Marida

My passion for ancient art dates back to when, as a child, I first visited Piazza Navona with my parents. Wandering through the piazza, and running around the fountains, I was unaware of the importance of this place. I stopped to listen to the sound of the water and was amazed at all of the paintings, on display in the square, and the painters who portrayed the most evocative views and archaeological wonders of Ancient Rome.This love affair with ancient art was not a phase, and motivated me to take classical studies in high school and study archeology at Rome’s “Sapienza” University. During my academic years I began working as a guide for schools of all ages, and I started traveling all over Italy accompanying children and helping them discover our country. My relationship with the students was my most important training. Thanks to them I discovered that the work of a guide is not only an amount acquired knowledge; the secret lies in how this knowledge is transmitted. I learned in the field that a good sense of humor is the best resource available to a guide; to make tours interesting, engaging and exciting. I am stunned when I can see my guests’ emotions and amazement at what they are seeing and hearing- this is the best feedback I can receive!

Being a tourguide is a lot of fun. When I work I feel like a “trainer of the mind” ready to train the curiosity and the emotional intelligence of those who listen to me. I always advise my guests not to go on a diet while in Italy but instead, to exaggerate in tasting the delicacies in the many places that I can suggest.

My favorite Italian Gestures
Thumbs down! / Pollice verso!

The thumbs down gesture is internationally recognised as a sign of disapproval. Of course, ancient Roman spectators in the great Colosseum used the gesture to condemn a fallen gladiator to death. These days, we pose for pictures in the Colosseum making the gesture for fun. As you can see, my cousins are enjoying themselves doing so. When someone asks how your tour was, I hope you use any other gesture than this to describe my tour!