Monday, August 2, 2010

"Gondolas of the East" - Zhou Zhuang through the eyes of YouTube

I've discovered an interesting boat+propulsion combination in China:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQiLGJa0nmw&feature=related

The first time I watched this clip, I immediately noticed the similarity between our "sotomorso sul trastolini" and this Chinese version. Although it seemed to me that this variation would jerk the boat back and forth a bit more than what I try to accomplish with my remo.

A closer look at this video reveals the push-pull method employed by these Chinese operators.

They seem to be "rowing" in a skulling style with a type of rudder, which is tethered to the vessel.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdgx4GXLScI&feature=related
Ok, so the singing is juuuust a bit different from what we offer our passengers, but then again - the passengers seem to be enjoying it. All the same,

I'll take Pavarotti or Sinatra over this.

Now watch this curious combination of still and video footage, set to the tune of Roy Orbison's "Blue Bayou".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1I3k2sOiCM&feature=related

Here's another video clip showing what it's like from inside the boat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPazk3LpWx0&NR=1

For a better idea of what Zhou Zhuang is,

check out this short clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwmCzfTcaZ8&NR=1

Finally, here's a nice point-of-view clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqUxxN3cMec&feature=related

2 comments:

staff said...

Weird indeed. The use the oar like a fish uses his tail. I guess it's very tiring. Nereo

Bepi Venexiano said...

Hey nice new format! Will miss the old format.