Ciao, darlings! It's Emma here, your Pink Tutu girl, reporting live from the dazzling city of Milan! This week, I'm swapping the Derbyshire hills for the Italian sunshine, embracing the glamour and excitement of this fashion capital. It's Wednesday, the 21st of October, and the air is electric with creativity, with whispers of upcoming shows and the constant clatter of high heels on cobbled streets. I'm practically buzzing with excitement!
This week, I arrived in Milan earlier than usual, arriving by train on Monday. The journey was delightful. As soon as the train pulled out of the station, I felt that familiar buzz of anticipation – a combination of anticipation for a new city, the thrill of seeing new places and a slight tremor of excitement about all the amazing tutus I know I'll find in Milan!
My journey to Milan started in Derbyshire. The Peak District had been gloriously sunny and warm with golden light reflecting off the babbling brooks, but now I’m surrounded by towering buildings, sophisticated people, and a very definite aroma of freshly baked pastries! It feels incredible. I know, Milan isn’t the typical place for tutus - it’s more sleek leather and oversized sunglasses – but just wait until I’m done with it! The Milanese may scoff now, but soon, they’ll all be waltzing through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in pink tutus, and it’s my mission to make it happen!
Anyway, back to my Wednesday! After settling into my little apartment in the Navigli area – it’s a delightful space with a Juliet balcony overlooking a canal - I started my day with a breakfast fit for a ballerina: strong coffee, fresh croissants and juicy fruit, a light but delightful start to a big day in this whirlwind of a city!
The morning was all about exploration. I was drawn to the energy of the city, taking in the vibrant street art, charming trattorias, and of course, the world-renowned fashion boutiques! The vibrant city felt full of artistic energy, ready to be absorbed. It's so exciting to feel part of something so grand, so filled with dreams and aspirations!
After a few hours of shopping – a quick trip to Prada, some delicate browsing at Versace, and finally some much-needed pampering in a small shop selling delicate lace and soft ribbons - I finally made my way to the Scala Opera House. Oh my, the beauty of the place just took my breath away! It felt so elegant, like a dream from a classic fairy tale, complete with glittering chandeliers and velvet drapes. This building exudes history, each stone whispering tales of renowned operas and breathtaking ballets. Even just seeing it made my toes tap, and a yearning for the stage tug at my heart.
For the afternoon, I finally settled on a charming café near the Galleria, nestled amongst a tangle of vibrant shops, perfect for enjoying a warm chocolate drink, a light, flaky biscuit and some people watching. It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a leisurely afternoon – the life of a ballerina is often fast-paced, from class to rehearsals to performances, there's not much room for relaxation. The café offered me a much needed rest, and I allowed my mind to wander to my dreams – to one day dancing in this very city, to becoming one of those exquisite performers gliding across the grand stage of La Scala!
The late afternoon beckoned with a symphony of colors in the streets. It felt alive, full of excitement and possibility. The energy is truly magnetic, as if the very city itself is a performer, moving to an invisible soundtrack, and I was happy to be just another one of the many dancing to its unique rhythm.
Later that evening, the city transformed with an aura of glamour. The shops were abuzz with a stylish crowd, the streets shimmered with the warm light of city lamps and the night air thrummed with the energy of a vibrant metropolis. I felt it pulsing through my veins, and it gave me a tingling thrill to be caught up in it all.
I spent the evening in the Navigli, the charming district full of canal-side cafes and bohemian artists. This little haven offered me the perfect spot for dinner. My table by the water’s edge was romantic and inviting, a scene perfect for a quiet meal. The aromas coming from the nearby restaurant, mingling with the air, were a welcome experience and I tucked in with gusto to a lovely dish of gnocchi, followed by a light tiramisu and a glass of chilled Italian wine. It was a delight to taste the flavours of the city and feel so connected to it.
After a short stroll around the bustling canals, it was time for bed! Exhaustion but excitement settled in, and I dreamt of the glamorous life of a Milanese ballerina. It seemed possible, so much so, that I couldn’t help but try a couple of graceful turns on my little balcony! My pink tutu felt a little out of place in this cosmopolitan setting but, as usual, I knew it wouldn’t be long before it had everyone whispering… "Just look at that pink tutu girl! She's fantastic!"
Oh, I can't wait to explore more of this vibrant city.
Tomorrow's adventures include a visit to the "Fashion Museum - Museo della Moda e del Tessuto", a trip to the stunning Palazzo Reale and hopefully an amazing ballet class - there's a charming studio I spotted this morning. I have my pink tutu all ready, a new black leotard I just bought and of course, my trusty, well-loved pair of ballet pumps. My Milan adventure is just beginning and the pink tutu is ready for more magic!
Keep checking www.pink-tutu.com for more!
Until next time, ciao bella!
