Episode 96: From Rome to Potenza: A Journey Back to Our Roots

After years of dreaming about it, Jared and I finally made our trip to Italy!

In this special episode, Mom and I sit down and talk through the entire journey—from racing through the Denver airport to catch our flight, to exploring Rome, wandering the ancient streets of Matera, attending the San Gerardo Festival in Potenza, cruising the Amalfi Coast, and visiting Pompeii.

Along the way, we met incredible people, experienced unforgettable acts of kindness, tasted amazing food, and learned a few lessons about traveling in Italy. Most meaningful of all was spending time in the region where my family's story began and unexpectedly finding the Smaldone family tomb in Potenza.

If you've ever dreamed of visiting Italy, tracing your family roots, or simply love hearing travel stories, we hope you'll enjoy coming along on this adventure with us.

In this episode:
• Running through Denver International Airport to make our Rome flight
• Meeting a local Italian family on the plane
• Exploring Rome, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain
• Falling in love with Matera
• Attending the San Gerardo Festival in Potenza
• Finding the Smaldone family tomb
• Traveling the Amalfi Coast and visiting Positano
• Exploring Pompeii
• Reflections on family, heritage, and the journey home

Thank you for joining us as we share the memories from a trip we'll never forget.