It is absorbing to compare the decoration of individual gondolas. The gondoliers can express their individuality in many ways.
Take a close look at a few next time you have a chance. What at first glance will appear to be a fairly uniform group of craft is anything but.
If you were going to have a ride on a gondola, wouldn’t this first one be a good choice?
So very elegant
The cushion had a subtle Venetian lion on it.
"San Sebastian" and a lion
And, on another nearby gondola:
I wonder if this was made in the Foundry Valese?
Small wonder that gondolas are regarded by many as a romantic craft.
Do you ride them often? I did – once only – it was lovely.
Same here, only once, when Lynda came over from Montreal.
Lovely photos and wonderful attention to detail Yvonne!
Hi, Susie (and Mark). Maybe I’ll ignore the pissotte next time and concentrate on these beautiful boats? How are you? Busy, I expect. Ciao.
Collecting gondola photos would be wonderful!
Mark says “Ciao”. We are still missing Venice and re-entry is difficult, sigh.
Have you got your return planned yet, Susie?
It is amazing indeed how different they are. Maybe I can concentrate on them in November….who knows?
You definitely wouldn’t run out of subject matter, Michelle.
Well, you know I can give you good tips on gondolas… And gondoliers!
You’re absolutely right, Maya. But, even with your recommendation, I never did meet your friends!
Yvonne, did you ever see the gondola with Buddha on? I keep looking, not found him yet….
Kathleen, I did look, but never spotted it. Next time … or, you in March.
There are supposed to be about 500 gondolas in Venice, so it could take a while, Kathleen. It is difficult to be sure of the correct terminology for those decorative metal parts. Some people say that they are part of the parecio, others that they are the parecio and others say that they are not part of the parecio. Certain patterns have specific names – cavalluccio marino in ottone or cavai, (brass sea-horse) and sirenette marine mitologiche da gondola (mermaids). Ask a question in Venice – get three answers.
Yes, Yvonne! Next trip concentrate on the beautiful gondolas. (or is that gondole? LOL)
“You say gondole, I say gondolas … let’s call the whole thing off”
Have a look at this, it made me laugh!
http://iheartjimmy.wordpress.com/2010/02/27/potato-potahto/