Roberto Meloni - 10 Questions

Roberto Meloni is Latvia's resident Italian. He moved here to teach Italian, learnt Latvian and has become a local celebrity. A singer and television star, Roberto will be representing Latvia at this years Eurovision in Belgrade with "Wolves of the Sea". Pirates of the Sea is a musical project consisting of three members, Roberto, dancer Aleksandra Kurusova and radio/TV personality Janis Vaišļa. Roberto is no stranger to Eurovision, representing Latvia in 2007 as part of Bonaparti.

1. What is your favorite section in the grocery store?

The Sweets section and the cake section. I love cheese cakes. I try to avoid these areas but always end up there.

2. What king of pirate would you like to be?

Roberto Hood, a happy, smiling Sardinian pirate who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. Although I would keep some of the loot for myself as I am a poor pirate.

3. What do you do better than singing?

Teaching languages. I am a philologist, when I first came here to Latvia I taught Italian but now I am too busy to teach. I have a passion for languages and was very excited to learn Latvian.

4. What is your signature dish?

I would love to open an Italian restaurant. Fettuccini Con Fungi is a recipe handed down to me from my mother, she told me to cook it to conquer the heart of a girl. I have cooked it twice and only managed to conquer their stomachs, perhaps I will have to cook something else to win a heart.

5. What is your pet peeve?

Politics and politicians. In Italy it is worse than in Latvia. If a person does not want to do good for their country why join politics? For instance Italy's Silvio Berlusconi should just stay the president of his media company.

6. Where do you go to get away?

I like peace and quiet or I like to go to exotic places, that's why I am here in Latvia. I like to go home to Sardinia in the winter. I might retire there and become the Mayor. It is very quiet, calm and slow paced there, I go back for some sun, to rest and recharge then go back to busy Riga. It is good to have some stress in your life.

7. What song would you choose to sing in a karaoke competition?

I believe I can fly. This song is perfect for me vocally and the lyrics are autobiographic.

8. What is your favorite restaurant in Riga?

Un Momento, Caka 58. It's a cozy place with excellent authentic Italian dishes especially when Micco from Calabria is there. I also like hanging out on the balcony at Europa Royal on Barona. The place has an Italian feel with the lighting and paintings a chic place.

9. Last book you read?

The life of Giovanni Paulo II. I am a Catholic and think that he really embodied God. He is irreplaceable and his life was very interesting and moving.

10. What 3 things would you take to a deserted island?

I would take my I-pod full of music, a really big book something by Italian Umberto Eco and a bottle of Italian red wine.