If there’s one thing I’ve learned from traveling the world, it’s that no matter how far you go, your roots will always be part of who you are.
I was born and raised in a small village in Calabria — a tiny spot in the south of Italy that most people have probably never even heard of. Growing up there wasn’t always easy — not much happens, opportunities are limited, and life moves at a completely different pace. But looking back now, I realize how special it was to grow up in a place like that.
Calabria is one of those places that stays under the radar, but honestly? It’s one of the most beautiful regions in the world. We have crystal-clear seas, golden beaches, and little villages that look like they’ve been frozen in time. I grew up surrounded by nature, history, and traditions — even if, at the time, I didn’t always appreciate it. I remember summer afternoons at the beach, family gatherings where food was always the main character, and small town festivals where everyone knew each other. Life was simple, but full of warmth.
At the same time, growing up in a small village also made me dream of something bigger.
I always had this curiosity inside me — this need to know what was out there beyond the mountains and the sea. I wanted to learn languages, see the world, and discover cultures completely different from mine. Maybe that’s why I started watching cartoons in English when I was just a little kid — trying to learn every single word even if no one around me could understand what I was saying.
After traveling and living abroad for so many years, I could return back to Calabria with a completely different mindset. For the first time, I felt like I was seeing my home with the eyes of a traveler — not just as the place I wanted to escape from. The landscapes, the food, the traditions — everything felt so precious and unique. Sometimes you need to leave a place to truly appreciate it.
Even though my heart is constantly looking for new adventures, Calabria will always be my starting point — the place where everything began. No matter how far I go, it’s the little village tucked between the mountains and the sea that will always remind me of who I am.
And honestly? I’m proud to come from a small corner of the world — because it’s exactly that place that gave me the courage to dream of something bigger.