Gondolas

After a bit of a long-lie (hardly surprising after yesterday...) we had a leisurely brunch, and headed out to the Giudecca - same place as last night. But, what a difference; many fewer people about, so a much more relaxed feel to the day. It was also (slightly) less hot.

Gondola races - who would have thought? The gondoliers were not full time & making a living at the art; they were rowers who belonged to local rowing clubs, and they were impressive.

As yesterday, every minute produced many photo opps. and I was spoilt for choice. With Venice, all the clichès are true.

Less impressive was the novices' race. In particular, there was a team comprising a very good looking, young blonde and a very good looking black guy. They were pretty dreadful, but because of their appeal were being much photographed. The girl seemed to be lapping up all the attention, and there was even a film crew in another gondola interviewing and filming her and her team mate. Of course, we were terribly disparaging of them - everyone was snapping away at the blond lovely. No jealousy among us ladies at all......

Then, Jim noticed that they were all wearing Blue Peter badges, and that the film crew had Blue Peter stickers all over their gear. He discovered that this was the Blue Peter summer expedition.

Ooops.

But a lovely day - much more of a relaxation, and drinking a few beers in a lagoon-side bar.

Not a bad life.