![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSS7Iuv79zZwCJ4MeTM2_838236JemLVjptwGrJGKqWkQH4e4Z1yOSMc4VejwP9XA_Ex1bEWB-Wxqp58rENvS3Ynv6Kd5kCYjkxDGQtzAgjeAjW3_PJej746Cp-ynwoc1q69NVXmM66Hw/s400/Marlies+de+Wit+-+Website+Gondelvaart+16+%282%29.jpg)
He operates a beautiful Venice-built gondola in the ancient city of Utrecht.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtislYNi9zt5nEJXes6ferbCUV6gyRhZgKAHCZS-K7Ov0B6upWWu-jAAG7rb-MUlI4rOSv7KguOQTDpgT4RxcU3FZsX1H1YzTFcdDNBFZXzm30bx9dQtsvh2cxGWok98qaE0V9MVgZHdG0/s400/Marlies+de+Wit+-+Website+Gondelvaart+13+%282%29.jpg)
She was imported from Venice when she was about 45 years old, owned and displayed by a few museums, and even a zoo, before Arjen bought her.
I've known about the boat for many years, and actually nicknamed her the "Zoo Gondola" because of her last location.
After Arjen acquired the "Zoo Gondola", a major restoration was performed, and now she is a working passenger gondola once again.
Looking at the gondola, you'd never know she was over 25 years old.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNWDwBUGSZ68Rjvqpjj_AleW1POT_3RDiq9ljM3afhPdR5Nl785C4jGNzluq4e-iMQW_1M6Gn4xEFA8TizhVJoeMAc44E1PlnEoCI-3jtseezHNddhyqw_4TLa_5pFTF6xjFCq55FmGrM/s400/Marlies+de+Wit+-+Website+Gondelvaart+15+%286%29.jpg)
This is precisely why I like gondola people so much.
They love the boats and the rowing so much that they'll gladly enable a potential competitor.
I've had a lot of fun getting to know Arjen via e-mail.
He and Tirza make me want to get on a plane and row in another canal city.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2e3zU8pZY1UzrjVmPzPG0uTc-icw1PqxyrnhRaeOTDWH6iHppf57qYxf1AYt-zpEGNV5PFBYjKiTxgqbJdZLQW_R6j6fjOAhDxs_QZ9OzkXImGGo0vBH3NoYrzs1uwdWc8TKZgGr6eV_y/s400/Marlies+de+Wit+-+bij+paushuize+%284%29.jpg)
To visit Arjen's website, go to:
www.degondeliervanutrecht.nl
No comments:
Post a Comment