Gondolas and Gondoliers

There are said to be just over 400 gondolas in use now compared to about 10,000 in the late nineteenth century before all the bridges were built. Then the gondolas acted as ferries between one island and another.

Some of the gondolas are very ornate, many had what I would class as dining chairs for seats!

Getting in and out of them was no mean feat.

These acted as stepping stones for this chap as he tried to get to dry land.

Aha I have just found another possible cause of damage to the walls!

Is this a gondola park and if so where are the dreaded parking attendants

The Gondoliers seemed quite willing to pose for the camera.

Well most of them that is.

Awaiting customers or a lunch break?

A bevy of Gondoliers.

This passed us as we were sat drinking near the Rialto bridge. It was going at a fair speed and the wash gave the smaller craft a bumpy ride.

This ambulance was out early, again on the Grand canal, as we were on the water bus on way to the airport.

No this is not a newer version of a gondola it was our private cruiser for the w/e.

Roads and waterways of Venice

This was our hotel - a member of the Best Western group. The staff were friendly and very helpful and the hotel was so clean I am sure you could eat off the floor (although I didn't try!!)

Breakfast was as much as you could eat and drink, the only problem being that on the second morning we had to leave at 6am before breakfast started!

Outside our window was a narrow canal used by the gondolas and small boats.

This was a small waterway off the Grand Canal.

It did seem strange to see canals instead of roads.

The Grand Canal became rather busy at times and it seemed like a free for all. The only rule on the canals was with regard to the speed - 4.5mph for private craft and 7mph for the public water buses, in the narrower canals the limit was 3mph. The only exception was for emergency craft.

Even the smaller canals became congested.

The actual walkways were very narrow and didn't see much sunlight.

I wonder if they have problems with parking near to their property!

No problem here - step out of the door into the boat.

Many of the buildings seem to be in a poor state of repair. Apart from the obvious problem of wave damage they also have to consider the damp and high salt content of the air. Only porous stucco may be used for renovation as anything else tends to fall off in sheets after a few weeks.

Venice

Thanks to Anya we have just spent the most fabulous weekend in Venice.

I have taken hundreds of photos and it will take me a while to sort them so for now will just put my first few on here. We arrived late Saturday afternoon and after the shuttle bus from the airport we donned our flippers and took to the canals of Venice. No cars etc just the water buses and taxis, we sailed up the Grand Canal on way to the hotel.

Side Street - oops sorry side canal!!

After checking in we retired to the banks of the Grand Canal under the Rialto Bridge to sample the err - crisps!?

Cheers Anya and thanks a million for making this holiday so special.

On the bug trail again.

I do know that you are supposed to focus on the eyes of any subject - but - I rest my case!!!

They were so engrossed I certainly wasn't asking them to turn around for me.

Summer hols - sunny Knott End on Sea!

Spent a relaxing w/e at the van in Knott End. We managed one day without rain so made the most of it and went for a long walk. We ended up on the beach (yes folks the beach!) walking towards Blackpool.

Couldn't find any valuables on this wreck! If you look in the background you may be able to see Blackpool Tower.

Ferry waiting at Fleetwood for the tide to change.

The sky was lovely but unfortunately only had my compact camera with me so these shots don't really do it justice.

Beach looking back towards Knott End.

Our retirement cottage - now just have to wait for it going on sale.

The common wasp - Vespula vulgaris

Went in the garden hunting for bugs today but didn't need to go far to find these horrors! Each year they chomp their way through all the wind fall apples. I kid myself thinking I am leaving them for the birds to eat but in reality the wasps eat the most!

How many wasps can fit into an apple?

No wasps were harmed in the taking of these photos but more importantly no humans were stung!

Laura and Adele - part 2

Although these four shots have not been air brushed I am learning how to do it so if anyone wants the wrinkles removed without the botox I am willing to have a try!!!!!