Ciao, darlings!
It's Emma here, your friendly neighbourhood Pink Tutu blogger, back from a whirlwind week in Milan. You guys, it was absolute magic! And, trust me, I say that a lot, but this time, it truly was. It was just so… Milanese! Think vibrant street style, charming trams rattling through cobblestone streets, delectable gelato, and an air of effortless elegance that simply exudes from every corner. And, oh my, the ballet! But let me take you back to the beginning, because where would I be without a little bit of pink tutu reminiscing, right?
This week, Pink Tutu travelled by train. You know how much I adore a good train journey, and the journey from my Derbyshire home was just so picturesque. Rolling green hills, quaint little villages, and the promise of adventure! And trust me, there's nothing quite like arriving in Milan with a sparkle in your eyes and a pink tutu ready to conquer.
My Milan adventures began on the Tuesday, with a leisurely walk through Brera, an artistic haven where cobblestone streets wind past quaint cafes, buzzing boutiques, and beautiful piazzas filled with local life. My pink tutu definitely got some attention here - I even saw a group of young street artists drawing a portrait of a woman in a tutu, just like mine! How delightful, don’t you think?
The shopping, oh my, the shopping! Let’s be honest, I don’t need an excuse to go shopping. But in Milan? The possibilities were endless. I indulged in the finest silks at Emilio Pucci, found the perfect little pink dress for a special evening out at Max Mara, and spent a little too much at the Gucci store (ahem, it’s just a wardrobe essential, right?). It really was a day for discovering exquisite fabrics, sleek designs, and, of course, the perfect pink pieces to complete my Milanese ensemble.
As much as I adore shopping, Milan wouldn't be the same without the ballet. This Wednesday, I finally got to see La Scala, the most famous opera house in Italy and possibly the world. The building itself is a work of art, a grand neoclassical masterpiece adorned with elaborate sculptures. We saw La Traviata, a classic Italian opera. You know I’m a big fan of storytelling in ballet, and the way the music and the choreography combined was just magical.
But let’s talk about the food. My oh my! Milan is a foodie's paradise! I ate my weight in risotto, pasta, and pizza. But the true highlight was, of course, gelato. I tried every flavour under the sun, from creamy pistachio to tangy lemon, and of course, rose, my all-time favourite! Every scoop was like a little taste of heaven.
Speaking of heavenly experiences, Friday brought me face to face with Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper. The impact of seeing this masterpiece, recreated by da Vinci himself in a small refectory in Santa Maria delle Grazie, left me speechless. The light, the detail, the emotions... The sheer skill of the man is breathtaking!
Saturday saw me in the heart of Navigli, a vibrant canal district where you can find independent boutiques, bustling bars, and charming canal-side cafes. It's a wonderfully bohemian area, brimming with character and life, a perfect spot for a pink tutu stroll to be enjoyed amidst a charming, eclectic atmosphere. This is a place to wander, let the creativity of Milan wash over you, and soak up the energy of this captivating city.
And finally, a perfect Sunday was spent at the Castello Sforzesco, a historical fortress at the centre of Milan. I lost myself in the breathtaking grandeur of this grand old structure and explored the various museums within its walls, each revealing a different slice of history.
From captivating dance to stunning art and delectable food, my week in Milan was filled to the brim with memories and discoveries. But Milan was about more than just landmarks and experiences. It was about feeling the warmth of Italian hospitality, absorbing the creative energy of a city overflowing with artistic spirit, and letting myself be swept away by the unforgettable charm of Milan.
I’ll be honest, I had a little pink tutu twirl of excitement as I caught my train back to England. And you guys? It only confirmed my love of this amazing city! I can't wait to visit again soon. But until then, stay twirling and stay fabulous, darlings.
P.S. Did you know that Milan has its own pink ballet company called 'Balletrosa'. I’m dying to see them dance! Perhaps you could join me on my next Milan adventure? I think my pink tutu will love the extra company!
Love,
Emma
xxx
