Saturday, February 25, 2012

Michelangelo in Florence

Armed with the tools Michelangelo would have used in his sculptures, and a lifetime of experience as a sculptor, Ric Hirst gave expert commentary on one of the world's greatest geniuses. After a rocky opening with the ubiquitous broadcast problems, we started flawlessly and covered a wide variety of topics not chronologically, because to view each of Michelangelo's over 20 works of art that way would require going into and out of museums all afternoon. Rather we stayed with the same venue and simply gave historical background and analyzed each piece. Working with my very good friend, Ric, on the show was as much a joy as it is sitting around his living room sipping a glass of his always outstanding wine, and shooting the breeze about our favorite topic, Italy. Bantering back and forth about Michelangelo, his life, times, and works of art felt as natural as it could be. Ric even showed his tools and explained how the great genius used those tools to create magic out of marble. His insights into the famous unfinished works at the Galleria Accademia were extraordinary and wonderful. Florence is a fascinating city under any circumstance, but the idea of sightseeing by going to the great museums and churches with a particular theme in mind is a worthwhile endeavor. That was also part of my goal with this show, ok, yet another excuse to visit my favorite place on earth. I will revisit Florence many times in the future focussing on different themes including, but not limited to, the smaller, less famous museums, the parks, piazzas, marvelous churches, and a segment on the people who work in my favorite hotel, including the owner. A lady called us after the show to tell me that my show is a "gift to the people of Woodstock," which brought tears to my eyes. One of my goals in this endeavor has always been to provide a public service to my neighbors in an area in which I could be helpful. I love Italy and I love Wookstock and melding the two is very special for me, and its icing on the cake to be able to embrace any opportunity to make a contribution to its residents. Thanks to Ric and also to the people of Woodstock for their support.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Apocalypse Varga

The name of the show on Woodstock Public Access TV hosted by the incomparable and wonderful Christina Varga, who graciously interviewed me on her show at 10 PM, Thursday, Feb 23, 2012. It wasn't so much of an interview as it was a dialogue between her and me on a wide range of topics, some of which were about Italy. She had me on the show, because of my weekly show Alan's Italy on WPAT Woodstock, but we discussed everything from art to playing music on my guitar. It was a fun night and very inspiring, so thank you Christina, it was a pleasure for me, and I hope for you also. We even had 3 phone calls, one of whom asked me about a hotel in Rome. It was just a special evening, and I look forward to a repeat performance. Thanks Christina !

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Can A Person Tour Rome in Two Days

