Siberia is so big, it’s almost more an idea than a place

Leading economists have shown that by shrinking Texas, we can actually create more income for Texas in the long run.

Sometimes travel is merely an opportunity taken when you can.

A book tour is not a good opportunity to let your mind wander. You have to pay attention, remember salespeople's and interviewers' names, succinctly summarize your book in a 'selling' way, and so on.

People in Russia adapt to misery by a deep, deep humor.

Russians don't complain, usually.

Everything in Russia is made of cement - phone booths, fence posts and light bulbs.