Firenze, Bon Giorno!!

Florence, I love you ;>

I'm back ya'll. Well, been back for a couple days now but I gotta let you know what fun it was.
Three days and three nights of art, music, films, food, fun, and laughter. Federico, Lorenzo, Laura, Marco, Riccardo, were all gems. These were the coordinators of this great event... DigiFestival.

Festival della Creativita and DigiFestival... at the Fortezza da Basso
(a fortress, ooh ;>)

The whole thing was a big ball of art exploration on the ancient grounds of Fortezza da Basso. Every day people from all over would come to engulf themselves in art and creativity. At night they would loosen up and have dance parties and live shows. The bar was open the whole time so you know we were feeling good ;> I loved it. I learned so much. I absorbed so much and met so many talented people. I networked and promoted my music and other talents. While in the process I had the great luck of being interviewed by MTV Italia. They asked me about all sorts of things; my music and video, what creativity means to me, what inspires me, who I've worked with, etc. I love doing interviews like that. It really gives an artist a chance to let the people know how they work and what's in their minds. It will air this weekend in Italy.

I'm growing so much I could hardly keep up with myself.

Florence is such a beautiful city and ofcourse the birth place of the legendary Michael Angelo Buonarroti, whom I am even more inspired by now then when I went to Rome and saw the Sistine Chapel. My mother and I visited the Duomo, Baptistry, and the Campanile; basically an overwhelming three part church that stands in the center of town that was built over two centuries ago. It was absolutely beautiful. How do we make such amazing things as humans? ...I dunno.
We also saw the "Old Bridge", which was even old at its birth, haha, and we walked through what they call "The center of Town" which is where all the shops and restaurants in the Piazza's were. I had the pleasure of having Endemix DJ of Radio Mialno and Giampiero of DrownedMadonna.com (at seperate times) accompany me and mom. They gave us the native tour of the city filling us in on the history of certain areas and monuments. Italians really take pride in their culture and history.
Yay! Endemix! Yay! Giampiero! I was so glad to finally meet them. We connected even more in person then from email.
I miss them already :(

We (the digifestival family) enjoyed gourmet italian dinners, red wine, espresso, and ofcourse grappa every night. We took long walks through the city at night, and the occasional shopping in the piazzas.
We were attahced at the hip, lol ;>

On the night of the Award ceremony we all got dressed casually cute and snazzy and put our best foot forward to make a good impression on the audience when called on stage to receive our awards. I think it was my first time being able to thank everyone in public. Afterwards we enjoyed a live show by the Bohagey Bowes and then Amanda Baker and then other performers then went off to dinner. No, I didn't get a chance to perform this time but I know Federico will be sure to have me perform next year. Gotta give some love to Italy!

Well, that was it. I had a great time. My mom had an exceptionally great time and now we're back in the US doing our do. Back to reality and on the hustle once again. I don't trip though cause I know that won't be the last of the surprises.

To DigiFestival, Thank you all so much for showing me such a great time! I know I'll be back soon and we'll be able to party for real.

To everyone that made the video happen, Thank you so much for your time and support and faith in me, and especially all your votes. None of this could be possible without you.
Mom, Carlos, Daphnee (Johann), Jack OAT, Billy Crawford, Anthony Honn, Tim Lowery of Desert Rock Ent., T-Rock, Zae Northy, Galen Hooks, Gabe, Cassidy, Kaz, Maryss from Paris, Larry Jarah Sims, Nana Ikegami, Dan Rodriguez, Jose Guillermo and all the friends, family and fans that voted.

Salute, Ciao!!!!
R.

P.S. you can check out the pics here on my website, on my myspace, or at digifestival.net. Enjoy!