In early July this year, googling
Popoli for seasonal temperatures, on page 1, I found a "travelogue" written by an American whose grandparents emigrated from Italy. Not unusual - except it showed up on the
weather page because his grandmother was from
Popoli! I couldn't believe what I was reading. It only got better when I clicked to his blog and he was talking about his
trip to Popoli and searching for his grandmother's home.
Well, fortunately, when I reached out to him, he supplied me with many great tips for my upcoming trip. Plus, he shared things he was
unable to do while
he was there that he thought would be valuable in my search. Go to the
Comune di Popoli (equivalent to our municipal hall of records) for the addresses where Mom-Mom and Pop-Pop were born. Try to find a 1900's map because street names have changed. Visit the cemetery to search for my great grandparents or possibly other family members, etc.
This chance online meeting energized me even further and greatly enriched my experience. I accomplished all three of his major suggestions (which you'll read about as I pull my story together) and, now that I'm back, I'm doing the best I can to enrich his knowledge of Popoli as well. Thank you so very much, Armando.