If you want to avoid being prey, head for the areas around Campo dei Fiori, Testaccio and Trastevere. But wherever you are, expect more attentention than usual form the Italian male. Feminine products are sold in supermarkets and drugstores. If you're there to do some research, bring lots of patience. You'll spend more time than you'd like dealing with red tape and longing for the Dewey Decimal System.
Lunch is the biggest meal of the day.
If you're eating with locals, expect it to last two to three hours. It is considered impolite to refuse a dinner or luncheon invitation. As with many Italian customs, an odd number or one dozen is best. Bars must provide free glasses of water to passers-by who require them. Good information to have on a sweltering summer day.