Gondola

Swoosh. Swish. I glide on the sparkly water. The city I live in has no roads for cars, only shiny water canals. The water whispers secrets to my sleek, black sides as I float past tall, colorful buildings. I am long and graceful. I have a shiny, curly metal nose that points to the sky. Do you know what I am. I am a gondola.

I was made by special boat builders in a magical city called Venice. My boat family has been floating on these canals since the 11th century. That is a very, very long time ago. My body is shaped a little like a banana. I am lopsided on purpose. This special shape helps my friend, the gondolier, steer me through the water with just one long oar. Way back in the 16th century, a new rule said that all of us gondolas had to wear a beautiful, shiny black coat. I still wear my black coat today. It makes me look so elegant as I glide.

My job is the best job in the world. I carry happy families under beautiful stone bridges and past big, fancy palaces. I love to hear the gondolier sing happy songs while he rows. His voice echoes over the water. I am more than just a boat. I am a piece of history that still brings smiles to everyone. I help people see my wonderful city from the water. We do a gentle, floating dance together, making memories that people will keep in their hearts forever.