13 Mar 2023
Eddie (neé Eduardo) was our entrè and charming guide into this beautiful city. A segway tour? On these old cobblestone streets? YES! Myself and my friend were easily acquainted and comfortable on the Segways within minutes, however Eddie was incredibly diligent to discern American confidence versus actual skill and forced us to humiliate ourselves in a small piazza while locals gawked at us floating about at 7'5" in our helmets. The key to not being embarrassed by this entire affair, is Eddie. Just ask him to show you 'gang-gang' and he won't, until you've proven yourself.
Eddie will tell you the truth - and that is...if he goes, you go. Hesitation can win you 15 minutes at the crosswalk, or worse...a local honking at you. With his direction we received zero honks, and many envious stares. I think most people wish they booked this tour, because honestly I would have seen maybe 10% of Rome if I were on foot (bad knees, out of shape). I feel like I got a glimpse at 70% and I was laughing and exhilarated the entire time.
Eddie was kind and attentive enough that even though I probably could have managed it, he made sure each time we took breaks that I was safe and I felt confident in his judgements.
His passion and knowledge of the city wasn't just impressive, it was fascinating. Ask him about the 'perspective' on Palatine hill. He will show you things, and then remark diminutively about it, and suddenly you are connecting dots and understanding the cyclical nature of human history.
I did a lot of tours around Europe on this trip and this one was by far the most memorable, because I was so much a part of it, and felt like I belonged there for that moment in time.
Bellissimo! Grazie mille bello Eduardo!