I passed by the assemblage of gondolas near the Giardinetti near San Marco and had to whip out the camera. Since the invention of the camera, this place has been rather popular with photographers, and understandably so. 
With the small Isola di San Giorgio Maggiore in the background, and the column of ferro blades which rock up and down with the movement of the water, this spot has mesmerized (some would say hypnotized) many a visitor.I noticed a certain uniformity in the blue canvas on these boats.
Some are a little older than others, but there's more consistency there than in most other places where gondolas are plentiful.
As is common in Venice,this guy does the "roll to one side" rather than hassle with removing the canvas. I noticed that his bow-deck was fully carved, indicating that his was a wedding gondola.I had to get a closer look.
But as I raised my camera and started to zoom in, I saw something familiar...
It was that same look I got at the produce boat!
You think this guys is as annoyed with me as that produce guy?I swear, all I did was take pictures.
2 comments:
Maybe you had some obviously american apparel? Some europeans harbor anti-american sentiments for various reasons and it can develop into an outright allergy in those, who are living near touristy places.
BTW, what could be the significance of that small engraved wrath on the ferro? A few boats have it, but most do not. Proof of an extra licence or a sign of seniority, maybe?
Well, I don't remember what I was wearing that day, but I DID NOT pack any brightly colored Hawaiian shirts this last time, and I try to be as stealthy as possible when taking photos of gondoliers. My thinking is that the longer you shoot without them noticing - the more true-to-life photos you'll get. I think maybe he just gets tired of being "on display" like lions or monkeys at the zoo. The quay at San Marco is definitely a popular spot for photographers.
The engravings on some ferro blades are interesting. I've seen family crests, guys initials, icons of Venice, and other engravings (often unidentifiable). I'm not sure what that one is. When I can get a better look at the original, I'll see if it's familiar.
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