Ciao, darlings! Emma here, your trusty pink tutu-wearing correspondent, beaming back at you from the glamorous streets of Milan. As the sun dips below the Alps, painting the city in hues of warm orange and rose, I can't help but feel a surge of pure, pinktastic joy.
This week, dear readers, is all about Milan. And I'm not just talking about the delectable pastries (though, let's be honest, those are a major highlight). No, I'm talking about the heart of Italian fashion, the epicentre of artistry, a place where elegance and style dance hand-in-hand.
Remember how I said I funded my travels by performing? Well, this week, it was the iconic Teatro alla Scala. Yes, you read that right! The famed Milanese opera house became my stage for a week, and the crowd went wild! (It definitely helps when you're in a pink tutu, they do seem to love that). The standing ovation was so long, I swear the spotlight started to sweat. But all in good fun, of course!
So, after taking a little bow for the appreciative Milanese audience, I embarked on a delightful tour of this beautiful city. I started with a visit to the Teatro alla Scala, which is truly awe-inspiring! The golden interiors, the plush velvet seats, the history oozing from every wall - it felt like a dream. I imagined the ghosts of operas past flitting through the shadows, whispers of arias echoing in the air. I, of course, made sure to slip on a pink tutu in the grandeur of the theater before the ballet show - well, I couldn't not, could I?
Afterwards, it was onto the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an extravagant shopping arcade brimming with boutiques and luxury stores. Oh, the shoes! The bags! The dresses! And all those shimmering chandeliers! My eyes were wide with delight. I can see why people come from far and wide just to soak up the atmosphere of this exquisite, light-filled space.
Speaking of lights, they weren't as impressive as the ones adorning the grand facade of Milan's Duomo - such stunning architecture! Imagine: a cathedral built over centuries, adorned with elaborate sculptures and intricate details. The marble shimmered under the sun, a masterpiece in its own right. I found a tiny little café near the Duomo and sat sipping espresso while watching the hustle and bustle of Milan unfold before my eyes.
It was a fascinating mix of fashion-conscious shoppers, chattering businessmen, and, of course, tourists like me, awestruck by the grandeur of the city. A charming young artist even attempted to sketch me in my pink tutu! He seemed rather intrigued, bless his soul! He gave me a lovely charcoal portrait which is hanging on my bedroom wall now, along with all the other treasures I pick up from my adventures.
You might be thinking, Emma, isn't Milan all about fashion and opulence? And while you’re right, that's a part of it, there's also a surprising amount of greenery hidden amongst the city’s glamour. On Thursday, I ventured into Parco Sempione, a sprawling oasis right in the heart of Milan. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing walk, enjoying a picnic under the shade of a tree, or even a little pirouette in my pink tutu. And trust me, nobody bats an eyelid at a pink tutu here, especially amongst the flowers and the bright blue sky!
But hold on, there’s more! This time around, I took advantage of the glorious Milan tram network and ventured out to discover more hidden treasures. I mean, you can't explore a city as beautiful as Milan without enjoying the thrill of zipping through its charming streets in a quaint tram. I’ll be posting photos of that journey later in the week. It felt like stepping into a classic Italian film!
To end the week on a sweet note, I enjoyed a delightful pasta dinner at Trattoria Massimiliano, a cozy family-run trattoria where the food was truly exceptional. And you guessed it - they even made my evening by accommodating my request for a special pink dessert – raspberry mousse. It felt almost like fate that they had my favorite dessert. Maybe that’s what Milan is all about: it's all about serendipity. You find unexpected delights everywhere you turn, even when all you want is to fill your stomach with scrumptious pink goodness.
Overall, this week in Milan was an absolute whirlwind of fashion, art, culture, and a touch of pure pink magic! I learned so much, discovered hidden gems, and fell even deeper in love with this enchanting city. I can’t wait to share the next stage of my Italian adventures with you. Be sure to check in next week for more pinktastic happenings from my little slice of Italian paradise!
As always, dear readers, stay fabulous, embrace your inner pink tutu, and spread joy wherever you go!
With love and twirls,
Emma xoxo
*P.S. Don't forget to follow my pinktastic journey on www.pink-tutu.com and follow my instagram account @pinktutublogger for more regular updates! *
