Italian Job... 29.06.09 - 10.57pm

Hello all!
We arrived in Venice earlier today, having to trek through the streets to find a supermarket, while Steph loitered outside the Central Station in the fading sunlight (apparently being bothered by American people).

Since Marseilles we have crossed the boarder, taking a nine-hour journey from Marseilles to Milan yesterday having enjoyed our extra day of lazing on the beaches of the med (and burning a bit).

When we got to Milan, had a tram journey and an epic circum-navigation of the city and itàs backstreets to find our hostel, to be told the receptionist had "accidentally" cancelled both our nights of accomodation. Fool of a Took! Befriending fellow Dutch hostel rejects, we went back across town on a questionably safe tram to the other end of Milan, where our new hostel, Hotel Mayorca, was to be found (THREE STARS MATEY!)

It had a shower door. THE FIRST WE HAVE ENCOUNTERED ON OUR JOURNEYS. So we enjoyed that greatly, and the hotel was very cheap for what it was (clean and not murderous). We went out for a meal in the evening and I (Andy) had a GIANT PIZZA BIGGER THAN ALL OF OUR FACES PUT TOGETHER, Steph had a pizza turnover, and Helen had a Carbonanza. We then ventured to some OH-SO-BUFF ice cream, served by a man who loved London. Yes. Big times.

Headed back to the hotel, avoided the insane localas who lunged at our ice cream, possibly trying to explain the meaning of "q" in Italian. I had an early night, apparently falling asleep before the others, and woke up at 9am. Had a free croissant. It was good. The scary man at reception would not let me take any to the room for the others. Epic fail.

While Steph did more loitering in Milan Central station (very facisty) Helen and I strapped on our intrepid socks and headed to explore Milan in all itàs massive glory. We eventually ended up in the Italian equivilent of the Glades, Bromley. There were less chavs. But still a McDonalds. How lovely. Also saw a huge Gothic cathedral, the second oldest in Europe. But unfortunately we were not allowed in as we were dressed as harlots. Apparently.

Train ride to Venice after a lunch of paninis was comfortable, and NOBODY left their wallet in the train toilet for the entire journey. Ahem.

Arrived in muggy Venice and went on the afformentioned shopping trip, finding cheap chocolate and crisps (abandoning Steph. AWHHHHH)

We then got the bus to JOLLY PLUS CAMPING (written in blood on the floor) helped by the directions of an old man. Our room is ONLY 12 euros a night and, according to Steph, our resident expert on camp cinema, looks like the setting for a Carry on Film. Her bed is hanging off the ceiling. We can fold her away when we're tired!

Have bought a stupidly cheap bottle of vino, under Steph's orders, which we will now go and drink in our caravan-from-home. Tomorrow we shall explore Venice for 11 hours, and get free (not exchanged for bras) t-shirts. Apart from me. Sad times.

LOVE
xxx