carriage with amazing views of the city passing by.
I think there’s something wonderfully magical about public transport in a foreign city, it’s like getting a front-row seat to local life! It’s where you witness the daily routines of people from all walks of life, sharing a quiet ride to work, having an animated chat with friends or taking the opportunity to catch up on a bit of reading! I even saw a group of students practising a dance routine during the commute, reminding me, of course, that this fabulous pink tutu life is everywhere we look!
But don't worry, I didn't just spend the week riding trams! I took the opportunity to try out the Italian national rail network to visit nearby Lake Como on Wednesday, a gorgeous, mountainous lake nestled between snow-capped peaks and lush green hills! I found a cute cafe where I sipped espresso under the shadow of a cypress tree, dreaming about everything this life holds. I’m still lost for words about this little getaway!
Pink Tutu and a Pint of Wine
Now, let’s get to a truly fabulous night, darling! Wednesday night, it was time for another fun evening in Milan. I joined a group of other travellers from across the world at this quaint, little wine bar called “Vigneto”. We enjoyed some delicious traditional Italian dishes, accompanied by a generous pint of the best Italian wine (accompanied by endless laughter, of course, which we can’t forget when in Milan!). What a fantastic evening it was, it really felt like we were creating memories to last a lifetime. The atmosphere was so friendly, so full of good cheer, and a little something to really keep those positive vibes going!
But don't worry, this isn’t just a blog about Milan! I promise you, the Pink Tutu Diaries are filled with all kinds of fascinating travel and lifestyle inspiration. So, whether you’re looking for a little Parisian fashion, some inspiring travel tips or just some cheerful motivation for the day, remember, I’ll always be here. Sharing my adventures, spreading the love, and of course, making everyone embrace their inner pink tutu spirit!
Until next week, darlings, remember to embrace the colour, the joy, and the adventure!
With Love,
Emma (your favourite pink tutu girl!)
Don't forget to visit my blog every Monday for a new dose of pink tutu travel fun at www.pink-tutu.com!
