Gondoliers on a break - Gondolas first appeared around 1500 years ago and today there are approximately 400 in Venice. Maybe not the oldest profession in the world (get your mind out of the Venetian canals), but this coveted profession is passed down from father to son. To become a gondolier you must pass an extensive exam, master one foreign language, know venetian history and art, pass multiple rowing exams, be an apprentice and then wait for a license to become available when another gondolier retires. Oh! and look good in stripes.
"We do not remember days, we remember moments." Cesaare Pavese
Wow moments in Venice
We arrived in Venice by train, and with the help of our guidebook we easily navigated our way by vaparetto to our hotel stop. Venice was our favorite city of the entire trip. Streets are water and boats are the only traffic on this wonderful island. No cars allowed. We rowed a boat (Batela coda di gambero) down the grand canal, and rode a boat (gondola) serenaded by Italian singers all in the same day.
We got up early and watched the gorgeous Venetian sunrise. We met local vendors setting up their shops and city workers sweeping the streets. Seeing this city "wake up" is an unforgettable way to experience Venice.
We also began a strict regiment of daily gelato consumption. It was a tough adjustment but some things are worth it.
TIP: Don't go for the fluffy gelato - it's all air! Look for the places where it is made fresh. Every flavor is worth a try and with all the walking, you can justify a double scoop!
Getting "lost" is the best way to enjoy Venice. Take your camera and wander. You can always find your way back by looking up at the signs! As Rick taught us, it's an island, you can only go so far. If you get to water, turn around and go the other way.
During an afternoon of free time, we ventured out of the tourist areas. Jamie found a Gondola rowing lesson. It was A-MA-ZING!!! We had even more admiration for the gondoliers as rowing is much harder than it looks! (Although going backwards and in circles wasn't too hard). Luckily neither one of us ended up in the water.
Italian word/phrase of the day: Batela coda di gambero - A batela is a traditional venetian flat bottom cargo boat. Coda di gambero means shrimp tail.
NOM NOM NOM
Get a sneak peek at the fish market first thing in the morning.