Thanks for posting the gondola video, TTWeb. The videos certainly add a new dimension to travel expectations.

However, I'm a bit dismayed. Perhaps you experienced TTers can allay my concerns. (And they're serious this time - for once I'm not joking.)

The singer on the gondola is busking, right? So the passengers would be expected to drop a euro or 2 into his hat, or whatever he uses as a money box. It may be the fault of the audio on my computer, but the way it came across, I'd rather drop in a note suggesting that he take singing lessons.

What are the expectations here, do you know? If you don't like the music, is there a polite way of refraining from rewarding the musician, or do we treat the whole thing as a cultural experience for which we have to pay?

quote:

The singer on the gondola is busking, right?

No strictly speaking he is not busking, it is normal to have at least one of the Gondoliers singing and I'm not aware that anyone tipped him, or any of the other Gondoliers. If tipping is appropriate Trafalgar should look after it.

On our trip the chap had a better voice than what comes across on YouTube!

Mallee~ I agree with you re the singing! If I wasn't as well informed as I now am I would be tempted to forego the gondola, I must admit it tended to turn me off going

I have been to most of the places that TT web have posted videos for, & I have to say that the videos in general are not doing justice to the wonderful places they are portraying. I love Venice, but had I never seen it myself I doubt an old mans bad singing & fat bottom would sell me on it.

Sorry what was the question????? Oh yes - tipping the gondolier, sorry I have never been on a gondola & I hope never to go on one - too cheesy. Running for cover now................

Dimpz

"...I love Venice, but had I never seen it myself I doubt an old mans bad singing & fat bottom would sell me on it."

LOL!

Did you notice the look on the person in the gondola on the left of the picture at the end of the video? He was very irritated with the group of gondolas near him! Was it the singing?

The video was of very low quality. Maybe it was taken with a cell phone or mobile phone.

Dimpz! I did NOT use the 'T' word! I wouldn't bother with a gondola either, but we all have difference notions of 'cheesy', don't we. I have to admit, for instance, that I love Strauss and certain old-fashioned mystery stories!

Tangata, thanks for the reassurance.

Hi Inheritance who addressed Dimpz but is being interrupted (scuse I) -

Yes! I certainly did notice the look on that poor guy's face. He was not amused, was he! In fact, he looked almost alarmed!

Mallee...

That guy in the gondala was not happy.

The gondola experience, is (really is) wonderful, and fun and cheesy, and something that in my opinion, one should experience at least once in their lives.

About the singing gondoliers...I spend a lot of time in Venice and have seen many groups (as in TT tour groups) glide down the Canale Grande in gondolas with accordion players and singer(s) serenading them. I love it!!! I love to see what I have come to call "The Armada" (as in Spanish Armada, ok, I get the joke) glide past me. Or glide ahead of me; or aside me. Many, many people on the shores of the Canal stop to watch the processions. They watch, they listen and they smile. Some on the shore sing along. I know, because I've observed these observers.

The musicians in the gondolas are definitely audible on shore, and I am always happy to hear their lovely voices. It makes me smile, it makes my heart soar with joy. Again and Again and Again. No, the singers are not in need of singing lessons: it's the poor quality of the audio on this clip.

If you can manage it, go for the gondola optional. You may just love it. And if you don't like it, there's something to be said in bonding with others in dissatisfaction. But...when I look over my life and the things I have done, I would rather say "I've been on a gondola ride and have been serenaded" than "I wish I had".

best wishes,
travellor

This message has been edited. Last edited by: travellor,

quote:

Originally posted by Mallee:
Dimpz! I did NOT use the 'T' word! I wouldn't bother with a gondola either, but we all have difference notions of 'cheesy', don't we. I have to admit, for instance, that I love Strauss and certain old-fashioned mystery stories!

Abject apologies, the word was 'reward'. Shall I go back & edit????? Nahhhh live with it.

My taste is far too good to ever fall into the cheesy category, therefore old fashioned mystery stories & their writers must be OK

Travellor ~ I am hanging my head that I may have raised your ire I too love hearing the gondoliers singing & always stop & watch the gondolas glide by, but I just can't be doing with getting in the damn boat. Forgive me?

Thanks Travellor for putting the other side. I've never been to Venice, and have never been atracted to it before now, but you describe a fun experience.

Dear, dear, Dimpz,

No, Nothing at all to forgive! You have most certainly have ~not~ raised my ire...I'm so sorry you would even interpret things like that...I would ~never~ wish to sound reactively-offensive to you. Truly!!!!

I have so much fun re-telling my tales of Venice...in no way whatsoever was any of my post in reaction to you...trust me on that please !


best wishes,
travellor

This message has been edited. Last edited by: travellor,

Hi Mallee,

Good to know! It is fun, and I've done it a few times. With a group, with a friend and once, totally by myself. Now...that was something else!!! Being part of a group makes it something you can laugh with, or even laugh at...but all in all, like the Eiffel Tower, it may be one of those "once in a lifetime" experiences you won't soon forget.

best wishes,
travellor

PS The gondola experience by myself...I hired a gondola so I could photograph. The gondolier sang to me and it was the best of times!! Now that could really be seen as cheesy!!