We Are Back!!!!!

After months of inaction on my part a new video is uploading. After the cancelation of the trip we were supposed to have taken in May 2017, I lost interest for a number of reasons. First, a lot of material I would have brought home and indeed planned for were not there. Second, I just lost interest in the creative process. I found that creativity is not always there, so I gave up the process. I could produced with shows on things which we had not photographed for a while, but that would have required a lot of research and I just wasn't up for it so the channel, Alan's Italy, was in a state of abeyance.

However, we took a fabulous vacation in Italy in January 2018 for 2 weeks, did some photography and videography and my creative juices came back with some ideas. You will see one of them in show # 144 - What's New in Florence, 2018. I focus on a couple of restaurants, one old with a new owner and one totally new, both on via della Scala. I also talk about the renovation completion in the Piazza Santa Maria Novella, the new emphasis on bicycles in Florence, and the new opera house.

The show is not one of my best, although I should leave that judgement to my audience. I didn't feel comfortable and I believe that may come through in the video. I have some more ideas that I hope to get into. I also must sadly report that my dear friend Sharon Hirst, Ric's wonderful wife of many, many years passed away recently. It was quite devastating and shocking even though she had been sick for a long time. Her courage and fortitude were astounding during her final years, months and she will always have a place in my heart. Ric indicates to me that he would like to continue to do shows with me and we have one idea that is almost ready to be pursued.

I have a show I would like to do next on the wonderful and famous Piazza Navona where Laura and I spent two hours just sitting and relaxing and watching the world go by. I took three videos which I will include plus some photos and background material.

Meanwhile we are up to 204 subscribers and over 54,000 views, so even though I have been inactive, the audience has not. Thank you.