Borrowing an idea from Paris, the young and hip mayor of Florence has authorized vendors to set up temporary "beaches" on the embankments of the Arno.
This one near Ponte Vespucci is the most elaborate. Unfortunately, these beaches end up looking a bit like trailer parks--complete with above-ground pools and white plastic chairs.
This is the equivalent of Labor Day weekend--the last break before the kids start school Sept 15. So, despite the lack of glam, the embankment is full of sunbathers determined to tan their hides to a rich mahogany.
Full Disclosure: Vespucci beach is also the summertime location of the bane of our existence--the Damn Band. A sort of open-mike night, every night, the beach turns into a rather pathetic night club where local acts attempt to draw tourists down with mediocre covers of The Doors, Dire Straits and Italian pop.
On a beautiful September day, it's much more benign....
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