Ciao Bella!
It's Emma here, back with another instalment from my fabulous Milan adventures! It feels like just yesterday I was stepping off the train at Milano Centrale, my pink tutu fluttering excitedly as I breathed in the aroma of Italian coffee and freshly baked pastries. But now, nearly a week in, I’m already feeling right at home, swirling through the cobbled streets of this glamorous city.
I’ve been having a whirlwind of a time exploring the cultural offerings here. Of course, my favourite pursuit remains the pursuit of all things dance – the Teatro alla Scala is practically calling to me, promising evenings of pure, breathtaking beauty. I caught a stunning production of Swan Lake last night – I can’t even describe the level of artistry, it really was otherworldly. You should know I do not recommend arriving just five minutes before the performance as I did (traffic, my darling, is not for the faint-hearted). Luckily, I somehow managed to still snag my spot in the third row - I felt like I was practically onstage with the dancers! The air was electric, filled with the passionate spirit of ballet that leaves you utterly spellbound.
Speaking of spellbinding, I’ve discovered the most enchanting ballet school nestled in the heart of the city. It’s a haven for all things tutus, a haven where grace and elegance are nurtured in every step. It’s just so delightful to watch aspiring ballerinas hone their skills, their tutus shimmering like a cloud of delicate pink blossoms. This city just feels tailor-made for tutu-wearing. Honestly, everyone should embrace the pink tutu, they’re so versatile – just add a few sparkling brooches and you’re ready for an opera, or a walk through the gardens of Villa Reale.
After the ballet, my quest for fashionable delights continued. This city truly is a shopping haven! From chic boutiques to street markets bursting with local crafts, the sheer variety of styles is enough to make any girl’s head spin. Yesterday, I stumbled upon the most divine shop - all velvet, lace, and vintage charm. I walked out with a delightful, hand-stitched bolero adorned with delicate black beads. It will look simply divine over a white lace dress. Or maybe even over a pink tutu - it is Milan after all!
I am absolutely loving the city’s vibe – from the elegant café culture (the cappuccino is like a dream!) to the laughter echoing through the bustling streets, it’s truly intoxicating. I’m convinced this place has a secret ingredient: maybe it’s the Italian sunlight, maybe it’s the exquisite pasta, maybe it’s the fact that there’s a perfect bakery on every corner! Whatever it is, it’s making me want to dance even more than usual.
Of course, my travels would be incomplete without exploring the local culinary scene. You know I love trying all sorts of food, and Milan is a gourmand's paradise! The city has it all, from traditional pasta dishes to artisanal gelato, pizza to a variety of the finest wines, cheeses, and cured meats imaginable. This morning, I had a breakfast that still sends tingles down my spine – freshly baked croissant (oh the buttery goodness!) with a frothy cappuccino and a delicate fruit tart for good measure. You wouldn’t believe how perfectly everything paired, as if each bite was meant to be enjoyed in this very moment, in this very city. It was almost magical.
Speaking of magical, I was mesmerized by the Duomo – oh, it's breathtaking! The marble façade shimmers in the sunlight, and each intricate detail whispers stories of a glorious past. The ornate spires pierce the sky, drawing your eyes upwards, leaving you feeling dwarfed and humbled by its majestic beauty. To top it off, the views from the top of the Duomo are simply awe-inspiring. You can see the entire city, the rooftops spread out like a sprawling jigsaw puzzle of red terracotta and golden sunlight.
Today, however, I decided to escape the bustle and spend a tranquil morning in the beautiful Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli. It’s like an oasis in the city, full of shady paths lined with trees, colourful flowerbeds, and statues, even a charming pond with swans gliding serenely. A few kids were practicing their ballet moves in the open-air space, their enthusiasm bubbling over. There’s truly nothing like the sheer joy of a child discovering the beauty of dance. It reminds me why I love ballet so much, why I want to spread its joy to every corner of the world, even convincing everyone to don a pink tutu! (Don’t worry, it’s more about the playful energy than anything else. If you can’t embrace a pink tutu, well, then I say find your own form of graceful movement and go for it.)
Speaking of movement, I found myself walking to the central station with a mischievous glint in my eye. A little known fact: the most convenient way to get around Milan is not by car, but by its fabulous tram system! You can see all the highlights from the tram windows while enjoying a view that just whisks you away to a land of beautiful architecture and charming cityscapes. And best of all, a quick, comfy, cheap, and fun journey! Plus, when you need to catch the next train for my next adventure, it’s all right there. I love how efficient it all is, how it fits perfectly into the overall picture of elegant, stylish, and utterly alluring Milan.
After all, life's too short for stuffy commutes and beige sweaters. It’s all about embracing the magic and wonder of life, spreading that vibrant energy, and yes, maybe even making the world a little bit pinker one tutu at a time!
Oh, and speaking of pink, if you follow my Instagram (@pinktutublogger) you can see the photos of all these pink tutu creations I’ve found here – everything from exquisite tutus from the opera to pink tutu-inspired pastries to those adorable pink tutu-themed baby carriages! You guys know I love sharing my adventures, and you can bet I’ll keep on finding new ways to make my little pink tutu take on the world, one step at a time!
Until next week,
Lots of love,
Emma
*p.s. For all of you wondering, it’s still a bit early to enjoy the traditional Milanese Panettone (even if it’s already showing up in bakery windows – who could resist those glistening grapes!). However, I will certainly be picking one up once we are a little closer to the holiday. *
*p.p.s Don’t forget to check out my new pink tutu-themed cookbook! I’ve shared all my favourite pink-tastic recipes in this latest edition of “Pink Tutu Bites.” And you won’t believe it, it even has some delicious Italian recipes, so you can try some of the delights of Milan at home! *
