A Mock Funeral for Venice

While in Venice last month, I had several conversations with concerned Venetians about the state of their city. Living in the historic city has become prohibitively expensive for many, and with a diminished population, making a living has become more difficult. Additionally, many Venetians are dismayed by the throngs of tourists who flock to the city for just a few hours. Locals bemoan the "day-trippers" who tromp through the city streets, enjoy a meal, and then leave again without partaking of the city's hotels, museums, or restaurants -- and thus substantially contributing to the economy.

Yesterday, some residents of Venice held a mock funeral for the city married to the sea. They hope to bring attention to this growing problem. Read on for the New York Times' take on the situation:
Mock Funeral for Venice Dramatizes Flight of Residents From City’s Heart - NYTimes.com (view on Google Sidewiki)