It was strange, I reflected.. that even in the weirdest circumstances, the most troubling episodes of one's life, the greatest divides from home and familiarity, there were these moments of undeniable joy.

I love to cook and I've cooked a lot of Bulgarian food over the years.

I was filled with angst in college, that I struggled with the question of my future, the meaning of my life - spoiled sheltered rich girl collides with great books and is devastated by her own banality.

And how could anyone consent to give up the smell of open books, old or new?

As a historian, I have learned that, in fact, not everyone who reaches back into history can survive it. And it is not only reaching back that endangers us; sometimes history itself reaches inexorably forward for us with its shadowy claws.

Then you must say to her, 'Madame, I observe that your heart is broken. Allow me to repair it for you.

I've noticed Dracula was often as practical a fellow as he was a nasty one.