[June 2024] In Mantua, Northern Italy, we also took a sightseeing boat.
We made a reservation in advance for a boat that goes around the three lakes surrounding the city.
We had made a reservation to depart at 5 o’clock, but the staff called later and said, “The weather forecast is bad today, so we will move it up to 4:30.”
It was sunny at that time, so it was hard to believe…
But the weather forecast was right.
Fortunately, the heavy rain started just after we boarded the boat, so we didn’t get wet.
There was thunder and it was very powerful.
We had reserved seats on the deck, but because of this weather, we stayed in the cabin downstairs and watched the stormy scenery from the window.
Some information about this area was given over the intercom on the boat.
Originally, Mantua was an island in a lake.
It is a natural lake, but the amount of water is now artificially adjusted.
I had assumed that the three lakes themselves were man-made.
Apparently there are cruise ships that go from here to Venice.
I don’t think it’s far enough to be called a “cruise”, though.
There was an explanation of the nature around here, and it was said that cormorants live here, with their wings spread out, which is picturesque.
There was also a story about how a scientist planted a few Chinese water lilies, and they multiplied at an incredible rate.
The highlight of this sightseeing boat was a village called Andes.
It is said to be the birthplace of Virgil, a famous ancient Roman poet.
I had never heard of it, though.
My husband said that at school he learned Virgil’s poems in detail.
Apparently the rural landscape depicted in Virgil’s poems remains intact, so many people make the effort to visit here.
Because of the bad weather, I couldn’t take any good photos, but it was a memorable experience anyway.
By the way, when we set sail, I was impressed by the group of elderly people who managed to calm down the young people who were making a lot of noise, but it was this group of elderly people who were getting excited and playing around towards the end.
