| Ah. Can you feel it already? The invigorating smell of | | | | advantage of your proximity to the beach. Get in |
| sea water, the sticky-fresh breeze, the sun beating | | | | touch with the marina flavor. Try out all kinds of fish, |
| down on your skin, the muted sounds, the gentle ebb | | | | lobster, shrimps, clams, oysters. There are so many |
| of life. Very few people can resist the lure of the | | | | tastes and textures and flavors to enjoy from the |
| Beach. | | | | seas. It doesn't have to be a gourmet dinner. A simple |
| It's fun to go on a vacation without any agenda, | | | | meal of fish cooked over an open fire will provide you |
| without any plans. For a few days of bliss, you get to | | | | with gastronomic delight you never imagined. |
| live the life of a beach bum. But you have to | | | | 5. Thou shall learn to surf. |
| remember, being a beach bum is an art form. The | | | | Oh come on. Don't tell me you can't resist riding the |
| beach will be your home, and you have got to live it in | | | | waves. Not even once? When you're atop that |
| the best way possible. If you're clueless on how to live | | | | surfboard, it will be an exhilarating experience. Plus, all |
| the Beach Bum Life, then I suggest you start learning | | | | that paddling will help you lose those pounds you |
| these commandments, because with them, you can't | | | | gained enjoying the island's fresh cuisine. Try surfing, |
| go wrong. | | | | lots of beaches have shops that offer lessons for |
| 1. Thou shall pick the perfect beach. | | | | beginners. Just don't come after us when you |
| It's not that hard really. Baja California in Mexico is one | | | | experience wiping out for the first time. |
| of the most diverse, and beautiful places to beach | | | | 6. Thou shall build a bonfire on the beach. |
| bum in. The beaches are made of fine white sand, the | | | | At least for one night at the beach, build a bonfire, and |
| seafood is divine and there are a multitude of bars and | | | | spend a laid-back night underneath the stars. Gather |
| nightclubs to party the night away. It doesn't hurt that it | | | | up your friends, or cozy up to your sweetie. Toast |
| is located near the border, making it extremely | | | | some marshmallows, or toss back a couple of beers. |
| accessible for those living in the California and San | | | | It's a guaranteed activity you'll never forget. |
| Diego area. If you're up for more upper-class beaches, | | | | 7. Thou shall party all night. |
| then troop over to Hawaii, Ibiza or even in the French | | | | Find the hottest spot on the area and dance the night |
| Riviera. The point is to pick a beach you can own. | | | | away! It's a blast meeting new friends, and just letting it |
| 2. Thou shall not peel or burn. | | | | all out. Just be careful and you'll have the time of your |
| Nothing ruins a perfect day in the sun than | | | | lives. |
| badly-peeling, sun-burnt skin. Refrain from looking like a | | | | 8. Thou shall mingle with the locals. |
| bad paint job, and get thee some sunscreen ASAP! | | | | Get some culture in your system. It's fun learning about |
| Nothing wrong with slathering on the lotion, you'll thank | | | | the local's traditions, their habits and their culture in |
| us years later, when you're not dying from skin cancer. | | | | general. You'll get pointers on living in the area, and you |
| 3. Thou shall pack light. | | | | may even get the inside info on the good buys on the |
| Really. You're at the beach. All you need are bikinis or | | | | island, and save a fortune by avoiding tourist prices. |
| board shorts. Whatever else do you need? Okay, | | | | 9. Thou shall take lots and lots and lots of pictures. |
| maybe you can pack for the nightly party at the bar. | | | | You know what they say, "If we don't see pictures, it |
| But you don't need tons of clothes for that. Pack light. | | | | didn't happen." |
| With the heat of the sun, that's all you'll want to wear | | | | 10. Thou shall have the absolute best fun possible. |
| anyway. | | | | If we need to explain this, then you're too uptight to be |
| 4. Thou shall eat right. | | | | a beach bum. |
| And by right, we mean a lot. Of seafoods. Take | | | | |