It’s almost impossible to think of Venice without a picture of a Gondola springing to mind. I’ve been lucky enough to visit this beautiful city three times now and although I’ve had plenty of opportunity, I still haven’t ridden in a Gondola. Looking back at the number of my photos they feature in, and the number of smiles they raise with the mere thought of seeing one, then I guess I should ask myself why I’ve not taken the plunge (figuratively speaking of course).
I’m the frugal one out of Hubby and myself, so is it the high price placed on such a short length of enjoyment which is standing in my way? No, I think not, I’ve demonstrated to myself on many occasions that I am more than willing to pay way over the expected price for something which to me would be worth more when counted in smiles as opposed to pennies, if I really wanted to ride in a Gondola then I would be quite happy to pay for it.
I’m not at all romantic, so maybe the thought of sitting in a Gondola next to Hubby (my knight in shining armour) isn’t quite as exciting as it might be for the more romantic souls. Within hours of our arrival this time we shared in the joy of one young couple as a proposal of marriage was offered and accepted in a Gondola and the wedding photos we saw being taken of more than one bride and groom set in such a romantic location will record their beautiful day for eternity.
I have a vivid imagination. I can imagine sitting back and relaxing on the luxurious seats, a large floppy hat keeps the glare away from above as the sunshine twinkles on the still waters. The Gondola glides silently through the water which laps gently against the old stone walls and hidden doorways with no sound of a motor, is that opera music I can hear in the distance ?
Alas, the opera music is in the gondola along side me, it’s very seldom you see just one gondola at a time and even in the quiet smaller canals you’ll probably be watched or photographed by someone trying to catch a memory of their own of one of the main tourist attractions of Venice.
Maybe that’s it, maybe that’s why I haven’t been on a gondola yet, maybe my imagination is too good, a
nd maybe I don’t want to risk spoiling the magical gondola ride in my imagination with a dose of reality.
More from before : visits to “Venice” in Aug 2006, Jul 2013, Jun 2018 and October 2022.
Photographic Memories 