Ciao Bella!
It’s Emma here, back from the magical city of Milan for another instalment of the Pink Tutu travels! I've finally found some time to share with you the latest adventures of a pink-tutu-clad, ballet-loving girl. I've spent the past week soaking up the Italian atmosphere, and you just won't believe the incredible things I've experienced!
But first, a confession: I arrived in Milan just as a chilly breeze swept through the city, the perfect weather for indulging in steaming mugs of hot chocolate and fluffy pastries in cosy cafes. Speaking of cafes, I must tell you about this little gem I discovered, nestled down a cobblestone alleyway. Imagine, a little nook, decorated with vintage posters of legendary ballerinas and filled with the most delicious smells. It was like stepping back in time, a haven for a ballet-obsessed girl like me.
Let's talk about my biggest obsession: ballet! This week has been a ballet wonderland. I started off with a performance at the Teatro alla Scala, the heart of Italian opera and ballet. It was a production of Sleeping Beauty, and let me tell you, it was utterly enchanting! The costumes, the choreography, the sheer energy – it left me speechless. The magic of ballet just transcends borders and languages; you feel the passion radiating from every single dancer.
But my adventures weren't limited to traditional ballet. You know how much I love a bit of ballet street? I stumbled upon a delightful group of street performers in the heart of Milan, and they totally blew my mind with their artistry. They weren't just dancing; they were telling stories with their movements, painting beautiful pictures in the air with their leaps and turns. They truly captivated the attention of the entire street, even the pigeons were mesmerized.
There's something about watching ballet out in the open, surrounded by the energy of the city. The dancers are connecting with their audience in a completely different way, making their performance even more special and engaging. It's raw, passionate, and completely enthralling!
Now, let’s dive into some fashion! I couldn't resist spending a few hours wandering through the designer boutiques along Via Monte Napoleone. It was like stepping into a candy store, but for clothes! The air was filled with the intoxicating scent of leather and the most gorgeous fabrics. My heart skipped a beat when I saw a window display bursting with pink tulle and shimmering silk. Needless to say, I had to pop in!
And how about those vintage shops tucked away in hidden corners of the city? They're a treasure trove of elegant finds. This one time I even found a vintage, silk pink tutu – talk about a steal! It was the perfect souvenir to take back home with me, a little piece of Milan to remember this extraordinary trip by.
However, my favourite thing about Milan, aside from the fabulous shopping and enchanting performances, has to be the incredible transportation system. Did I tell you about the trams? Imagine these beautiful, old trams, gleaming in the sunshine and rumbling gently through the city. They glide through the streets, taking me to all the must-see destinations, including the Castello Sforzesco and the Duomo, offering me a front-row seat to Milan's hidden gems.
But don't get me wrong, it wasn't all elegant shopping sprees and breathtaking performances. Let's be honest, I am a twenty-something ballet-mad girl with a pink tutu habit. Naturally, that means the odd mishap is bound to occur, especially when you're travelling across the continent.
Like that time I boarded the wrong tram, lost in my own little ballerina world, lost in my thoughts of tutus, leaps, and pirouettes, completely unaware of the direction I was heading in. But of course, it happened on a Friday afternoon, and I was already late for a ballet class. Luckily, a friendly Italian gentleman with a twinkle in his eye offered me a warm, delicious espresso and directed me to the correct tram, just in the nick of time. This incident wasn't a catastrophe after all; it was simply another unforgettable story from my Italian adventure.
The most remarkable part of this journey? The locals are truly lovely. They were so welcoming, helping me with directions, giving me recommendations, and even indulging my ballet talk (which, admittedly, can get quite passionate). It's the little things that really make a trip special, like someone taking the time to show you the way, or giving you a piece of delicious local chocolate!
But enough about me and my ramblings, let's talk about YOU. You, my lovely readers, have made this entire journey so much richer. Seeing your comments and emails pouring in about your own ballet experiences and pink-tutu dreams truly fuels my passion and inspires me to keep sharing my adventures. And let's face it, there’s nothing better than sharing a passion with people who truly understand and support you!
The weekend is here, and I’m already excited for all the adventures awaiting me in Milan. Maybe a stroll through the bustling Navigli canals with a steaming cup of espresso in hand, or a visit to the renowned Pinacoteca di Brera art gallery for a dose of culture and beauty. Perhaps I’ll find a hidden gem, a little boutique tucked away down a cobblestone alleyway, filled with vintage dresses and even more tutus. The possibilities are endless, and I can't wait to see where the wind will take me.
So stay tuned, darlings, as my journey in Milan continues! I promise, there will be more exciting ballet discoveries, delicious food adventures, and stunning fashion finds along the way.
Until next week,
Emma xoxo
Pink Tutu: Milan - Week of 12th December, 2018
- Teatro alla Scala – Sleeping Beauty
- Street Performance - Ballet in the City
- Fashion Shopping - Via Monte Napoleone and hidden gems
- Tram Rides – Castello Sforzesco & Duomo
- Delicious Italian Coffee & Local Treats
Pink Tutu tip of the week:
Explore beyond the tourist attractions! Step off the beaten track and discover the hidden gems of every city. You’ll be surprised at what you can find, like little cafes tucked away in charming corners, quirky art galleries showcasing local talent, and local markets filled with delicious treats. So be brave, embrace the unexpected, and see where your feet lead you. After all, the most memorable experiences often happen outside the guidebooks.
Next week’s post will be about:
A special guest ballerina appearance with her incredible story.
*Join me next Monday at www.pink-tutu.com! *
