FEBRUARY 6, 2007
TYSON, THE LOVER
In the back of our imaginations, we all have ideal jobs that we dream of. Jobs that, if money was not a factor, we'd be doing. I use the word "job" loosely; hobby is probably more accurate. In any case, the ideal "job" can be anything from driving a racecar to knitting (I'm certain someone out there dreams of knitting).
And in the particular case of today's character, Tyson, ideal jobs can also include being a gondolier.
Tyson has been a gondolier for nine years now. And guess what, that's all he does. Full-time job. Amazing huh? He took the job after college, fell in love with being able to see the sunset everyday, and decided to stay. As a guy who took a divergent path of sorts myself, I have a lot of respect for the guy doing what he loves.
Now for a little on the gondola. A gondola is a traditional Venetian rowing boat. For centuries gondolas were the main mode of transportation in Venice and to this day are still used as ferries over major canals. The left side of the gondola is longer than the right side. So is one in every six males.
A gondolier then, would be the man who makes the thing move. But according to Tyson, a gondolier must do much more. He must be ready with a joke or a story. He must be courteous. He must know how to serenade. He must know a little bit about the culture of the area in which he rows. But most importantly, he must know how to time the passing of his gas with his row stroke such that the splashing of the water drowns out the noise.
Of course, there is perhaps no better time then being on the water to use the excuse of low flying ducks. But one should do his/her best to avoid that situation at all costs because it could significantly reduce the tip at the end of the ride.
Tyson even let us try to ... gondolier? gondoli? gondolate? row the darn thing. Anyhow, we weren't half bad. We did OK on the serenading. Not bad with a few funnies. Zero culture. Eh on the courteousness, which probably had a lot to do with us not being able to get down the whole paddle/fart timing thing, which left most people thinking they were in a motorized gondola ... Which is not very authentic ... And smells like an entirely different country altogether.
Tyson has a great sense of humor and was a great sport. I highly recommend taking a ride with the Tysonator, just remember to bring a jacket because it can get chilly (and chili) out there on the water.
The man does what he loves. What more can you say about a guy? He's a romantic character (I guess there was more I could say). And all characters are welcome.
Past Entries:
- (1/25) Daniel's Shish-kabobs
- (1/16) Globetrotting with Corbin
- (1/9) Having a Ball
- (1/4) A Picture is Worth 1,000 Calories
- (12/21) Boys and Dolls Don't Mix
- (12/12) Chris Young
- (12/7) Air Apparent
- (11/30) I Break for Gio
- (11/9) Geek Cubed
- (10/31) Danish is Not Dutch
- (10/25) Pali Adventure Camp
- (10/18) From Birds to Ligers
- (10/11) The Man Behind the Mascot
- (10/3) Top Banana