Venice's first female gondolier pushes off into uncharted waters

[Liberal_in_LA]

Source: LA Times



With the splash of her oar, nine centuries of taboos in this romantic canal city shattered as Boscolo passed a rigorous exam of brains and brawn to become Venice's first official female gondolier -- or gondoliera in Italian, a term that didn't even exist until her achievement made it necessary.

The waters have been choppy at times, and not just in the canals, but Boscolo at last feels in her element.

"I was born among gondoliers," she said on a languorous afternoon brilliant with sunshine. "It's the only job I've ever wanted."

Boscolo's breakthrough propelled her into the ranks of what can no longer be described with complete accuracy as an elite fraternity, made up of bluff and hearty boatmen whose presence along Venice's winding waterways seems as timeless as the city itself.

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Guild officials warned Boscolo to rein in her newfound celebrity or risk losing her apprenticeship.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-venice-gondolier21-2009jul21,0,5375195.story

[Bicoastal]

1. Oh sooooolooo miiiiioooooo...

[47of74]

2. Dear Ms. Boscolo

[MADem]

3. Brava, ragazza, brava! Che bella cosa!

[proteus_lives]

4. Good for her!

She looks like a tough lady. ;-)

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. She's pretty and looks like she means business with that stick thing

[proteus_lives]

7. If she told me to get in the boat.....

I'd smile and say "Yes Ma'am." ;-)

[DeSwiss]

5. K&R!!!

[Fire1]

8. The end of tradition. n/t

[awoke_in_2003]

9. the end of a sexist tradition. nt

[Liberal_in_LA]

10. yup. RIP sexist traditions.