In all the hubbub of talking about trying to create and execute a show, I almost forgot to explain the concept of a 2 day tour of Rome. Oddly although I have been to Rome a dozen times, I never spent more than 3 days there at a time except during my first trip when I was there for 4 days. So the two shows sort of indicate that a 2 day tour is certainly possible, and I wish to explain that. When we were there in 2010 with our friends, we arrived to the hotel at about 9 AM and were out and about an hour later. We did that actual tour I indicate on the first show, certainly doable. The original trip called for us to have lunch at that place just off the Campo die Fiori, and then walk to the Campodoglio, where we would start our afternoon touring the Ancient Rome sites, Roman Forum, Colliseum, Imperial Fora, and back to the Piazza Venezia (or do a quick detour to the Piazza Boca della Verita). Then the idea was to go to The Vatican and St Peter's and the Castel St Angelo the second day with a possible side trip to Ostia Antica. However, since the second day would have been Sunday and the Vatican is closed on that day, after lunch on the first day, we, out of necessity went right to the Vatican. That is what was presented on the first Rome show. Then for the second show and indeed OUR second day, we started at the Campodoglio walked as is indicated on that show, and that was the tour. We left out Ostia Antica on that trip. However, if we had gone to the Vatican on the second day as originally planned, then perhaps we could have also gone to Ostia. So to sum up, then anyone taking a 2 day vacation in Rome who has never been there could very well, do the tour as follows: Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Largo Argentina, lunch at the Campo die Fiori, walk or taxi to the Boca della Verita, then a short walk to The Campodoglio, around the Roman Forum, to the Colliseum, up the via die Fori Imperiali, passed Trajan's Forum and Market (even perhaps duck into the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli as we did), and end up at the Piazza Venezia. That's one day that is doable, especially if you hadn't just arrived with all that jet lag. The second day, go to The Vatican, St Peter's, Castel St Angelo, have some lunch, and taxi to a train station for a brief hop to Ostia Antica. Then in the evening, and so as to not miss the Piazza Navona, have dinner there or perhaps an after dinner gelato and relax on that wonderful and colorful location. Is a two day tour possible ? Well, there it is !!!! If you want a third day, I would then suggest seeing some museums, perhaps the Campodoglio Museums, certainly the Borghese Galleries, and stay near that location and see the Villa Giulia which has a wonderful Etruscan Collection. Also, investigate art exhibitions around town as we often do. If you want more to do, you could walk or taxi back to the Palazzo Barberini to see that great museum or if you are adventurous go to Tivoli for the afternoon and see either the Villa d'Este or Hadrian's Villa. If not save Tivoli for a possible 4th day. On my first trip to Rome in 1992, we spent part of a day hanging around the great shopping streets in the shadow of the Spanish Steps. If you are reading all this in wonder of how all this is possible, then let me give you some pointers. First let me say that Florence is more compact than Rome, and actually so is Venice. For that reason I would strongly suggest using taxis for greater comfort and efficiency in The Eternal City. However, you cannot hail a taxi in Rome, but there are taxi stands. Also try calling the phone number for taxis (in 2010, 06 - 4994 or 06-6645), the best way to get a taxi. Another note about taxis, BEWARE of taxis that park at the train station; some of the drivers are crooks !!! I have had that experience; trust me. Most drivers are very nice and phoning works, because you are using a service that takes responsibility. Second, the right time of year afford the opportunity to do a lot. Summer is not one of those times, however, because Rome in July and August is brutal (personal experience again). If it's reasonable cool, then you can do a lot more. Third, find places to sit down and relax, be it dinner, cappuccino, gelato, or just a bench in a museum. I always take rests, and always did so even when I wasn't in my 60's. Fourth, plan well !!! If you want to see everything, you must plan exactly what you are doing and when it is being done. Be aware of opening and closing times. Fifth, stay in a good location, where you can get to the central sights fast. Don't stay too far from the center, where you must waste time just to get to a place. The location I indicate near the Piazza Repubblica (Hotel Adler) is a great location. Sixth, stop for meals. Don't try to brave it out starving just to get to a sight. Treat yourself well and stop to enjoy a  meal. Seventh, and most important, a trip to Rome is not a vacation where you take it easy and sleep late and all that. Sightseeing in Rome is difficult and challenging, but don't expect to not leave Rome, having seen a lot, and feeling well rested. If you want that, go to a Caribbean Island. Most people who leave Rome, leave it incredibly enriched, but bushed. On this tour, wake up reasonably early. I like to be out on a tour no later than 9 AM (at home I sometimes sleep until 9, so look forward to that when you get home). Spend the next day taking a nice slow train to Orvieto, and spend the day starting your tour of Umbria or Tuscany, OR take the train to Florence and do some light strolling around (see Alan's Italy Show # 2,3 or the question answered on Show # 4). Also, if you are going to Rome, allow an day back at home, before going to work school, or whatever. Anyway now the record is straight, so enjoy. Any questions, e mail me at Alansitaly@gmail.com. Buona sera e buona fortuna.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

The Rule Rather Than The Exception

Well, just when I thought I had seen everything, and experienced every possible thing that could go wrong, I very naively went to the studio expecting a smooth operation. At first my engineer told me that there was some sort of problem, but then everything appeared to be be ready to go. But I heard some noise coming from the community center next door to the studio, loud music, singing, and screaming. I went over there myself to see that a show was rehearsing for that night with Motown music playing. I told them I was getting ready to do a show that would require more quiet than had been taking place. At first they appeared to be acquiescing, but then the guy who was obviously in charge suddenly starting screaming, "I am contracted from 3 until 9 and we have to do this. We are having a show here soon and need to practice." I asked for a little more quiet, at least until the show was over at 6. So all during the show I heard Michael Jackson and Martha and the Vandellas music accompanied by loud singing and an occasional scream. The show went on, however, and I told my audience about my many challenges, and to bear with me. I liked being honest and found a measure of contentment at simply being sincere. So on we went through the rest of Rome that I had left over from last week. I went a bit faster than I had wanted, but I felt that 2 shows on Rome were enough. Rome is certainly an extraordinary place to see, and the show looks pretty good as a very quick view of what there is to see over a couple of days visit there. I told the viewers that I would be appearing on another cable show later in the week where a local artist and gallery owner Christina Varga, that I knew from visiting her gallery in town, was hosting a show she has had for several years Thursdays from 10 - 11 PM. She will interview me for part of her show, but I have no idea what to expect since I have never seen her show. I tried to stay up Thursday night to watch it, but forgot and was listening to all the commentary about the sad news about one of my favorite baseball players, Gary Carter, who died tragically at aged 57 of brain cancer. So if you read this and would like to see the interview, you can tune in to Woodstocktv.org and watch it supposedly streaming over the web. I am not sure I can DVD the interview since my engineer will not be in town that night. She tried to teach me what to do, so we'll see, if I can tape it, then I will try to put it in Youtube. Also, I will lecturing on Italy at the YMCA of Kingston on Monday evening, March 19 at 7 PM. I have always wanted to do something of a volunteer nature at the Y, so this works very well for me. If it is successful, maybe I will do more than one lecture. I will probably choose Venice as a first lecture, as I did for my first show on WPAT. So that's my story for now, and if you are reading this and perhaps watching my shows on Youtube, once again thank you very much. If you can e mail me to ask a question or even just to say hello, I would be delighted to hear from you at Alansitaly@gmail.com.

