European Customs Favorite of Steve: Four Enduring Traditions
Venice, the city of canals, offers a unique transportation experience with its gondolas. These flat-bottomed boats, maneuvered by captains who stand up, have been a part of Venice's history since the 14th century, when they were embraced by the noble class as an alternative to horse-drawn carriages. The best time to ride a gondola is during early evening when the light is right and the crowds have lessened, providing a tranquil escape to appreciate the city's charm.
Across the Mediterranean, in Spain, flamenco, a fast-paced performance characterized by intricate rhythms, machine-gun footwork, graceful turns, and smooth, dramatic steps, originates from the Andalusia region. Sevilla, considered the epicenter of flamenco, offers both tourist-friendly performances and opportunities to experience the culture celebrated by and for the locals. To fully appreciate flamenco culture in Sevilla, wander the city's backstreets in search of a neighbourhood bar where locals break out into impromptu performances.
Flamenco is a visual reminder of Andalusia's vibrant mix of cultures, with echoes of the Muslim call to prayer and colorful costumes influenced by the Roma people. Castanets and hand clapping set the rhythms for flamenco performances, while guitarists are considered some of the best in the world.
In London, double-decker buses are not only an iconic symbol of the city but also a fun and efficient mode of transport for visitors, especially when exploring the city's top sights. Some buses in London's fleet are now electric, making them an eco-friendly choice. On Sundays, when many sights are closed, riding a double-decker bus is a good way to get an overview of the city and spend an otherwise unoccupied afternoon.
London's double-decker buses have a rich history, starting out as two-story horse-drawn buggies in the late 19th century. Today, the route 15 bus offers a chance to ride a heritage "Routemaster" old-style double-decker, going from Trafalgar Square to St. Paul's Cathedral to the Tower of London.
Portugal, too, has its own unique music, fado. Characterized by soulful songs reflecting Portugal's bittersweet relationship with the sea, fado is a uniquely Portuguese style of music. In Lisbon, the Bairro Alto and Mouraria districts are great areas to catch informal fado singing, while in Coimbra, north of Lisbon, performances mainly by men can be found. On Sundays, when many sights in London are closed, riding a double-decker bus is a good way to get an overview of the city and spend an otherwise unoccupied afternoon.
In both Lisbon and Coimbra, free fado shows can be found in more rough-edged neighborhoods. Riding a double-decker bus can provide an exciting experience for kids and some stress-free downtime for parents. To experience the authenticity of fado music, seek out small bars in these districts where the musicians who often play spontaneous fado are typically local fado singers and flamenco guitarists or vocalists.
In conclusion, exploring European cities through their iconic transportation and traditional music offers a unique and immersive cultural experience. Whether it's gliding through Venice's canals in a gondola, listening to the soulful tunes of fado in Lisbon, or experiencing the passionate flamenco performances in Sevilla, these experiences provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of these cities. And in London, double-decker buses offer a fun and efficient way to see the sights while learning about the city's rich history.
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