|
subscribe |
gondolae |
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
1998 Italia: Venezia (Venice) Gondola
From the Encylcopedia Brittanica:
A gondoala is a tapered, ten-meter-long, flat-bottomed boat peculiar to the canals and lagoon of Venice, carrying from two to six passengers
It is propelled from the starboard quarter by a single sweep manipulated by a gondolier standing on the stern cover.
A prominent steel beak rises from the prow, a lesser one from the stern. In some gondolas a removable cabin cover gives passengers shelter and some privacy.
The first organized boat racing was done by gondolas in the 16th century. Both men and women competed. Ever since a sumptuary law was passed in 1562, gondolas have been painted black.
Most craft ply for hire, though a few, attended by liveried servants, are still owned privately. Gondolas are very costly, and their very specialized construction is a dying industry. Just as in any urban setting, emergency services must be rapid and available. Vicili del Fuoco - the fire brigades seen in these pictures - zip through the the water wearing turnout coats. Sirens clear the way of boats, and bring up the cameras of tourists. We also saw a water ambulance and police paddy wagon (paddy boat?).
|
Have you found errors nontrivial or marginal, factual, analytical and illogical, arithmetical, temporal, or even typographical? Please let me know; drop me email. Thanks! |