signs of a happy suitcase

there are a couple telltale signs that your suitcase is happy and well seasoned and has had satisfying travel. 

1.  it should have water damage on the inside from having been in the back of a dodge ram in a rainstorm, while being driven from newark airport all the way home to brooklyn, and should have a slightly convex shape now from drying while still fully packed and hanging out in the hallway for a week or so.

2. there should be some broken strap hardware from having too many beautiful clothes stuffed into it.

3. there should be chocolate crumbs that have slightly melted into the fabric of the interior lining from the milka bars bought for middle of the night snacking, and kept hidden away in the depths of the woolens.

so remember when abroad, never trust a pristine suitcase.  a happy suitcase is a sign of a happy traveler, and the wine stains on the exterior only serve to remind us all that a good time was truly had.