Foodie Alerts
Where do you like to eat while on holiday? Local restaurants, cafes, McDonald’s? Are you a picnicker? Pick up some food at a grocery store, open-air market or snack food stand and sit amongst the people to enjoy the vibe of the city? Those visiting Rome may have to re-think that strategy. As of last weekend (July 19) you can no longer snack near the city’s monuments in the historic center. Caught munching, and you face fines of up to $80. The rules are only in effect until the end of October.
Rome’s City Hall says they need to have tougher rules in order to protect the artistic treasures of a city that sees millions of visitors every year. Grabbing a bite to eat on the go while enjoying the city’s outdoor ambiance (and avoiding Italian table charges) may no longer be an option. But is this the best way to deal with the issue? Why not place more trash cans around the city and increase the fines for littering? And how exactly will police enforce this new rule; considering the number of not only tourists, but historic sites the city has? And what about the vendors squeezed around nearly every tourist attraction in town? And if you are drinking a bottle of water while strolling past the Coliseum, will they get ya?
In other food news, a new study by Halifax Travel Insurance found a fifth of all British tourists (20%) bring familiar food with them on holiday. Fears of getting ill while abroad are the main reason for packing the pantry, but experts say it is also like a security blanket – something safe and known while in an unfamiliar place. Tea bags top the “smuggled” food list, followed by biscuits, chocolate, ketchup (what?!?) and Marmite rounding out the top 5. Strangest items? C
orn flakes at number 9 and baked beans at number 10.
Do you bring a little something from home on your travels? Share what it is and why…and I’ll share mine with you!
Photo Credit: Top: Paul Tomlins@Flickr
Left: adamjinj@flickr
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