Followers

Follow on Bloglovin

Thursday, February 9, 2023

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!

My Corner of the World

62 comments:

  1. Venice is such a beautiful city. The squid ink spaghetti looks surely amazing

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a beautiful city! The seafood pasta looks droolworthy.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Venice is a beautiful city.
    You were able to take beautiful pictures of it.
    Give me the food in the last picture, it looks delicious, I don't want the seafood.
    Greetings Irma

    ReplyDelete
  4. Gondoliers get a lot of tips, I guess...😉😄
    Glad you liked the food. Happy weekend, Veronica!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Beautiful photos from Venice, Veronica. The buildings are very pretty.
    Have a great weekend!
    Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's it - I'm definitely going to Venice!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Simply loved all the photos you shared, Veronica, and the history lessons about Venice. I had no idea that gondoliers inherited their jobs, yet have to go through a rigorous training. So interesting!
    Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I had no idea gondolier was such a prestigious profession.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Dearest Veronica,
    You made me smile for taking me back to one of our favorite cities!
    https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-first-trip-to-city-of-romance-venice.html
    So glad you left your footprints right there were I left mine—several times.
    St. Mark the Apostle left quite some legacy to the Venice area!
    Lovely architecture and what a special job those gondoliers have.
    Culture and tradition is a countries highest good.
    Pieter and I often went to a fish restaurant in Jesolo, close to Venice on one of the islands. They offered on their menu fruitti di mare—catch of the day and whatever small fish or sea creature, you got maybe 15 or 18 different dishes. All delicious as you can leave good cooking to the Italians!
    We have here at home a glass blown duck from Murano.
    A very special region!
    Hugs,
    Mariette

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Veronica.:=)
    All the information about the gondoliers is so interesting, new to me and an eye opener, thank you! After visiting this beautiful city three times you would think I would know much more about them. The glass blowing is interesting and we also went to see these skilled glass blowers work their magic and even bought some crystal brandy glasses. I love Venice, the architecture, the sculptures and paintings,moving around by boat, the shops, the atmosphere, and the food. Your photos are wonderful and I enjoyed my visit very much.
    Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a beautiful report of Venice and its old buildings!
    I didn't remember such narrow alleys in old part of Venice. Thank you for sharing the pictures of piazza San Marco!

    Have a nice weekend :-)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello Veronica,
    What beautiful photos of Venice. I would love to visit one day. The information about the gondoliers is very interesting and informative. And they make a good wage! Italian food is so delicious (but I don't know about the squid ink, either). You're brave to try.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The architecture and statues of Italy are truly amazing and thanks for sharing these wonderful photos so I can see all of it as well! What an amazing history lesson I've had about Italy thanks to you :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. The background information about the gondoliers is fascinating. I was in Venice and we took a ride, but I didn't know the history. Thanks. Wonderful photos . Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Too funny about the squid! The photos of Venice are beautiful, it is a gorgeous place to visit. Hugs, Vaeried

    ReplyDelete
  16. Venice is so very beautiful. Your photos show the beauty well. The food looks delicious. Thanks for sharing Venice with us.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Discovering the Gondoliers was a pleasant surprise for me. This is one of the reasons why I enjoy reading and visiting blogs. Quite a lot of information.

    Thanks for sharing.

    New post; https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/02/a-key-element-for-business-growth-and-development.html

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh, Venice. These are stunning photos. It is such an old and beautiful city. The place I've always wanted to visit is Rome, but Venice is right up there too. What a once in a lifetime adventure you had, my friend. I'm glad I got to come along, even if it was on the internet. ; ) That authentic spaghetti and meatball dish looks sooooo good. But I'm not sure I'd like those seafood dishes. Jess visited Venice also, and went on the gondolas.

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  19. Uy siempre he querido conocer Venecia te mando un beso.

    ReplyDelete
  20. What a truly magical post! Your photos are wonderous! And I loved all your info, especially about the gondeliers, all the training and the female one. I will never get to Venice, but your post is the next best thing.

    ReplyDelete
  21. WOW, everything is so beautiful and so many wonderful sights to see. I really enjoyed all of the photos!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Beautiful photos, so much history in the architecture. I'm glad a woman was able to give it a go in the end, women should be allowed to try, maybe they were concerned about the strength of women vs men.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Such lovely photos! I have always wanted to go to Venice and ride in a gondola. Sadly the closest I've ever come was almost getting to ride in one in Las Vegas at the Venetian hotel.

    ReplyDelete
  24. What a beautiful place! So glad you got to ride in the gondola.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Interesting to read about the gondolas, didn't know about the tradition.
    All the photos are lovely, good to see them.

    ReplyDelete
  26. romantic place to visit.....
    thank you for sharing beautiful photos....

