Canal of Shoes

I was too slow to snap someone moving home by boat through the canals of Venice. Partly because I was concerned for the very nice large LCD TV laying on top of neatly packed boxes. The canals are a hive of activity and not just for the gondolas.


The canals, coupled with the squares or piazzas, create much intricacy to an outsider. However, for the Venetians despite the avalanche of tourism it is life as usual. I found one such business tucked away near the Rialto bridge in the San Polo district. Serafino is a small cobblers. It's owner has run his business for 50 years.



Bearing in mind he speaks not a word of English and my Italian is consistently at improving beginner, we chatted for ages although I really didn't get his name. Name aside, I do know the weight of the mushroom he found in the 1970s. I also know that he repairs a lot of shoes and many for Ferragamo including a pair for Marilyn Monroe. He has some wonderful eclectic pairs as part of his display and in the tiny shop.

I could have spent all day in there but alas, he had to wander off to drop off shoes, leaving shop unattended with no worries and I really couldn't tend the store. I did find time to safe guard his reputation as a man who can appreciate mushrooms as well as shoes, and explained to him the need to beware of people who try to 'acquire' shoes. Safely tucked in a draw is his beware notice. Probably as crudely put as this warning poster at the quayside regarding bags.