Wednesday 30th August 2023
Hello my gorgeous tutu-loving friends! 🎀✨
It's Emma here, writing to you from the magical city of Milan! As you know, this week is all about the fabulous city of fashion and art - and you just know this Pink Tutu princess is ready to explore every single fabulous corner.
I arrived last night, travelling on the sleek and modern Italian trains, which, if I may say, are much more stylish than those I'm used to back home in Derbyshire. They have this chic and comfy vibe, which is the perfect start to my Milan adventures.
Day 1: Arriving in Milan's Heart
You guys, Milan is a whole vibe, let me tell you. From the moment I stepped out of the station, the energy was just incredible. People in exquisite clothes bustling about, stylish cafes bursting with chatter, and a sense of creativity that literally hums in the air. I swear, you can practically feel the style swirling around you.
I hopped on the tram – yes, a charming tram! – and felt myself transported straight to the heart of Milan, where my lovely hotel awaited. It’s a real beauty too – all marble and plush fabrics – very glamorous! It even had the sweetest little courtyard with a cascading fountain. I mean, how darling!
Once settled in, it was time to explore. Now, being the ballet fanatic that I am, I headed straight to the Teatro alla Scala, or "La Scala" as the locals call it. Just looking at it makes you feel a million things – grandeur, elegance, tradition. It’s truly an iconic building, the very soul of the city, and walking past it sends a tingle right down to my tutu-clad toes! It felt like a dream come true just being near the world’s most famous opera house.
Tutus & Tapas at The Chicest Street in Milan
As evening approached, I found myself on Via Montenapoleone, the crème de la crème of Milanese shopping. This street is bursting with the world’s most exclusive brands. And of course, I had to stop for a quick photoshoot in my favourite pink tutu, complete with some stylish window shopping, just so I could feel those famous Italian vibes! I love the way everyone in Milan embraces fashion – from the top-to-toe haute couture on display to the chicest street-style ensembles. It’s truly inspiring!
Of course, a bit of tapas were on the menu this evening – a lovely tapas restaurant with cobblestone streets right by my hotel, it just felt very European! The wine was crisp, the atmosphere vibrant and I sipped, nibbled and people watched until late. What a magical first day in Milan.
Day 2: Ballet Dreams in the Heart of the City
And speaking of ballet, Milan does not disappoint in that department either.
Today was ballet day. This morning I went to the “Teatro Strehler” – it's this beautiful, intimate theatre, hidden amongst the city’s charming backstreets. They're doing this fascinating production of a ballet "The Taming of the Shrew". You know I have to get those tutu-inspired fashion moments captured – so be prepared for some fabulous ballet shots coming your way! I think my fellow tutus would appreciate a bit of "ballet culture", it’s the little things, right?
A Lunch Time Italian Feast & The Power of Shopping
And what better way to refuel after a morning of ballet than with a delicious Italian lunch. The food is so good! You guys, they know their food. I chose a tiny but stylish little place nestled on a street adorned with fragrant orange trees. I had the most incredible creamy pasta – the taste was just like heaven. And don’t get me started on the coffee – it's so much better than back home, it truly makes me feel alive!
The afternoon was for exploring Milan’s beautiful streets. The Duomo, it's quite an architectural wonder! That Duomo is something special – just towering above the city, it's quite stunning, you just have to see it. I walked its streets with an endless fascination – taking it all in! The atmosphere is buzzing, the food is a joy and, the fashion, well, let’s just say it’s all around us, the entire city seems to have its own catwalk going on! I love to dress up when I travel and you can truly see the fun everyone has here embracing their own style. Even the dogs in Milan have the most fashionable accessories. How fabulous is that?!
Dress Shopping with my Girlfriends
You know, sometimes even a tutu loving ballet princess needs to embrace a bit of glamorous dress shopping. Especially in Milan.
After a quick espresso at the cutest café - they had pink tutus hanging in the window! (Of course I posed for a photo! 😉), it was off to Milan’s designer district, where we found the most exquisite dresses. It was a girls' day out with two of my amazing girlfriends – Sophie and Zara – and it was the perfect end to an already perfect day. Just imagine – tutus, coffee, beautiful dresses, delicious food – and two of the most incredible friends – It doesn't get much better than that! We decided to indulge in some of Milan’s world-famous gelato – and trust me, the taste was beyond divine.
Sunset Hues in a Garden of Beauty
When evening finally came, we took a stroll through the Parco Sempione. This lush park, filled with beautiful trees and blooming flowers, just radiates tranquility and beauty. The air smelled so sweet, we could smell the nearby rose gardens and everything seemed bathed in golden evening light, like a dream. I had my pink tutu with me – what else! – we even found some beautiful flower bouquets on our walk which added even more to my twirling around and creating that "Pink Tutu Princess" moment. You can’t tell me the flowers in Milan aren’t stunning! I can see myself making some really beautiful arrangements with my pink tutu – that will be the next post – watch this space!
Milan, a Place that Captivates and Inspires
So there you have it! My first two days in the beautiful city of Milan. And you know what? Milan is a place where the energy feels electric – I swear the cobblestones have their own beat. From the captivating architecture to the lively street culture and, oh, let's not forget that legendary Milanese style! It is an atmosphere that both captures and inspires you, and I just know I'm going to love spending my time exploring its treasures.
Speaking of treasures – remember how I said I fund my travel with ballet performances? Well, my next gig is a ballet charity show in the stunning Castello Sforzesco – a huge Gothic castle! Just imagine the backdrop for the dancing, just like a scene from my tutu-loving dreams!
But until next week’s blog – I have lots of exciting experiences ahead of me! Don't miss a single post.
And you know, let’s take it all in with style, shall we? Don't be shy - share your love for Milan (and, of course, tutus!), with your friends using the hashtag #PinkTutuMilan! I'm excited to see your posts!
Ciao, for now, my dearest friends!
Love,
Emma 🩰🎀
P.S. If you’re planning your own Milan adventure, remember that little tip I gave earlier – you really have to grab yourself some of that amazing Italian gelato. Trust me, it's the most delightful little treat after a day of tutus, shopping and dancing.
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