Ode to an Italian Pool

I'm back from Italy, relaxed and happy after two weeks in the Umbrian sun. It was a glorious time away from the worries of my New York life, and I already miss it and everyone who was there with me. As the president of IMS, I thought it was my duty to check out the Italian shirtlessness situation, and so I took some time away from my writing workshop to visit a pool in Spoleto. I am nothing if not dedicated to our cause. Some of my fellow shirtlessness-dedicated writers took this photo of me speaking to a local shirtless advocate which I thought I should share with all of you. While there was definitely some not good shirtlessness happening at this pool, overall it received high marks for maintaining the two point standard. Most men were both fit and clearly in view of the sun, and there weren't quite as many speedos as I expected. A very pleasant IMS excursion indeed.

But the above picture does capture an important lesson I learned at the pool. While this gentleman was an excellent example of good male shirtlessness, he and I did not speak the same language which made communicating very difficult. I fault myself for going to Italy without learning Italian. But the experience of trying to speak to a lovely shirtless man entirely in gestures reminded me that good shirtlessness cannot be the sole goal. Good shirtlessness is an excellent cause, but it is nothing without good communication. Always important to remember!

My new play is opening tonight at a tiny theater on the West side of Manhattan. No shirtlessness in this one, but lots of verbal communication. I'm still looking for the balance! Until then, I am...

Yours in shirtlessness,
Nandita
President
IMS