Last week my many fans around the world lucked out when my friends Alan and Ken came to visit. They had promised to take a lot of photos during their trip to Puglia and Basilicata, and then do a show with me. They delivered big time when Ken spent about 25 minutes explaining in great detail a boatload of towns all over that area. I took that interview and created my first production in almost two months, Alan's Italy Show # 143: Puglia. Building on the interview weaving together their many photographs plus my usual search on the Internet for fill ins, I came up with a 31 minute show that focuses on the 9 towns in the Region of Puglia and the 1 town in neighboring Basilicata.
I can't say that everything went smoothly. There was a lot of editing to do both of my intro and outro, and Ken's presentation. I wanted to make it perfect, of course, so edited out most of the times he indicated to Laura, who was advancing the photos for him a few feet in front of the two chairs in which we sat during the presentation, "next photo." I also edited the few times I hesitated or repeated something in my beginning and ending. I found that although my speaking was not the usual "polished work" I usually do, the two month hiatus did not diminish my editing skills as I feared it might. Although I was just not in the mood to produce a show, I was afraid that I would forget stuff, but that didn't happen. After several creations of the finished product, I went back and forth with editing, but finally have what I think is pretty good.
What you will see is quite a wonderful tour of the Southeast Italian peninsula, the "heel of the boot" mostly. Ken has an art background and also has been to many, many places around the world in Asia and Europe mostly so has a world of experience to draw from. He will describe in great detail what there is to see with special emphasis on the churches and Cathedrals. Also he included tips for travelers to this region and advice on how in retrospect he and Alan could have enhanced their trip. Join us for a great show.
Meanwhile I will attempt to sustain some momentum and come up with something new. I have been toying with the idea of a tour of the Medici Chapel in Florence since anyone who loves Michelangelo will get a feast at this amazing museum of history and sculpture. Although I have been there probably 3 or 4 times, I have never studied the actual technique and meaning as an art expert would. I have some research to do obviously. Will do my best.
