Ciao Bella!
This week has been one for the diary – Milan, you gorgeous city, you really did live up to your hype. I landed on Tuesday feeling a little apprehensive as this was my first trip to Italy and the energy was seriously buzzing. The Italian charm hit me like a thunderbolt as soon as I arrived; the sleek modern airport with its stunning glass architecture and the flurry of elegant Italian people zipping past in their chic outfits was truly inspirational!
Of course, a visit to Milan isn't complete without embracing its love of fashion. So I made a beeline to the Duomo – an incredible architectural wonder with enough intricate carvings to fill a whole museum - where the streets are just brimming with boutiques and designers' shops. The pink tutu was practically demanding a photoshoot against the grandeur of the cathedral. I felt like a ballerina princess on a shopping mission, so obviously, a tutu selfie was a must!
A Dance with The Big Ballet
The main reason for my trip was the chance to see The Big Ballet - a breath-taking spectacle combining professional dancers and a symphony orchestra playing live. Held at Teatro degli Arcimboldi - a huge futuristic opera house in the heart of the city - the performance was magical. Seeing Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’ performed by such talented artists with its romantic costumes, elegant movement and powerful emotions was just utterly unforgettable. Afterwards, I was even luckier to grab a few photos with the beautiful ballerinas!
Shopping Splurges and Hidden Gems
Shopping in Milan was an adventure in itself. I indulged in the famous leather handbags at Gucci and got my dose of Prada, and even scored a cute little pair of ballet flats at a small shop down a hidden cobbled alley. You know I'm a sucker for a little bargain! Oh, and how could I forget? I managed to snag a vintage pink tutu in a fabulous little vintage shop on Via Dante. It’s a soft shade of blush pink, so of course, I’ll be writing a whole blog post dedicated to it next week!
A Journey by Tram
Of course, no Milan trip would be complete without a jaunt on the iconic trams. I've always been a big fan of public transport, especially vintage trams, so hopping on the tram was a definite highlight! Milan's tram network is wonderfully efficient and allowed me to see the city in a way that would have been impossible on foot.
Teatro alla Scala – a Vision of Grandeur
Thursday was another exciting day – it was time for a visit to the legendary Teatro alla Scala. This beautiful opera house, known worldwide for its stunning architecture, history, and impressive acoustics, is simply awe-inspiring. The red velvet seats and intricate gilded details made me feel like I was stepping back in time, it was an experience like no other. And of course, I just had to grab a picture with the beautiful dancers outside for my Insta feed. It was the perfect touch to this already incredible trip!
Food and the Spirit of Milan
Now, no journey to Italy is complete without an indulgent foodie adventure! I dined like a queen at the Michelin-starred Ristorante Trussardi alla Scala - a beautiful restaurant located in a stunningly restored 18th-century building. The menu was an explosion of Italian flavours, each dish an exquisite work of art. I particularly loved the pasta dishes. Their flavours were truly unforgettable. And then there were the desserts! Each was presented as an artistic creation, with stunning decorations, like edible flower arrangements and tiny artistic chocolates.
But I also enjoyed simple delights: from the mouth-watering pizza on a side street to the creamy gelato served at the local café. My absolute favourite was a classic Neapolitan gelato; the smooth creamy texture with the fresh, fruity flavours really hit the spot.
Milan truly has a special energy, a vibrant, pulsing heart. There's a captivating mix of classic and contemporary style, bustling city life, and charming historic areas. But beyond the fashion and architecture, what impressed me the most was the spirit of the city – a warm, friendly welcome, a passion for the finer things in life, and a joyful appreciation for the beautiful moments that life throws our way.
Looking Forward
Well, that’s it from Milan for this week, folks! I can't wait to share my next adventure with you. It’s a secret location, and it involves a touch of magic and plenty of sparkle. I promise, you're not going to want to miss it!
Until next time, remember, wear your tutu with pride, embrace the joy of dance, and always remember that the best adventures are often the unexpected ones!
And don’t forget, you can catch up on all my adventures over at www.pink-tutu.com! I'll be back next week, full of stories, so don’t miss it!
Ciao Bella!
xx Emma
