Las Colinas is one of north Texas’ best kept secrets, as they say. And one of the most unique and exciting features are the gondolas that glide through Lake Carolyn. If you work or live in the downtown district you may see them often. If you are visiting the city, you should find the time to relax and enjoy the view from a “convertible”. And if you have a special occasion in mind, you can’t go wrong by celebrating on the calm waters of the canals.
      Gondolas figure strongly in the world’s heritage as places where negotiations are held. Everything from courtships to business meetings took place on the water quite frequently in the past. It is a heritage that began in the waterways of Venice, Italy but the concept of gondolas is now worldwide, and it seems the courtship aspect, as well as general recreation, remains the gondolas allure to current generations. Preceding the momentous debates in Philadelphia, delegates from the 13 colonies assembled in a gondola in the Hudson River, evidently the first gondola used in the New World. Today, couples plan their futures and friends enjoy meals and cocktails aboard the vessels.
      Matthew Schenk is incharge of the Gondola Adventures in Las Colinas. He is also one of the gondola navigators, dressed in Venetian garb; a striped shirt and thick, red sash. And he sings everything from opera to the Steve Miller Band, “covering everyones tastes,” he said. And describes the ride as a little piece of Italy in the heart of the city.
      “The ride is serene and sexy, so it’s great for enjoying a special time with people they know or to let the one they love know how they feel.” Matthew said. “Or heck, sometimes people just want to do something different and adventureous. We provide that.”