Gallimaufry#68

 Day 6 — Venice

Gondoliers are a highly exclusive and honoured profession in Venice. There is a maximum of 433 licensed gondoliers in Venice, and that number cannot be increased. It means someone has to die or retire before the privilege is handed down. The only way to obtain a licence is through a family member and traditionally, it was passed from father to the firstborn son. If there were no sons, the prestigious role was passed on to a male relative. 

For over 900 years, only men could hold the gondolier position. In 2010, Giorgia Boscolo became the first gondoliera in Venetian history.

Prospective gondoliers must complete 400 hours of training before passing a rigorous examination that tests not only physical endurance but navigational skills, knowledge of other languages and, most importantly, knowledge of Venice’s culture and sights. One of the most sought-after professions in Italy, a Venetian gondolier can expect to earn around $150,000 each year.

Bridge of Sighs

According to legend, the name of the bridge comes from the sighs of prisoners who crossed the bridge on the way to their prison cells or the execution chamber, catching their last glimpses of Venice through the tiny windows.

Piazza San Marco

St. Mark's Basilica

Doge's Palace

St Mark's Clocktower

The winged lion could be seen everywhere in Venice. It's a symbol of St. Mark, who was adopted by Venice as its patron saint when it was striving to shake off the rule of Byzantium. As a result, it became an emblem of the city itself. It is believed that, while taking refuge from a storm in the city of Venice, Mark was visited in a dream by an angel in the form of a winged lion.

Ancient 24-hour clock

Glass-blowing demo

A magical labyrinth of narrow alleys, picturesque canals and stair-stepped bridges

Getting lost in the alleys was part of the fun!

Lunch

 The seafood spaghetti was truly amazing!

The squid ink spaghetti was a little too fishy for me. It made my poop black!! Haha!

Mamma Mia! Fresh, authentic Italian spaghetti and meatballs!