Umbrellas are just such cute ways of keeping dry in the rain (and snow!) and shaded in the blistering beach heat. They come in all patterns and colors and, nowadays, sizes that make them fun accessories that you can easily stow away in your purse or car for a rainy occasion. In Europe (or at least Italy), no one is without their umbrella in the rain or snow and you can be easily spotted for a tourist if you don't have one. But don't worry--people will eagerly offer to sell you one on the street! There is just something romantic about an umbrella. You can share it or you can be alone, romantically (if in a sort of sad way) walking down a sidewalk, hoping someone will come keep you company. And, of course, there's always that time when you forget your umbrella when sometimes (just sometimes!) someone will come and offer you to share theirs. I can't wait for the rain!
Umbrellas are fun!
When looking for the above photo, I came across this one (http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2008/03/tandem-umbrella.jpg). I don't know how well that would work in practice...