Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Boats and Canals of Venice, part 3: Traghatti, Police, Private, Chauffeured, Cruise, Ferry, Antique, Services

Traghatti
...cross-canal gondalas can be handy; mainly used by locals.

Police 





Private Boats 

















Hotel Chauffeur
...brings guests directly from the airport on the mainland.

Cruise Boats 
This cruise boat is small, a river cruiser. 
Huge cruise ships with 14 decks drop thousands of passengers 
for a day of sightseeing in Venice many times a week. 
Some have their own boats to bring people to St. Mark's Plaza. 
Other times, people take public transportation. Tourism is the lifeblood of Venice now 
and at the same time destroying it as a livable city. 
Several times in Florence and Venice I felt I were in a Disney theme park.

Car Ferries 

Several islands in the lagoon have automobiles and roads.

Antiques 


Public Services 







Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Boats and Canals of Venice, part 2: Taxis, Gondolas

Taxis


Gondolas
Hundreds of gondolas operate for a healthy tourist trade in Venice. Venetians do not use them. 
They cost a lot at an hourly rate. They add much to a certain Disney-esque feel that can be Venice 
especially at central locations and during the afternoons and evenings. They are picturesque. 
One can explore and completely enjoy the beauty of Venice without stepping foot in one.