The streets of Venice overflowed with tourists. My companions and I walked to one of the locations where we might board a gondola. Not one for doing “touristy” excursions, how could I not indulge in this one in a lifetime opportunity?
The big, black, boats, steered by a single oarsman were easily boarded. The boats are quite stable, the seats soft and cushioned. Away from the dock, the city was quieter. We wound our way through the watery streets, by doorways that ended at sea level, the last steps encrusted in mussels and plant life. Our gondolier steered us expertly, the gondola’s design allowing the navigator to propel and steer the craft efficiently with the single oar. Used in the Venetian canals for almost a thousand years,the ride was an entirely relaxing journey that was the highlight of my visit. When I debarked back to the busy streets, I was glad for the experience. We would leave tomorrow by a more modern water taxi to the airport.
An Unmapped Route: A Hiker's Blog 