The tourist pose in front of the wonderful Alhambra palace
I've always thought Segways were naff. Uncool. If you wanted to go around on two wheels, a bike was far better, I reckoned. I looked with scorn at strung-out lines of tourists on their Segways, clogging up the pavements.
Other people agree. They've been banned outright in several cities around the world, including London, New York and Prague. Apparently councils reckon they are unsafe, annoying and clog up the roads.
The trouble is that it's all very well to sneer - until you try one. Having been on my first Segway city tour (of Granada in southern Spain), I swear Segways are an awesome way to be a tourist. They are super-easy to ride, much more maneuverable than a bike, and far less dangerous than bikes (for the rider at least!) on cobbles or uneven roads. They are easy to park, and a quick way to see the sights - which in Granada are pretty spectacular.
Traditional musicians posing in front of the Alhambra
Geoff in his sexy hi-vis jacket posing in front of the musicians posing in front of the Alhambra
One of many spectacular views of Granada
They are also possibly the only way to get a 14-year-old to not only head out sightseeing, but to actually enjoy it.
So with apologies to the residents of Granada, who may have gnashed their teeth watching us swoosh by, we found our Segways altogether a Good Thing.