Buongiorno Venezia

rumors are that a few of the best known hotels in venice are for sale. and it’s no secret that a lot of typical bars and restaurants, and hotels in venice have been bought by chinese companies. at the beginning the residents cried out at the “scandal”, then they got accustomed. chinese have some similarities with venetians, as both peoples mind to make money (since the times of Marco Polo, they found a way to understand each other doing business, and in such a great way).  but i am digressing.

what i was commenting about is the existence of rumors. if they are retreated, it is likely that the news is not (yet) true. but the rumor has some authenticity in it, as it testifies a probably real ”intention”. venetians like to talk so much, and talk so much, that it is easy to the to have the real news slip from their mouth, sometimes on purpose, sometimes unintentionally (maybe with the help of some prosecco wine).

in the end: are these rumors true? probably it is: in venice, saying “there is no negotiation” is the equivalent to saying that “negotiations are on (and just in case, if you have a better offer……. show up.)”

but beware of news, in these period: the April’s fool (in italian Pesce d’Aprile that is April Fish) is still swimming around!

so Alexandra made it, she is the first woman gondolier. but a private gondolier. only a half victory.

update of April 4: in response to Clodia’s comment. i understand it’s kind of shocking and may not be not very feminine to see a woman rowing like a man in the Grand canal. i think this is all about breaking barriers (and making money: don’t forget it’s a great adveertising campaign for the hotel which hired and supported her).

yes, we are surprised. there are contradictions, always: in italy we may be more or less proud of one existing woman gondolier, whilst we begin hearing stories of (how many?) of immigrated women who cannot decide about their own future because “other cultures” (which are only excuses to some men’s power) state that women are inferior beings, which can be segregated, used, beaten and abused. women fought hard to get their independence, and it’s not over. in italy we want to look forward, not backwards, and have different cultures enrich each other. so if Alexandra can be an example of an independent life, i applaude. even though i truly prefer a smiling guy to drive me in the gondola

about gondolas:

http://www.veniceword.com/gondola.html