the legend of the speedo

As promised to my friend Monica and thank to an involuntary request from my other friend Carson, I’m going to make a myth crumble.

Earlier this month, we were talking about those fully lined wrinkly conglomerate of useless quantity of lycra we defined American full bottom bikinis. And how they only look good on the skinny, tall and photoshopped models (or Marilyn Monroe) and in reality they are the quintessence of unappealing.

But then again, it just might be a question of non-North American mentality: the bikini has to be minimal, not vulgar, but barely there, cause the less intrusive surface of tan lines, sensual, attractive, funky, little accessories (they hurt you and come in your way when laying down), maybe coordinated with a sheer pareo, useful. Yes, useful, in the sense that when you are hit by a crashing wave the lining doesn’t become a bag full of sand.

So. All of the above might be a question of anthropological descent. We don’t like full bottom bikinis as well Americans think that men on speedos are ridiculous. They are mata pasion (passion killer), as my friend Patlo would say. 

I have done a little exercise to dispute the thesis.


What’s wrong with this picture? I can’t seem to find any element of ridiculousness.

Besides: Giona (the one in blue) is a great adored fabulous DJ friend and this was taken on a glorious and beloved beach in Tuscany.


But look who I found vacationing in Ibiza.


77 years old Giorgio (the master in command of timeless elegance) hanging out with an unidentified species of hunk with a variation of speedo even more difficult to wear and pull off. Chapeau.


Fabulosity in speedo displayed and concluded.  I hope we are all “my home Country sick” like Monica says and you enjoyed the tour.



for Cec.

Mothers heal daughters’ boo - boos 

with their special kisses.

(It is like I am there with you, Cuchi).

Daughters teach mothers

to go with the flow. 

Mothers show daughters

how to be a good friend.

Daughters teach mothers

to cherish intimate conversations.

(Tonight will always remain in our memories).

Mothers encourage daughters

to take life in small steps.

Daughters teach mothers

to rejoice in each milestone. (We toasted on the phone!)

Daughters remind mothers 

that laughter cures all. (It was funny though!)

Mothers encourage daughters

to look at things from different perspectives.

august 2, 2011.

bikinis and iron pills: two different very similar stories

so. I am at Wholefoods looking for iron in the vitamins isle. and obviously my attention goes to a raw version of iron supplement offering 122% of daily value for double the price of the regular simple pills (which by the way we all hate to begin with because they hit heavy on your stomach and digestive functions). nonetheless, I even consider purchasing it riding the wave of cleansing, organic, raw, probiotic and all that crap.

why should I need that extra 22% of iron? is this another case of comfort in abundance typical of that american consumerism that surrounds us and instills us that more is always better no matter if it is a chicken parmigiana, iron, horsepowers or weight.

the impulse almost pushed me to make the wrong decision. my left brain stopped me, big breath and count to 5 and changed my mind.

then later on that day, I see a Facebook post by my friend Monica M. puzzled at "why is it that North Americans think that bathing suits are to be worn wrinkled/loose?”  by impulse I think (as she does) too much fabric, wrong size. and then again the same question lingers comfort in abundance? like the extra 22% not needed nor solicited, do you need 6 yards of lycra to make a bikini, or the same equivalent of thick rough lining inside to make it heavier, unappealing and bulky?

besides, who says you need all those extra tan lines showing from the strapless dress? 

the situation wouldn’t even exist if it were for Monica and me (at least) and by the way let’s see how many read this and want to join the real bikini contest.

on another note, my friend Carson would come up with the question “what’s up with Italian men and their Speedos at the beach”. next time.