As a child, you learn about the world and the wonderful cities to be seen in faraway countries. As an adult, you may also get a chance to actually visit these exciting foreign places. While these travels may at times disappoint, I can honestly say that Venice lives up to all anticipation. There is a true magic to be felt walking the cobbled streets and the meandering cannels of this ancient Italian seaport. But of all things that are a source of Venetian enchantment, it is the gondola and gondolier that play the greatest part in its existence. In the day, you can watch these boats taking their passengers on voyages of curiosity and delight as they navigate the city's waterways. And even more moving, you can hear the oarsmen singing in the night, giving romantic mood to all couples who come aboard their vessels. Recently I had opportunity to journey to Venice and take just such a compelling rowed excursion. Sadly, while Venice provided the mood it always does, my companion that evening was my father, a less than romantic date for the ride. But, as it happened, laughter replaced romance, and the gondolier seemed truly amused by the commentaries we gave. Not even my dad's dumb jokes could dissipate the magic to be found in the Gondolas of Venice. I hope you enjoyed your trip to this fabled city, and thank you for sharing my adventures in art.