Gondola ride in Venice

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Photo by Sherry Ott

Gondoliers maneuvering their sleek, black gondolas are the symbol of Venice; the canals are like veins carrying blood to the heart (Rialto Bridge). Much like being a NYC taxi driver, it’s not easy to become a Venice Gondolier. The boat is expensive, but even more troublesome is that there are only a few (aprox. 400) licenses provided. You must pass a test to even have a chance of getting your license, but very few new licenses are given. They mainly go to men and they mainly are passed down through a family.

On this trip I was able to do a little first hand research of the gondoliers. I took a ride for 20 minutes around the canals and was serenaded by my gondolier, Little John, who also periodically blew me kisses. I of course loved him. I watched as he knew just the right time to push off the wall with his foot ensuring we would make it around the corner, while not missing a beat in the tune he was singing. Gliding through the canals was a peaceful dream and I’m glad I did it at least once in my lifetime.

Read more on Sherry's blog.

Written by  Sherry Ott.

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