Ciao bella! 👋
It's Emma here, back from my whirlwind trip to Milan with a whole host of memories, sequins, and, of course, pink tutus! I know you lovely readers are dying to hear all about it, so let's get right into it, shall we?
This week's post takes us to a city synonymous with style and sophistication – Milan! Now, you might be thinking, "What's a pink tutu girl doing in the fashion capital of the world?". Well, my darlings, as any seasoned pink tutu enthusiast knows, there's always room for a little bit of both! And in Milan, the ballet scene is truly thriving, with some of the most impressive dancers and productions in the world. ✨
A Whirlwind Journey by Tram & Train:
Let's start with my arrival! A rather picturesque journey, to be honest. From the quaint English countryside of Derbyshire to the bustling metropolis of Milan. My travels began on a gloriously sunny, autumn morning, stepping aboard a little local train towards Manchester, my gateway to continental Europe. I think I saw a few surprised faces on that journey – my bright pink tutu stood out quite nicely against the dull, grey morning.
Once in Manchester, I traded in my trusty train for a speedy Eurostar. As usual, I felt completely at home amidst the bustling hub of activity. So many interesting faces! One elderly lady in a vibrant scarlet dress, a young gentleman reading Shakespeare, and a couple dressed to the nines, on their way to a romantic dinner – it was an eclectic mix! A small group of children stared in awe at my tutu, one even said, “Look Mummy! A ballerina!” How sweet. 💕
And finally, the arrival in Milan, a vibrant city pulsating with life. You could feel the excitement in the air. With a light hop out of the train and a dash onto the tram, I was swept up in the whirlwind of "la dolce vita". You can’t help but feel a sense of romance here, the charm, the romance, it just gets into your bones! 😍
Discovering Ballet's Jewels:
Naturally, my first stop in Milan was the Teatro alla Scala, the renowned opera house known throughout the world. You just have to stand in awe of the architectural beauty and the air of pure artistry! As I walked inside, I could almost feel the weight of history within its walls. My heart raced with excitement.
The performance I attended was truly spectacular - a vibrant production of "La Bayadère" with breathtaking costumes and some incredibly talented dancers. One dancer, in particular, caught my eye with her incredible grace and agility. The way she moved was captivating. You could almost feel the energy coming from her.
Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without a visit to La Scala Academy, the ballet school which has produced some of the world's finest dancers. I had the honour of watching their students perform – what an exceptional level of skill and precision! Each movement was so beautiful and controlled, almost effortless. I even dared to attempt a few moves myself, much to the amusement of the other students – it was all in good fun! 😉
Exploring the Fashion Side:
Now, a ballerina girl just can't resist a good dose of fashion! Milan is a shopping paradise, from high-end boutiques on Via Montenapoleone to quirky vintage shops hidden in charming little alleys. The fashion here is incredibly vibrant, almost daring! There’s such a passion for artistry in clothes that resonates with my own love for ballet and its connection to costumes.
One day, I took a wander through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a truly awe-inspiring shopping arcade. You can just feel the history within these majestic walls, not to mention the beautiful marble floors, mosaics and, of course, the stunning fashion! The place buzzed with shoppers from around the globe, the clink of heels echoed through the magnificent space. A fashion heaven!
Food for the Soul:
In a city renowned for its gastronomy, I indulged in a delicious range of dishes. You just can't go to Italy without sampling the mouth-watering pasta dishes, the rich and flavourful pizzas and the beautiful cheeses. Of course, no trip to Milan would be complete without trying "risotto alla Milanese" – a heavenly combination of saffron, bone marrow, and creamy rice, simply delightful!
One particular restaurant, "Al Bacio" (which translates to "The Kiss") became my favourite spot. It's a little, intimate place nestled away in a hidden alleyway. They offer the most incredible pizza - I opted for the "Pizza Primavera", with its vibrant spring colours and fragrant basil. 🍕🤤
Finding Beauty Everywhere:
One of the things that struck me most about Milan was its beauty, even in the everyday. From the grand architecture of the Duomo to the small flower shops on quiet side streets, there’s an undeniable charm. It's a city that invites you to explore, to wander down winding cobbled streets, and to discover hidden treasures.
For example, one afternoon, I found myself drawn to the majestic Duomo – a vast and intricately detailed masterpiece. I stood beneath its imposing facade and admired the intricacy of its intricate details. As the golden rays of the sun bathed the cathedral, it almost felt like a scene out of a fairy tale!
Milan also holds a very special place in my heart because of the beautiful people I met there! The energy and warmth of the Milanese truly surprised me! Everyone from the charming waiters in bustling cafes to the locals enjoying a stroll through the park, radiated a spirit of elegance and kindliness.
And so, as the sun sets on this whirlwind of Milanese experiences, it is time to return to my little corner of Derbyshire, filled with memories, souvenirs, and the beautiful reminder that fashion, ballet and pink tutus have no boundaries. Until next time, my darling readers! Stay fashionable and keep dancing! 🩰💖
P.S. Don't forget to check out the fabulous photos on my blog! I've been snapping away, capturing the magic of Milan in all its glory.
What is happening in Milan on December 8th 2010:
For those who wish to follow in my pink-tutu footsteps, I highly recommend checking out these events for this day in Milan.
Teatro alla Scala: A captivating production of the operatic masterpiece "Tosca", guaranteed to captivate your senses!
Pinacoteca di Brera: A fascinating art museum housing masterpieces from Italian artists throughout the centuries.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: As mentioned above, this beautiful arcade is a treasure trove of fashion and delicious treats!
And if you're like me, always looking for something new and exciting to try, why not grab a glass of "Aperol Spritz" in one of Milan's many outdoor bars, just soak up the incredible ambiance of the city! 😄
Have a magical week and don't forget, always find your inner pink tutu! ❤️
