I heard becoming a gondolier in Venice is a serious business.  According to eHow careers, first you have to (1) find a mentor willing to tutor you, then (2) attend a school to learn how to maneuver the gondola, and (3) practice, practice, practice!  When you think you're ready, (4) you take the exam offered by the Gondolier Association.  If you pass this very difficult exam, (5) you finally get your license to be an official gondolier.  The competition is fierce and there are only 400 licensed gondoliers in Venice. Wow, it sounds very serious.  But one thing maybe I'd like to see change in exam rules is the "singing is not required" part.  Wouldn't it be nice if we know our gondolier can serenade for us?

Gondolier, Venice, Italy III

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Media: Original watercolor on paper
Image Size: 6 x 8 in (15.2 x 20.3 cm)
Mat Size: 11 x 14 in
Mat Color: White
Purchase: Sold

Click to see more Venice Italy paintings on Keiko Tanabe website.