The New York Times has a terrific article about the first female gondolier in Venice, Italy. Apparently, Alexandra Hai, has received threats and insults from the male gondoliers.
Two years ago when we visited Venice, we rode on a gondola. During our ride, we saw two gondoliers almost punch each other. Our gondolier spent a good portion of his time on his cell phone while navigating the canals. As we were getting off the gondola, our gondolier failed to get us close enough to the dock and I got my feet wet.
If having female gondoliers would bring civility, polite behavior, and increased safety to the canals of Venice, I'm all for it! There is no reason to hold back progress, even in Venice. Ciao!
