Thursday 28 August 2008

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.




2 comments:

Anya and Lisa said...

I love your fourth photo, it is definitely the best so far.. photo of the week material??? or are there better ones??
Ax

Anya and Lisa said...

ps... I am glad you are finally reading the guide book