Gondola Getaway - Romantic, Entertaining Cruises in the Canals of Naples Island, Long Beach CA
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Michael O'toole

GondolaGetaway

The History of the Gondola Getaway cozy blankets

THE EARLY DAYS OF THE GONDOLA GETAWAY When I first started the Gondola Getaway, I was still in my youth of 25 years old.  I was starting a business but was still surfing and traveling to Mexico as often as possible.  We would head to Baja and camp at K38, Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 2 weeks ago
Christmas

Behind the Scenes of the Naples Island Boat Parade

This was our 72nd year of the Naples Improvement association organizing an incredible boat parade here in our own Alamitos Bay and the Canals of Naples Islands.  I have personally participated in about 50 of them, 36 of them in a Gondola.  It was EPIC once again!  We certainly have Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 2 months ago
GondolaGetaway

Two boats, Three Islands and about 1,000 years of history.

A little History of two locally world famous boats,   As I write this I am looking over the bay at the perfect October  “Adult” Summer.  Air temp Still in the 80’s, Water temp still in the 70’s and the waterways wide open!  I could literally sail my “Double Sabot” Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 3 months ago
GondolaGetaway

The Early Developers of Naples Islands would be smiling today!

         Naples, California — Naples History-Circa 1906 shows Hotel Napoli, a beach resort where guests could arrive by the electric “red car” and stay at the beach some 35 miles from Los Angeles. The image shows a boater in the bay and two Pacific Electric Red Trolley Cars. Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 3 months ago
Christmas

Sleighs on the bay-Trees on the bay / Naples Boat Parade

SEASON FOR REFLECTION. A calm night shows the Trees in the Bay at their best. TREES ON THE BAY They aren’t really trees, but they float and they light up, and they’ve expanded far beyond Alamitos Bay. The Trees in the Bay have become a uniquely Long Beach holiday tradition. Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 3 months ago
GondolaGetaway

Unique and Historical boats associated with The Naples Islands, Long Beach

TWO BOATS, A FEW ISLANDS AND A THOUSAND YEARS OF HISTORY! The Gondola In the very early 1900’s, Naples Islands were developed as a Venetian inspired island community replete with canals, bridges, Italian street names and of course Gondolas!  Our neighborhood boasted a Venetian experience right here in Southern California Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 3 months ago
GondolaGetaway

Inside the mind of an American Gondolier

INSIDE THE MIND OF A GONDOLIER OF NAPLES ISLAND, The Gondoliers of Venezia, Italia are the true ambassadors of their City.  They are not only trained to expertly row a Gondola through the twisting, winding, crowded canals of Venezia but they are trained to know a thousand years of history, Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 3 months ago
GondolaGetaway

History of the “CAORLINA” in America!

The first thing you “don’t” notice is the spelling.  At first glance, most folks think it is Carolina, like the North or South State in America.  Well it’s not, in fact it’s far from it.  In fact, its origin is exactly 6,154 miles from where I sit as I pen Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 4 months ago
Venezia

Long Beach/Venezia Sister City

Well, after 10 years it is now official. Actually it has been official since last May upon the signing of the documents at the Mayors office on the Grand Canal in Venezia. I have been traveling to Venezia now for over 35 years to learn the art of building and Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 5 months ago
GondolaGetaway

Venetian Gondola “Erla”

Well here we go!  Just kinda kick’n the tires for now.  Learning a bit on how to present and download things.  These pictures tell a story of bringing a Gondola from Venezia to Alamitos bay in Long Beach.  The video is me rowing the “Erla Farnea” just after purchase in Read more…

By Michael O'toole, 5 months ago

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The American Gondolier
Michael OToole – Founder

Tales of an American Gondolier

My name is Michael O’Toole, founder of The 37 year-old business “The Gondola Getaway.”  It started as College project at U.S.C. and has turned into lifelong business and passion.  The business has taken me to Venezia, Italia over 45 times now.  I have had the opportunity to live, eat, drink and row in the Laguna di Venezia being guided by the most local of Venetians.  I have rowed and sailed over 1,000 miles through the lagoon on almost every type of Venetian boat, stayed or visited almost every Island in the lagoon, eaten and learned to cook every classic dish and made the closest of friends. I have been able to bring so much of my experiences back here to Naples Islands, Long Beach and be shared with all the Gondola Getaway customers and locals of Naples Islands and Alamitos bay.

This blog will share tales from my experiences from the Venetian lagoon and how they have shaped my life.  You will find recipes, traveling tips, techniques, comparisons, funny stories, sad stories.  All the stories will be a reflection of my life that has, is and will be a blend of Venezia and home here in Long Beach and Southern California.  This will my own unique blend of cultures that I hope you will enjoy!  I sure have!!

Michelangelo Otolini

Long Beach
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Recent Posts
  • The History of the Gondola Getaway cozy blankets
  • Behind the Scenes of the Naples Island Boat Parade
  • Two boats, Three Islands and about 1,000 years of history.
  • The Early Developers of Naples Islands would be smiling today!
  • Sleighs on the bay-Trees on the bay / Naples Boat Parade

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