This week’s quote:
“There is nothing– absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Kenneth Grahame, from The Wind in the Willows
“Quotes from the Masters” is a weekly challenge from Robin of Bringing Europe Home. And here’s my interpretation: a gondolier in Venice catches up on his reading while waiting for a customer…
That’s a lovely interpretation! I would love to mess about in a gondola in Venice.
Thank you Lorna! I think a gondola is a special kind of boat, and it’s fun to see a gondolier on a break :)
You really make me want to go on one, I think the nearest I’ve got to it is a punt in Cambridge!
And that sounds wonderful, too!
Just another day at the office! Wonderful shot.
And to think being a gondolier is someone’s job… I wonder what it’s like?
I know. One would hope they don’t become complacent and feel like part of the scenery. I would think a conversation with them would be a treat.
I do too. They’d be meeting people from all over the world!
Yes, and bet they have an anecdote or two they could share of the things they have seen! Willing listener I would be. :)
That would be quite a conversation!
Hi,
A great quote, and fantastic photo as well. :)
Thank you, and now I’ll have to reread the book!
That’s not your run-of-the-mill gondolier in Venice photo, Meg. ;-) Great catch!
Thanks so much for participating in the challenge–I love your entry!
Thank you for creating this challenge! And I love going down the side streets in Venice, where I find unexpected things like this scene… :)
Meg…I love the quote, and your photo matches it perfectly. And (in my opinion), what a great way to “mess around in a boat”! Reading! As always, your photos are excellent, and never fail to delight the eye and heart.
Thank you so much Judy! I really liked that quote and Venice immediately came to mind. I thought they made a good combination… :)
Perfect for the challenge Meg. And what better place for a boat challenge than Venice?
I thought it was a wonderful challenge, and I had lots of pictures of Venice from my recent trip to Italy. It all fell into place quite easily!
I guess even gondola drivers need to keep up with the news!
They probably like to keep up with what’s happening too… :)
Love the picture! I love boats, at least the smaller ones, and I’ve always wanted to go to Venice.
I think you’d really like Venice. There are lots of boats and the city itself is simply gorgeous!
You know I love Venice. That looks like a classy gondolier and an even classier gondola! Nice.
I’m sure we agree that there’s no place like Venice! And I also think that gondolas are a wonderful way to see the city…
Great Match!
Thanks Karen – I wanted the picture to show what the quote meant to me!
LOVE It – great photo – thanks for sharing:) Have a Great Day!
Thank you Renee, and I hope you have a great day too!
Nice interpretation! That’s a scene I would like to enjoy myself :)
Ashley
It’s something I won’t forget! I’d never thought about gondoliers taking breaks before… :)
Ah Venice….love it!
It’s simply beautiful – and unique!
Excellent candid shot! Such a lovely serene moment with oneself!
Thanks! And it really does seem like a calm, peaceful moment… :)
I love the photo and the interpretation. Great job! :)
Thanks so much! I’m trying to imagine what it’s like to find time for yourself when you’re a gondolier… :)
Interesting thought…I guess even gondoliers need to take a lunch break. :)
If their customers will let them :)
They would have to put up a sign like they do in the grocery stores….”This lane is closed for lunch, please use the next gondola.” LOL! :)
I’m sure they’d love that idea!
I tell you – that “boat” is my kinda office, eh?!?! :) What a great place to catch up on paperwork.
I couldn’t agree more – not your typical 9-to-5 job!
I love riding on one of this boat
I do too – they are fantastic!
It’s nice to see a local doing what locals do! Great shot!!
elisa
Thanks! I imagine when you live in Venice you think nothing of catching up by reading a newspaper… :)
Photo and the quote fit together so nicely.
Thank you! When I saw the quote I thought immediately of Venice…
Perfect!
Thanks Darlene, I appreciate it!
Love the quote…and love the boat! Great post!
anne
I really liked that quote, too – it gets the imagination going! And thanks :)
So true, it’s good for the soul to spend time on the water!
I think so too! And I like that quote so much I’m going to reread the book :)
Good for you, it’s a lovely story :-)
I remember that it was entertaining and imaginative – just right for the summer!
Superb shot, Meg! What a way to earn a living.
Thanks Jo! It seems like it would be an interesting way to make a living. And occasionally take a break… :)
Did you take a ride in the gondola? If so, how much was it? I heard the price rose up to 300€? :O
I didn’t this time, but when I did a couple of years ago it was around 60 euros. I hope that helps!