Relive Casanova's Venice--or not

Perhaps it was the movie Casanova, but the old libertine's lusty ways seem to be undergoing a sort of Renaissance. As you know, the legendary lover's heritage includes the oft publicized use of the early condom, which for Casanova consisted of a reusable sheep-gut sheath tied on with a pink ribbon and rinsed, when required, in the Grand Canal.

Now, according to Venice Word, "fourteen million tourists a year can now leave with a new "serenissimo" gadget that appears destined to be a hit: the Casanova condom packed in a single-unit package with the image of Giacomo Casanova."

You probably won't need to stand in line at Venice pharmacies to procure a Casanova special, they'll be available in 2006 at tobacconists and newspaper kiosks, the same place you get your bus tickets, usually. And hold on you your...hats, "Beginning in January, the Casanova will also be sold in a seven-condom package shaped like a... gondola."

Italy Travel Resources: Venice