(Photo’s by Elaine)
Date : November 23, 2013

Santa Monica Place

Today will be a special day because I am going to my beloved Il Volo’s performance and CD signing at Santa Monica.  My husband, oldest daughter and I arrived at the Santa Monica Place at around 12:30.  We first stopped for lunch inside the mall before heading up to the third floor where the CD will be sold.  It was only 2:30  but a line already formed.  We got in line and  while I was waiting I met and talked to several IlVolvers and shared our experience and feelings for our guys.  I am amazed to find out that one lady also came to this event all the way from Northern California just like me. Of course I also promoted our site and invited them to visit and share their love for our guys with us.

It was 3:15 after I purchased the CD so we went to explore some other smaller shops in the area.  We were back to the mall at 5:30 and went straight to the podium but found that the good spots were all taken up.  There was not too much space in front of the stage because HGTV (who hosted this event) put up a Santa house in the middle of the podium which narrowed the standing room in front of the stage.  The set up was not really good.  The program started at 6:00 with a few other artists and groups mostly also sang holiday songs. Our guys were the finale and appeared at 8:00. For the first hour of the program I sat down for a drink at the cafe close to the stage in order to conserve energy.  Then at 7:00 I got up and walked around the area hoping to find a good spot.  I saw the mall security has blocked up and made a walkway and I know that is where our guys will come out.  So I stood next to that and sure I did see them first hand as they walked out.  I was excited. They look gorgeous, handsome,  and are all suited up. They walked fast and didn’t stop.  I waved and yelled but the big security person was in my way.  Hmmm, so close but yet so far!

Our guys first stopped to meet a little girl who is already inside the stage area.  They took a picture with her and again showed their loving nature toward children.  Tonight our guys sang four Christmas songs from the Buon Natale album. They sound great and are totally energetic.  It looked to me as if they had already recuperated from the long tour.

Right after the performance we went back to 3rd floor for the signing.  I was in line for about 30 minutes and then there they are, right in front of me and my husband.  I handed them my six booklets from inside the CD.  Gianluca sat on my right and was the first one I talked to.  I told him I am so glad to see him again and I asked if he remember me from the PBS concert at Miami but he said no 😞.  However Piero who sat in the middle overheard us and said he remember me and my little daughter.  I was so happy and told him my little one can’t come today because she is studying aboard. Then I said I am with the Flight Crew.  Piero didn’t get that at first but Gianluca was fast and repleted “the Flight Crew” as if he is familiar with it.  And I responded to Gianluca and said “so you know us?” But he didn’t answer.  Nevertheless I have a strong feeling that he already knew our group and came to our site before!  Anyway I can’t remember exactly everything but the next thing I did was I hugged Gianluca really long and tight and kissed him on the cheek. Then kissed and hugged for Piero.  Then kiss and hug for Ignazio. Oh, they also kissed me on my cheek and Piero’s kiss was the biggest.  Marie, I did what you requested.  I asked Ignazio if he remembered you.  At first he said “who”. Then I kind of reminded him with the kissing on the dimple thing and he finally said YES.  So there, are you happy? 🙂  Oh I kind of slightly touched his dimple too.  Who can resist?

Barbara Vitalli was standing on the side and I said hello to her.  I told her I am with the Flight Crew.  She is very nice and we talked for a few minutes.  I hugged her and thanked her for taking good care of our guys before leaving the room.

Okay, I am not done yet.  I went back for a second time because my oldest daughter had an emergency and did not go in with me the first time.  I have extra wristbands because I purchased 6 CDs and also received the same number of wristbands.   So here I go again to meet our guys up close for a second time.  I told them I am coming in  with my oldest daughter again.  They all looked at her and responded “Oh! How nice”.  Gianluca even said “beautiful” to my daughter.  I laughed and said “yes but she is too old for you, she is 21”.  Did I sound like a mom or what?  And Gianluca smiled back – real big and really cute!  It’s also funny that Ignazio had notice my daughter’s shoes and he said he liked them.  How observant, who would have thought he’d have time to notice these things.  They chatted with my daughter for a while before we finally said goodbye.

What a night it turned out to be.  I was able to talk, touch, hug, and kiss them.  I wish I could have more time because I think I forget to tell them how much I love them.  I hope they get it from my big hugs and kisses!  The only regret is that I cannot take any picture with them because it wasn’t allowed.  It’s okay though.  I will have more to look forward to on the next meet and greet.  I just hope it won’t be too long a wait.

Gianluca, Piero, Ignazio you were all amazing tonight. I will never forget those moments.  I will always remember Gianluca’s smile, Piero’s big eyes, and Ignazio’s friendliness (and dimple). Thanks for a wonderful performance and the most unforgettable memories.  Have a safe trip home.  Big hug and kiss again.  I love you guys so so much!