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Return visit to Rome, but first a moment of horror

Of all the extraordinary experiences I have had producing this television show that Woodstock Public Access has given me the privilege of doing over the past several months, no feeling has come even close than the exhilaration, excitement, enjoyment, tension, anxiety, and outright fear of performing the show live each week. Many of the problems that we have encountered over that time have somehow been worked out thanks to the dedication, ingenuity, and commitment of my engineer, Ellen, and another technician, Richard, along with my steadfast desire to not let this opportunity go to waste. The only editing I have engaged in was removing some extraneous sound we once had; otherwise what you see in the videos, has been exactly how it goes in the live broadcast. That is the philosophy of the station, and I have embraced that concept with genuine respect and commitment. Yesterday just after the introductory montage of photos, I turned back to my computer ready to start the flow of photos for my presentation, when to my  utter horror I saw a screen I had never seen before. Frantically I tried to figure out what was going on, but to no avail. My first reaction was to scream very loudly, "HELP" ! But we were live, broadcasting not only to the Woodstock, NY area, but streaming throughout the world. I tried to maintain a calm demeanor while letting my engineer know I was having a problem. My mind was racing with intense anxiety. I tried to fix the problem, while saying to myself, ok if I can't get the photos to work, can I talk for the next 50 minutes about Rome. I realized that I had that marvelous 10 minute segment answering the five questions posed by Lily, but could I fudge the next 40 minutes ! Finally I decided to try something that made sense and it worked ! Although the show continued at that point as planned, I was shaken pretty badly by that experience, but tried very hard to not let my viewing audience see that. Eventually I settled down and it was actually quite smooth from then on. When I got home my wife asked me what was going on and why it lasted so long. We thought it went on for several minutes, because she shared my horror, but it turned out to have been maybe a minute or less. I now have the option of editing that part out on Youtube, but I am reluctant to do so. Since the Youtube videos are not simply an Italy travelogue, but a documentary of the total experience of my producing and performing the show live every week, I have chosen to leave everything just as it happened, in an honest attempt to record the moment in totality. I may change my mind at some time in the future, but right now I feel a kind of pride about that terrible period, when for what seemed like an eternity, I felt the terror of what it must have been like when shows were performed live back during the early days of television that I remember so well as a child back in the 1950's. So if you are wondering what happened, why it did happen, and what I was thinking during it all, well, then there it is. As always thank you for taking the time to read this, and to watch the shows.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Paradise on the Lake

Just wanted to talk a little about Lake Como. Obviously from the show it should be clear to the viewer my love for this region of Italy, as well as its extraordinary beauty. I recall very vividly that first experience back in 2007 when we first stayed at the Hotel Villa Cipressi with that amazing view of the lake. The hotel has sumptuous gardens, great public areas, and a friendly, wonderful staff. We stayed in Varenna at the suggestion of Rick Steves and his really great tour book. He was absolutely correct, as he almost always is. The town of Varenna is much less touristy than Bellagio, very peaceful (except on Sundays), and charming. We had a first lunch on the patio of the hotel overlooking the lake, and felt quite aristocratic staying in a Lake Como Villa. That night we had dinner at Vecchia Varenna, the premier restaurant lakeside, as RS indicates. It was quite lovely, and for a short time we had the unobstructed view of the lake until it became too cold and they closed the plastic covering. We then had the irritating experience of being there the night of a big wedding. At first we liked conversing with the wedding party, but then couldn't sleep until 4 AM, because of the noise. After complaining to the manager, he gave s a free dinner at their restaurant all expenses paid, and what a meal it was, soup to nuts with wine probably a $200 meal. When the chef came out at the end of the meal, he was given a standing ovation by the diners. We were all on the patio and that experience was among the best dining experiences of my life.In 2008 after canceling our trip with Linda and Bruce to Sicily, because Alitatlia canceled our flight we decided to instead stay on Lake Como and then Lake Maggiore. First we stayed in Bellagio at the wonderful Hotel Bellevede, and then in Stresa at La Palma, both with spectacular views of the lakes. That was very relaxing. On our way driving Linda and Bruce to the airport, where we would then return the car and train into Milan for the night, I received my first traffic summons, given to me while I was back home 2 months later, for entering the ZTL, Zona Traffico Limitato. Many centers of Italian cities are closed to traffic. This one was the town of Gallarate, a few miles from Malpensa. When we returned in 2009 we had the corner room at Villa Cipressi with the view of the lake and the town, a slightly better room.  Incidentally I love ferrying the lake stopping at the towns and villas, a very relaxing and fun experience.  The only down moment occurred when I was parking my rented car and a nail sticking out of the sidewalk cut my tire in half. I decided to return the car that moment, as we would not be needing it anymore. That little episode cost me $400 for a new tire. We decided to stay the extra night and instead of sleeping near Malpensa (Milan's airport), we took a taxi ti the airport with a great person and car service owner who operates out of Varenna, Marco Barilli. For a cool 140 Euros (close to $200), we arrived at the airport flawlessly, and for once very relaxed. The fourth trip was 2010 when we took Laura's oldest friend, Randy, and her son, David to Rome, Alto Lazio, Tuscany, Florence, Venice, and finally Varenna. That was the usual wonderfulness. That entire trip was among my favorite. Randy and David are two of my favorite people in the world !!! So that's four times on Lake Como, all unforgettable. I know this is a blog site which is supped to be paralleling my TV show, but I figured, what the heck ! Ya only live once. If you like hearing about the actual trips I have taken to Italy, please feel free to go to Travelpod.com, and search for AlanJGreenhalgh.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Almost Flawless

