gondola and gondolier - these two words are firmly rooted in Venice.It is this type of transport is considered a legendary symbol of the city.Venice itself came from rural villages that were scattered around the lagoon of a small river.Over time, a host of channels and water in a huge maze.As the years passed, the city grew, and in order to move the nacelle used (small boats), which were the only possible transport.
Now there are many theater productions, legends, stories and even novels, which are devoted to the Venetian rowers or where they do not play the most important role.There is even "The Gondoliers" - a film that is specifically took them about Stephen King.These boaters have become part of everyday life, history and culture of Venice and Italy in general.And is considered the most famous landmark.There is no tourist visiting Venice, which once would not ride on a gondola.
Gondolas
Of all water transport is the boat approached the most.It is light, roomy, agile and fast.By its elegance is not inferior to a small boat boats class.It was decided to build a gondola with a flat bottom, as their mission - to transport people and cargo on small canals and channels.
Gondoliers
These boats should be controlled.Gondoliers - it is just the people who are engaged in it and.Initially, they were standing in the center of the boat, but to accommodate as many passengers "workplace" was moved to the top of the vessel, the stern.The meaning of "The Gondoliers": control the boat, the rowers.
Through this interchange there and innovation: It took a long hard paddle, which is made of durable and dense beech.To manipulate them by the gondolier require considerable agility and strength.And the second innovation - the position of the paddle, which is used to control.In order to hold fast to it, it was invented by Thole (male).It is made of walnut wood.In this oarlock was a series of grooves into which are inserted one by one oar.It was possible to change the length of the lever and thereby adjust the speed of the nacelle.
After oars had to change the nose and boats, and weighted, as opposed to the gondolier, who was at the stern.Thus, there was yet another innovation - the "iron".So-called hard metal plate with 6 teeth, arranged horizontally and curled up.Outwardly, it resembles a comb headdress of the Doges of Venice.
little about the profession
It requires special skills from the person, and it is usually inherited.Venice Gondolier starting his training as a boy.Already 10 years of his own oar train and teach history, singing and foreign languages.In gondoliers even have their own songs, which are called Barcarolle.The word comes from the Italian and "boat."
Particular attention is paid to rich tourists.Today Venetian gondolier - a special caste of beauties who know several languages, owning aristocratic manners and know how to let go of the finest compliments the fairer sex.And age does not matter.Therefore, the gondoliers are often in the form of Alfonso, enjoying great demand.
Occupation: gondoliers - who is it?
They are slow and have self-esteem.They have their own uniform, which consists of a straw hat, edged ribbons and striped t-shirt.This profession is considered very prestigious, so the license strictly limited.A total of 425 may issue a strict - no less, no more.
female gondolier
so happened that the gondoliers - it's always men, but in 2009, a tradition that is respected for centuries, has been broken.Boscolo George, who was only 23 years, was able to successfully pass the exams and the first in the world among the fair sex has received a license.This caused great dissatisfaction in men.Even her father, though in secret and proud of his daughter, does not approve of her chosen profession.
Traditions
gondoliers in Venice there are traffic lights that are on all intersections to control traffic.But the gondoliers, they still do not trust, and traffic jams in places prefer to shout loudly, warning of their arrival.This tradition is preserved for a long time.
Boats are always painted in black.But to attract tourists gondoliers began to break the usual traditions and decorate your watercraft neon lights, gold bedspreads and cushions.But the authorities have threatened to take away the licenses of those who would violate the restraint and change the rules.Therefore, the ancient tradition has been preserved.
Gondoliers - is known charming "macho".They also have their own songs (of which we have already mentioned) that they perform, but modern and popular in their folklore are not included.Therefore, in the preferred craft Venetian traditional melodies.
License and inheritance
right to obtain membership in the club of the guild of gondoliers can be transmitted only by inheritance.And only from the father to the son.But getting there is quite a stranger is not easy.If gondolier died, he passed his license only direct heir, and the latter can sell it in the future.
its cost is very high, but this is justified because the salary is not small boaters.In just 30 minutes, they earn 100 euros.A working day is quite long and can last up to 15 hours.
Before a person receives a license, you must pass two exams: first, theoretical part, and then practice.Generally, there are even special courses lasting nine months.It is important to know how to manage the gondola.
workers nuances
gondoliers - are the people who should be familiar with the city and all the channels have the oratorical skills and a great voice, as they have to sing a lot of songs.But some, such as Barcarolle, boaters performed only for an extra charge.Negotiable.Often there aboard the gondola inviting artists and singers with the accompaniment.
special form - obligatory straw broad-brimmed hat, which is attached to the tape, striped shirt, and on top of it, you can wear a plain white shirt.The dress code is prescribed in the rules, and you must abide by it strictly.
rowing technique
Due to the fact that the shape of the gondola is asymmetrical, the rower can control it using only one oar.He is on the side of the dividing line that divides the boat in half.Controls gondolier with the bow paddle (it is the same drive).
Technique jog longer than grebkovyh.Gondolier first rocking the boat and makes the paddle movement on a certain trajectory.
Competitions
gondoliers - are professionals who hone their skills, not only at work but also in sports.In the September every first Sunday in Venice Historical Regatta spend.Initially, before the competition, arranged a parade of gondolas, and after competing rowers, showing their skills and art.Distance - seven kilometers.And there are the competition and internal scale - they are carried out between certain regions and islands, or even gondolerskimi clan-families.
