traveltales: GONDOLAS in VENICE

Wednesday, January 2, 2019

GONDOLAS in VENICE

A Must-do Activity

Before I left for Europe the first time I was determined to have a gondola ride in Venice—one of those must to do things—and I didn’t care what it cost. My travel partner felt the same way about getting to the Moulin Rouge in Paris. So we made a deal: we would accompany each other on each other’s to do list—tit for tat, if you will!

The gondoliers are all native sons and often the job is passed on from father to son. However, they all have to pass several tests, among them swimming, driving and language tests. They are easy to spot in their navy and white stripped tee shirts.

Many times of the day the canals are crowded with gondolas—of many kinds—so one of the best times for a ride is during the dinner hour when most people are eating. To be serenaded costs extra.

We hopped on a gondola one evening and ventured down much of the seven miles of the canals. Actually the Great Road of Water consists of 170 canals and connect the 180 islands making up Venice. Our gondolier had a marvelous voice and serenaded us all evening. Of course the songs were in Italian, but one could understand they were love songs. They have their own repertoire and do not take requests, or at least ours didn’t.

Our hotel was off the mainland ,on an island so our room faced the canal. Every night after retiring I lay in my bed with the window open and listened to the boat traffic and the wonderful serenading going on below.

For most just the name Venice conjures up visions romance, canals, art and palaces. There are no roads, so no cars. All traffic is by boat or on foot. Although flat the many alleyways and bridges in the city make it easy to get lost.

Besides the popular gondolas, there are canal taxis, which is how we got to our hotel, and canal barges to transport goods, produce and luggage, Venice is a fabulous city to visit and we had a wonderful time.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.