I would like to begin by saying that my engineer, Ellen Povill, has been absolutely and positively wonderful. Without her I would not have a TV show on Woodstock Public Access, and would probably be seeing my shrink twice or three times a week. She has been my guiding light, working tirelessly to produce the show, jumping from console to camera, controlling the sound, visuals, and giving me hand signals throughout the show. She is there before I arrive and stays after I leave. She is always available for my questions, which a few months ago were almost daily. Having said that nonetheless, because of conditions beyond her control, things have gone wrong and 2 shows were cancelled in the past 4 weeks. Many people come into the studio and mess things up, and Ellen, almost as much as I am, is very frustrated at times.I spend an awful lot of time preparing the show working at home for hours getting all the photos, videos, and sequences working on my computer, and studying books and such trying to get the most accurate information for my viewers. Tonight we began flawlessly, and for the first 30 minutes I actually thought, OMG this is going perfectly. Then at about 5:30 PM there was a banging on the door ! Ellen went to check to see what the commotion was about and, as I am doing my show, saw out of the corner of my eye that she was talking with someone at the door. Suddenly the audience of one, Ellen, became an audience of two as some unknown guy came in and sat at one of the chairs along the side wall watching the monitor during the show. At first it freaked me out, rattled me somewhat, as he was the first outsider ever in the studio, but then the ole, "the show must go on" thought came to my mind and on I trudged. Then I noticed something strange happening. I actually was enjoying his being there. He was not only engaged, but really looked to be enjoying himself, and that gave an an unexpected lift ! He and I actually had eye contact a few times with his nodding approvingly at certain parts. Later we introduced ourselves to each other and he was indeed a very nice guy. A Woodstock person who lived down on Tinker Street opposite the cinema, who was there for the 7 PM show where he would be playing his guitar. What he was doing there 90 minutes early is still a mystery to me, but hey, I actually realized how nice it might be to be performing this show live in front of a studio audience, just the way Milton Berle and Sid Caesar did in the '50's. And I was just speaking with my wife about my first flight experience in 1973 when I couldn't move for the 8 hr flight to London, not even to go to the bathroom (that could never take place now of course). The movie playing on the Pan Am flight from JFK to Gatwick was Sid Caesar's Ten From Your Show of Show, the name of his TV show with Carl Reiner, Howard Morris, Imogine Coca (pardon the probably incorrect spelling), among others. Of course, the studio is way too small for an audience, but perhaps a few other people might not be a bad idea. It was even suggested to me that I might actually get some questions from the studio audience that could help liven up the show. Anyway, Show # 6 - Lake Como came and went, and now it's on to bigger and better things. I have lined up my friend Ric who joined me on Show # 5 last week. He and I will be jointly doing a show on Michelangelo in Florence, discussing his more than 2 dozen works throughout the city, and then a few weeks later Eating in Italy covering a wide range of food topics. I hope to have him on many times as he is just so knowledgable, smart, and charming. Thanks Ric. I still do not have many people calling in questions, or even writing to me at my e mail address at Alansitaly@gmail.com, but all things considered this whole experience has been quite a miraculous thing to have had happen to me, and most times I just stop and say to myself, what a lucky guy I am !!!!!!