Gondola Ride, Venice

You always subscribe to the doctrine that if you do not do it this time, the chance may not be there in future. So I ask myself, am I coming back to Venice again. The odd is not high. Am I going to miss the chance of taking a gondola ride? So I have to weight the equipoise between opportunity and money. Maybe. I had missed the chance when I was in Venetian, Las Vegas. So, I join the crowd and take this 25 euro gondola ride.

This is the starting point.

Posing before the gondola.

These are gondola mates- Three Girls from China.

"Quattro?" asked the gondolier.

We nearly forget that quattro is four in Italian language. Usually the gondola can seat max 6 persons. So it is 6 x 25 = 150 euro per gondola/40 min. Not a bad income for one hour. I was told that this profession is tightly controlled which does not allow foreigner to operate. At the moment, about 600 gondoliers are operating in Venice.

A close-up look at the gondola.

The water is not too muddy.

This bridge is always featured in post card.

One of the houses shown in the video was once occupied by Marco Polo. Do you know which one?

You might be able to recognise the following scene if you have watched the James Bond movie - Casino Royale

Now, it is my turn to occupy the single seat.

These three girls are too busy taking pictures - they may have to enjoy the beauty from the digital displays .




The gondola moves under many bridges

Time to leave the gondola. It is about 50 min ride.

You actually can find another cluster of gondola - not syndicated to travel agents.

Here, you can bargain with the gondolier. They are willing to follow the official rate which is 80 euro per gondola for six persons. Have you missed the amount that I mentioned above. Next time, you can do it yourself sans the aid of tourist guide.

The official Rate for Gondola Ride - but gondolier does not follow the table.