The city was full of surprises on Sunday, as well as Camels on Hay St. there were gondolas and steam paddle boats on the Swan River! A gondola gliding under a bridge is the only similarity to a gondola gliding under a bridge in Venice :) As opposed to the gentle flow of a narrow canal, the bridge in Elizabeth Quay leads out into the vast expanse of the Swan River, and on Sunday the wind was up and the waves choppy. Designed from original drawings of a traditional Venetian gondola, it was built here in Perth by the builder and wood carver who worked on the replica Duyfken , the hull made from solid Western Red Cedar, the stern-post (if you pull the shot in a bit) the head of the iconic Black Swan...
It was definitely 'hold on to your boater hat' weather :)
Ooops! That was close!
This would have been a Gondolas on the Swan fifteen minute trip because not long after, the gondola reappeared and entered the harbour.. albeit minus the hat :) A one hour trip is also on offer but the weather I think would have to be a bit kinder, in fact I might brave up and have a short trip on a warm summers day in a long flowing dress.. what do you think :) Happy Wednesday, take care and stay safe...
That gondola rides doesn't look like much fun!
ReplyDeleteVery choppy water for a gondola!
ReplyDeleteGondolas ride better in Venice ;) Arianna
ReplyDeleteThe gondola is designed for smooth waters of Venetian canals, they are truly beautiful boats. The speedboats show that gondola no respect with their wakes. Love your link to your earlier post of Duyfken.
ReplyDeleteI love the gondola--and that pedestrian bridge!
ReplyDeletePerth waters are a lot less crowded than the canals in Venice!
ReplyDeleteMust be nice on a warm and quiet Summer day :)
What a great series of beautiful photographs. I love the Swan River and that bridge is extra delicious! I've not seen a gondola in the water other than in Venice so it was interesting to see them try to navigate the Swan waters.
ReplyDeleteYou must let us know if you get up the nerve to go for trip on it, Grace! I don't think that I would! ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm such a wimp when it comes to water that I didn't take a gondola ride when I was in Venice. I was on plenty of water taxis but not the small gondolas. Too close to the water for me. I certainly would not want to be in one on such choppy water. That said, I do admire the craftsmanship.
ReplyDeleteThat was a bit unexpected.
ReplyDeleteI'd go for the steam paddle boat myself.
ReplyDeleteThe Gondaliers vocation will change to swimmer if the river gets any rougher.
Good pictures considering everything.
Yep, I don't think gondolas were meant for open water, especially down under. :-)
ReplyDeleteYep, I don't think gondolas were meant for open water, especially down under. :-)
ReplyDeleteTake the trip Grace. Just remember Gilligan!
ReplyDeleteLooks way too rough for a gondonla. Aren't they meant to peacefully glide?
ReplyDeleteWonderful bridge. Whimsical gondola, Rude power boater in my opinion!
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun series, Grace. Doesn't seem that the Swan River is well suited to gondolas.
ReplyDeletedoesn't look like a good day for a gondola ride...i love that bridge though!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures.
ReplyDeleteLovely gondola, don't know if they are suitable to ride along with the power boats on the Swan, they make the waters very choppy. Great photos Grace.
ReplyDeleteThe gondolier must have a lot of confidence in his skills while out on that water.
ReplyDeleteWhat a funny and unexpected sight for Perth! Love it! :D
ReplyDeleteGostei de ver as gondolas, mas aquela ponte é muito bonita.
ReplyDeleteUm abraço e continuação de uma boa semana.
Andarilhar
Ha,ha, that looks not so comfortable to sit in a gondola on those waves. It seems almost going to sink. I agree with you, it should be a sunny quiet night to have a tour with a singing gondolier. :)
ReplyDeleteHats, hats, hats, Grace ;-)
ReplyDeleteReckon the smell was at least much better than (I imagine) in Venice.
Really brave to hop on a gondola on Swan River!
The water looks bit rough for the gondolas.
ReplyDeleteLooks a little precarious!
ReplyDeleteGood series of photo's though.
All the best Jan
Really unexpected, Grace !
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are marvellous !
The gondola certainly looks like it is struggling with the elements, but what a fun idea.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you would have to hold on, wear a tight hat and be willing to get wet for a lovely gondola experience. :)
ReplyDeleteWow, now this would be one wild ride, but sure is a great way to spend the day on the open water!
ReplyDelete