GONDOLA RIDES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25228, 14 June 1945, Page 6

GONDOLA RIDES

NEW ZEALAND TEOOPS LEAVE SPENT IN VENICE (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent) VENICE, June 12 The leading hotel in Venice, the Danieli, has been for some t-ime a leave centre for New Zealand troops. Although the division is still under an operational role in 1 rieste, it has been possible to allow leave to a proportion of the troops, who have been able to enjoy three days in a good hotel amid the attractions for which Venice is world famous. The lirst and probably the most lasting impression which New Zealanders experience on reaching the city is the luxurious feeling that comes from riding in a gondola, tor the trucks in which they travel to \ enice must be left outside the city. The «ay to the Danieli is made either along the Grand Canal or a maze of smaller canals that lead into the wide expanse ot water that is the Si. Mark's ('aual. Those who wander on foot, however, need not go far to see some of the most famous buildings in Venice. Almost next door to Ihe hotel is the Palace oi the Doges. Ju*t around the corner is St. Mark's Church, crowned by its five ! domes and standing at the head of the renowned Square of St. Mark, where old women still sell—no doubt at great profit—small bags of corn for visitors to feed the pigeons which are there in hundreds. In this neighbourhood also is the main shopping centre, where the diversity and comparative cheapness oi the wares make this a favourite resort for New Zealanders in search of presents I to take or send home. ! There is traffic now on the Grand i Canal which would have startled the Doges—fast Navy launches, big am- ! pliibious military vehicles and ! other craft ....thought of before the war but there is little noise and no dust The prevailing impression ot Venice especially when riding in a gondola in the cool of the evening, is one |of serenity arid peace, which provides I an intensely pleasing contrast for men j who have lived in muddy holes in T' nt " and sweated with packs and rifles in the | hot Italian sun.