I was surprised as well by the pricing. Here in most of the US you need a motorcycle endorsement for anything over 49cc. That probably slows down a lot of people from getting a scooter or motorcycle.

Steve, no need to apologize, the crying was a good thing.

That’s interesting, official dealer price here for a GTS 300 is less than the BMW. We also don’t have 150 versions but just 125. A lot of people here buy the GTS 125 because within the country we can ride up to 125cc/11kw with just a car driver’s license. I suspect that’s probably part of the success.

Please apologize to your girlfriend for me. I did not intend to have anyone cry but it’s gratifying to know that something I created wasn’t just fluff.

I suspect a lot of the American riding public is looking for something big, and something they feel is a good “deal.” Add to that a generally negative view of scooters as nothing more than toys and you have a marketing issue. A new Vespa is expensive when you realize you can buy a brand new BMW F300 GS for a couple thousand less than a new Vespa.

I’m confident that even if my Vespa dies sooner than expected that I’ll be able to get another.

Tell your girlfriend the next video should be more upbeat.

I’m surprised to read in your comments Vespa dealers are drying up over there. Over here in Belgium they seem to be doing quite well – mine’s always busy… and on a sunny day the Vespas are everywhere. I hope your GTS keeps going for a while!

Thank you for your comments Karl. I’m finding video does open different doors to tell a story.

I know that some find it sad — perhaps my choice of music manipulates those feelings, or my slow delivery with the narration, or the muted color and slowed motion. Or maybe it’s just discomfort with thoughts of mortality. When I created the video I was moving forward with an idea and feeling but it was not sad. Instead, I felt the techniques employed supported a slow, deliberate consideration of the world in which I live. When things are strange and uncertain, I become deliberate and move with thought and caution. I don’t suddenly become bright and cheerful. Subject and situation dictate my response.

When I placed the camera for the shot with the “No Trespassing” sign I had considered whether to include or remove them from the image. I decided to leave them because they added to the sense of foreboding in the world, that in so many places my presence is not wanted.

Thinking about the value of producing video for me, much like shooting still images and writing, it provides me another avenue to consider my life and the world.

And for those looking for happier content, I’m working that idea over in my head right now. It will be a challenge!

T.S. Eliots passages from “Burnt Norton” echo the same sort of feelings I have. The last line says it all for me.

I might have to pull down some poetry books. Thanks for the reminder of Eliot.

Something keeps drawing me to this video. Third morning viewing. Unlike some others, I find it intriguing and not sad at all.. Contemplation’s of a person with great depth and vision expressing his thoughts in a great medium.

The “no trespassing” and “posted” signs are a great artistic touch.

Time present and time past
Are both perhaps present in time future,
And time future contained in time past.
If all time is eternally present
All time is unredeemable.
What might have been is an abstraction
Remaining a perpetual possibility
Only in a world of speculation.
What might have been and what has been
Point to one end, which is always present.