Kerry and Kristin's trip to Europe

Buongiorno! (for the last time unfortunately...)
Today marked our last day in the absolutely beautiful and culture-enriched country of Italy. Both of us are sad to leave, but are happy with what we have been able to see/do and the experiences and memories that have come with the first third of our trip.
Our day today in Milan consisted of lots of walking, shopping, and stops for cold beverages. Milan is known as the shopping/fashion capital of Italy (and in some cases, all of Europe), so we definitely could not pass up a day at the outdoor mall(s). Though we won't disclose the amount we spent (more so for the sake and sanity of our parents), both of us stayed within a fairly reasonable budget and are able to walk away with at least a touch of European flare to our wardrobes! It was very hot though, easily 35°C in the sun, so we were in and out of stores, more so just to get inside where it was air conditioned, and made a few stops for a cold drink.
We also went out to the train station to figure out our ride for tomorrow (to Geneva, Switzerland), which is leaving at 8:25am. We stopped at the post office on our way out, hoping to get some of our postcards on their way, but there was a huge line up. We love all of you, but not enough to stand in the stuffy portable building for 45 minutes...all that to say, you may have to wait a bit longer to get them!
We are planning on going out for a decent meal tonight, being our last night in Italy. And then of course, followed by our last Italian gelato! Hope all is well with everyone back home, and we plan on writing again once we're in Geneva tomorrow.
CIAO!!!!
Kare & Kristin

Buonosera!
Well there isn't much to report, however I'm sure you'll be glad to hear that we have arrived in Milan safe and sound! We had an early start to the day, waking up at 8:30 and heading out to th Santa Lucia Station in Venice to catch our train to Milan at 10:22.
It only took us a few moments to make reservations for seats and climb on board, and soon we were well on our way to our final Italian destination. We arrived in Milan at around 1:45pm, and we were able to find the bus wee needed to get to our hostel soon there after. With a little help from our trusty phrasebook and our kind bus driver, we found our stop at Piazzale Susa and found our stay, Hotel Medusa, almost immediately. After checking-in and dropping our bags, Kristin and I went out to do a bit of exploring. We found a wonderful local market and a nearby internet cafe (where I am writing this very entry). Tonight we don't have any major sight seeing planned, we just want to keep it low key and get a goodnight's sleep so that we will be well rested for a full day of sighseeing and shopping etc... tomorrow!
Miss you all!
Arrivederci!
Love Kristin and Kare

Well, we don't have much to update you on -- Last night we had another relaxing evening, playing card games with some fellow Canadian travellers staying with us. Today has been pretty uneventful; were able to sleep in a bit (which was a nice change!), write some postcards and do some journalling. We are planning on visiting the local market again this afternoon when it re-opens at 3:30, and then possibly heading back into Venice for part of the evening for a bit more sightseeing and souvenier shopping. We are planning on catching the 10:22 train tomorrow morning to Milan, and so hopefully will be able to write again once we get to our next hostel. Ciao for now!
Love Kristin & Kare

Today was our first full day in Venice. We hopped over to the local market this morning and picked up some fresh pasta, pesto sauce, and tirramissu, to cook our own dinner tonight in the common kitchen. We also, to much of our delight, were able to throw in a load of laundry. However, as delightful as clean clothes may be, they were not only clean, but a completely different colour when they came out. boo. Somehow, almost every article of clothing we put in came out in a new shade of blue/grey. A little frustrating to say the least. But on the bright side, we (or our clothes) no longer smell like we've been living out of a backpack for a week!
We spent a little bit of time soaking up some rays on our patio, and then caught the bus to head into Venice. Wanting to observe as much of Venice as possible, we had decided to take the water bus around some of the Great Canal. We were at the front of the line for the next water bus and as it pulled up, we heard a friendly and familiar "hey!" from on the boat. It was the couple from Toronto we had sat with on the train yesterday. We joined them on the boat, and then spent the next couple of hours with them walking around the city. We went our own ways mid-afternoon, grabbed a bite to eat, and sat on the steps of Santa Lucia piazza. After a bit more of wandering, we caught the bus back to our hostel. We just got here and thought we'd write before we begin cooking our dinner. Miss you and talk to you later.
Ciao!
Love Kare and Kristin