If there is any good in life, in history, in my own past, I invoke it now. I invoke it with all the passion with which I have lived.

As you know, human history is full of evil deeds, and maybe we ought to think of them with tears, not fascination.

In those days, I still thoroughly enjoyed the romance I called "by myself"; I didn't know yet how it gets lonely, picks up a sharp edge later on that ruins a day now and then-- ruins more than that, if you're not careful.

For me, Dracula has always been associated with travel and beautiful historical places.

I've always been interested in foreign relations. It's my belief that study of history should be our preparation for understanding the present rather than an escape from it.

For the first time, I had been struck by the excitement of the traveler who looks history in her subtle face.

What comes to your mind when you think of the word Transylvania, if you ponder it at all? What comes to my mind are mountains of savage beauty, ancient castles, werewolves, and witches - a land of magical obscurity. How, in short, am I to believe I will still be in Europe, on entering such a realm? I shall let you know if it's Europe or fairyland, when I get there. First, Snagov - I set out tomorrow.