Venice Gets its First Female Gondolier

[ccharles000]

Twenty-three year old Giorgia Boscolo just became the first female gondolier after nine centuries of exclusively male rowing in the canal in Venice. Boscolo had to pass a grueling six-month, 400 hour course, but told reporters that she had no fear that she couldn't handle the physicality of the job: "Childbirth is much more difficult." Boscolo is the mother of two.

Her father, also a gondolier, has doubts about her participation in this historically male tradition: "I still think being a gondolier is a man's job, but I am sure that with experience Giorgia will be able to do it easily," he said.

Damn skippy Papa Boscolo. Better get used to waving across the canal at your diesel daughter.

http://www.feministing.com/archives/016385.html

[tigereye]

1. this is very cool! I'm surprised it took so long.

Venetian culture is fascinating!

[ccharles000]

2. I'm surprised too

[Vidar]

3. Excellent. I loved Venice.