When In Rome, a Day at the Beach

As we got ready to go to the beach for the afternoon yesterday, different family members began shouting out random things like

"My bathing suit doesn't fit!"

"I don't have a beach towel"

"XXX needs inflatable arm bands"

And so on. To each of these problems, the answer was simple: Buy it on the beach!

The beaches near Rome and all over Italy have become a mecca of shopping for Romans and tourists alike. From all of the above items to accessories, children's beach toys, summer dresses, shoes, food, drink, massages, etc, you name it, it will come. Men carry these items on their backs, slung over their necks, on top of their heads, and even in mobile rolling boutiques like the one you see here.

My favorite of all the beaches near Rome is Maccarese. Along this coast is where many of Rome's Umbrella vendors stash the rain gear for the summer in favor of summer items. A word to the wise, remember not to buy any designer knockoffs, or you could get a fine of 1000 euro!