Gondola gliding through a narrow Venice canal
Case File 017Venice, IT

No Objections in Venice

A gondola ride, a plate of clams by the canal, and a closing argument for the most romantic city on the docket.

5 min readInternational
Colorful lakeside village of Varenna on Lake Como
Case File 016Lake Como, IT

A Motion for Lake Como

Boats, bell towers, and villages stacked up the hillside in every shade of terracotta. The verdict: worth every bit of the hype.

6 min readInternational
Pizza and infinity pool overlooking the Dolomites
Case File 015Dolomites, IT

Closing Arguments Above the Clouds

Pizza at the edge of an infinity pool, jagged peaks as the backdrop. Some views don't need cross-examination.

5 min readInternational
Case File 014Lisbon, PT

Closing Arguments for a 36-Hour Layover in Lisbon

How to build a full case for a city in less time than it takes to deliberate a verdict, pastéis included as evidence.

6 min readLayovers
Case File 013Packing

The Carry-On Brief: My Objection to Checked Bags

A practicing lawyer's cross-examination of every "just check it" argument, and the exhibits that prove her right.

4 min readPacking
Case File 012Tokyo, JP

Sustained: A Solo Work Trip to Tokyo That Became a Vacation

What happens when a deposition ends early and a city is still waiting. Spoiler: I took the meeting off the record.

8 min readWork Travel
Case File 011Oaxaca, MX

The Group Chat vs. The Itinerary: Oaxaca Edition

Six friends, one shared doc, and the settlement we finally reached about how many markets is too many markets.

7 min readGroup Trips
Case File 010Packing

Direct Examination: What's Actually in My Bag

Every item, cross-examined for usefulness. Most are acquitted. A few are held in contempt.

5 min readPacking
Case File 009Reykjavík, IS

Recess: Three Days Alone in Reykjavík

No client calls, no group chat, no itinerary past day one. A verdict on solo travel as the best kind of adjournment.

6 min readSolo Trips