In September of 2019 my wife, Jarka, and I went on an 18-day Mediterranean cruise that ended in Venice, Italy, where we spent three spectacular days. I was amazed to see all of the different types of boat and gondola traffic on the main channel of the Gulf of Venice. The back canals of the city were crowded with merchants selling produce and with other commercial ventures, and water taxis were traveling in every direction.

Venice, Surrounded by 119 small islands connected by more than 400 uniquely-styled bridges, is located in Northeastern Italy. The city, named after the Adriatic Veneti people who inhabited this region around the 10th century, has also been called “City of Water,” “City of Bridges” and “Queen of the Adriatic.” From the 13th century to the 17th century, Venice was an important center of commerce, offering spices, grains and art, and was also an international finance center.