Flash forward to 1999. A little grayer and stouter. But still strolling along canals. Still riding gondolas. Canal boats, traditionally styled and sized, ply the shallow waters along a quarter-mile of artificial canal on the third story of The Venetian.
High tide backs everything up.
First, a visitor easily gets disoriented in either setting. The Venetian's public areas are vast and arranged on several levels. Second, the average American tourist often is baffled by Italian scheduling. Likewise, the Spighis were surprised when they found that despite what appeared to be a short waiting line, they would have to wait almost two hours for seats on the next available gondola. Pino is a retired engineer.