Wednesday, 1st June, 2011
Ciao from Milan, darlings! The sun is shining, the air is filled with the buzz of excited chatter, and the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery wafts through my window. This city, this magical city, is absolutely buzzing with life, and I'm right in the heart of it!
This week, I've been living my best "pink tutu" life, with a trip to the fashion capital of Italy, Milan. My trusty pink suitcase packed with my favourite tutu (oh, how it sparkles under the Italian sun!) and an abundance of pink accessories (you can never have too many!) I hopped on a train from Derbyshire and was swept away by the magic of the journey. Train journeys are so relaxing and often provide the perfect time to whip out my trusty notebook and jot down ideas for my blog.
Arriving in Milan was like stepping into a movie set! Grand buildings with intricate carvings and an electric energy filled the streets. I was straight away charmed by the beautiful cobbled alleyways and vibrant markets. It truly is a sight to behold!
A day in the life of a pink tutu blogger in Milan:
This morning, I woke up to the most incredible sunrise over the Milan skyline, The soft light casting a golden hue over the Duomo. A breathtaking view from my charming little hotel room – a cosy, stylish space tucked away in the historic heart of the city, just a short tram ride from the bustling city centre.
Before even considering breakfast, I had to catch the perfect Instagram picture with the sunrise as my backdrop. After all, what's a trip to Italy without a few carefully curated social media snaps?
Speaking of breakfast, the pastries here in Italy are a revelation. Fresh croissants filled with almond paste, rich, creamy cannolis, and of course, a generous selection of artisanal breads with lashings of Italian honey. My inner gourmand is very happy indeed.
With a sugar rush and a pep in my step, I took a leisurely stroll through the heart of the city. You can’t miss the iconic Duomo - an impressive masterpiece of gothic architecture and one of the largest churches in the world. A majestic sight that had me breathless, and not just from the climb to the top for the incredible views.
The ballet buzz
You can't go to Milan without experiencing the magical world of Italian ballet, and this trip was no different!
Teatro alla Scala, the famous opera house, is on my “to-do” list for tomorrow. This magnificent building has such history. It was where Mozart once debuted Don Giovanni, the great Verdi had many premières, and even Luciano Pavarotti graced its stage.
Speaking of Pavarotti, I have my very own special souvenir from the “great one” himself. While I don’t want to show it, I have a precious photograph signed by him and I will be wearing this photo framed, proudly, under my favourite tutu from now on. I love to think about the energy and passion he brought to his performances!
On Monday, I am off to see the iconic Balletto Teatro di Milano with its wonderful dancers in action, performing A Midsummer Night's Dream. I'm so excited to experience this rendition of one of my favourite classic ballet stories in the stunning Teatro degli Arcimboldi and, of course, I'll be documenting my adventure here on the blog, for you to see.
Of course, any trip to Milan wouldn't be complete without a spot of shopping, and Milan is an absolute haven for all things fashion! From Via Monte Napoleone, a glamorous street lined with high-end boutiques, to the independent designers’ shops tucked away in the charming alleyways, I'm in a bit of a fashion frenzy. Every store is like stepping into a fairytale, with beautiful window displays and endless aisles of designer clothes, shoes and handbags. It’s such a treat!
The best thing about Milan is how easy it is to get around by public transport! I've been happily exploring the city on trams and buses, feeling like a true Italian! The public transport is super-efficient and the best part, so affordable, leaving me more money to splurge on a new pink tutu, which of course I did.
It's moments like these, surrounded by beautiful architecture, indulging in decadent pastries, and soaking in the magical energy of this incredible city that I feel so blessed. To be a ballet blogger, to travel the world, to share my passion for the beautiful world of dance with all of you, truly makes my heart sing!
Remember, the world is our stage, darlings, and every day is an opportunity to dance. So, grab your favourite tutu (the pinker, the better!), put on a smile, and embrace life’s little pirouettes.
Ciao for now, Emma
Pink-tutu.com - Because the world needs more pink tutus
P.S. Did you know that it's World Environment Day today? I'm passionate about taking care of our planet, and this day is all about inspiring us to celebrate our Earth. I'm thinking of finding a green-themed tutu to wear tomorrow! Perhaps with a bit of sparkle, as nothing should be without a touch of glitz. What do you think, darlings?
P.P.S. Please, let me know in the comments what you would wear to the Teatro alla Scala – what kind of tutu, what style, what colour, I’d love to know!
