SO THAT'S THE STORY/justification/alibi. I left out a lot about the gelato (I think it might be addictive, actually), but you get the idea. All that said, I think there are numerous ways to make this a really bang-up piece!

1. If we run an artsy map without a scale, I can really stretch the rowing, making it seem like a hell of a journey.

2. I frame it as one of those wistful ex-pat love letters to X-romantic-place-in-Europe. Forget the rowboat and tourist junk show. I'll focus on the food (exquisite!), scenery (dramatic!), hotels (nestled!), and history (long, I'm guessing).

3. Let's be honest and do a destination takedown. Tell it like it is. Whaddya think?! It could be great!

I'll call to discuss when I get back. In the meantime, can we keep this misadventure between us? [Editors' note: No.]

Best,
ERIC

P.S. Rowboats are frickin' everywhere in Lake Como. And for rent, of course.
P.P.S. If Accounting asks, could you say that Lake Como is part of Cinque Terre? And that "gelato" means "taxi"?