    ReplyDelete
  27. such interesting information about the gondolas, i would imagine it is tricky to navigate one. a really beautiful place, i have never been. i have seen glass blowing demonstrations here and they are fascinating!! i would have chosen the spaghetti and meatballs...i am not a fan of squid!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Oh WOW! These are marvelous photos! I'd never especially wanted to go to Venice but I see the attraction in your photos!
    Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2023/02/a-just-bit-more.html

    ReplyDelete
  29. Gorgeous photos Veronica -- the first ones look like paintings (ha ha can't have people in your paintings -- but the later photos with the people in them are great too), It is a fabulous city thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love Italy, but, I never went to Venice.Beautiful city.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you for showing me so amazing place

    ReplyDelete
  32. What a beautiful place Venice is and so colourful too, we have a small area in London by the canal called Little Venice by the canal

    Have a gallimaufrytastic week 👍

    ReplyDelete
  33. Such a fantastic city.Just lovely pics too #WWoT

    ReplyDelete
  34. What a gorgeous post darling, Vero. I had no idea about the Gondoliers going through such rigorous training and their limited numbers too. That is quite the revelation.

    Italy is stunning and I hope to go there some day. Such incredible architecture and the food looks lip-smacking delish.

    So glad you had such a lovely time.

    I've tigers and other forest residents at my alley this week and I know you will enjoy meeting them ;-)

    https://natashamusing.com/2023/02/tiger-safari-in-bandhavgarh-experiences-in-bandhavgarh-natasha-musing/

    ReplyDelete
  35. A beautiful report from your trip to Venice! It is a beautiful city and there is so much to discover!

    ReplyDelete
  36. The history of gondoliers is fascinating. A very ancient way to pass on positions but then the whole city is pretty ancient. Love all the photos and info!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Venice is my most favorite place on earth! I've visited twice and hope to go back again someday. I did not know all that fascinating information about gondoliers--very interesting. The two times I took a gondola ride the gondolier could speak English. Thanks for another amazing post!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Beautiful pictures (except for that squid ink spaghetti that looks really gross). Interesting info about the gondoliers as well. I had no idea.I wonder how the lady gondolier managed to get in. Maybe her family had no males to pass it on to?

    ReplyDelete
  39. You are a marvelous ambassador for Italy, your photos and narration make me want to go pack my bags right now :) I have had family and friends visit and they have enjoyed a gondola ride and most of all they have all loved Italy.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love all of these gorgeous photos of Venice you've shared, I am so glad you were able to visit. And... I was not aware of how exclusive the gondolier profession was. Crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  41. How very interesting about the gondoliers

    ReplyDelete
  42. I am so enjoying these photos of your trip, Veronica Lee. The colors in the Venice buildings are so beautiful and the architecture is simply amazing. I especially liked the winged lion.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Lovely photos and very interesting information about the Venetian gondoliers! Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  44. wow, wundervoll! a fascinating city, in any season :-)
    Happy WW! ☺

    ReplyDelete
  45. wonderful places! thanks for sharing! best regards!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Beautiful photos of that lovely city. The last time we were there St. Mark's Square was flooded and we had to walk along temporary raised walkways. Apparently it happens fairly regularly. I don't think I could eat the black spaghetti. It does not look pleasing to the eye!

    ReplyDelete
  47. We love those canal photos, so beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  48. ...Venice is an amazing city and your show it so well. Thanks for taking my along for the tour. Enjoy week, Veronica.

    ReplyDelete
  49. What a beautiful continuation from your travel. Many of these shots could be subjects for paintings. It's so strange to see that water instead of roads...
    Thank you for this new gallimaufry. It's quite special!
    Thank you, Veronica! Happy WW and a fine week! 😘❤️

    ReplyDelete
  50. So beautiful. I would have loved to enjoy this adventure and oh the food.

    Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday. ♥

    ReplyDelete
  51. What an amazing time. So very nice. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh, I'd love to do a gondola ride. It's so beautiful and I'm glad you were taking photos all along the way so that we could travel with you. Ever since I started reading Donna Leon's Inspector Brunetti books, all set in Venice, I've been intrigued by this city and seeing the photos makes the books come alive for me. Plus, your commentary is fascinating, too!

    Between company last week, prepping for a Cork Poppers do, an ear and/or sinus infection, and then this week's mass shooting in our town, I'm so behind blog reading, I'll never catch up! I'll try to take a look at all but not comment and hopefully be back on schedule this week! If I've missed things or am slow to reply to comments, please forgive!

    ReplyDelete
  53. The food looks so good and you pictures are just perfect.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Venice a beautiful city, great photos of this historic city.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hello Veronica,
    I missed this post, Venice is a beautiful city. I would like to ride in one of the gondolas. I have only read about Venice and seen it in movies, but your photos are wonderful. I feel like I am there too. So many lovely sights to see, you captured them all beautifully. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy day and a great new week.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I once was in Venice and we had the most wonderful time. It was magical!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wow...these pictures are amazing and the architecture is so gorgeous...wish to visit there myself :-)
    Beauty and Fashion/Glamansion/Rampdiary

    ReplyDelete
  58. Even cloudy skies couldn't dim the razzle dazzle of the architecture! Wow! 135 gargoyles.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Absolutely beautiful!
    Would love to visit Venice.
    Thank you for such a wonderful post.

    ReplyDelete