I only saw one English-speaking person all the way across Siberia.

When I needed to think or was really upset, generally I climbed a tree.

I don't want to participate in traditional Indian religious ceremonies - dance in a sun dance or pray in a sweat lodge or go on a vision quest with the help of a medicine man. The power of these ceremonies has an appeal, but I'm content with what little religion I already have.

Human connection is the way things work. It's like a patronage system. You know somebody, and he knows somebody, and he knows somebody, and he knows the district governor, and it's okay.

Russian humor is to adapt or make some sense or nonsense out of the insanity of their lives.

Words are charms. It's like a song you didn't even know you knew.

Sometimes travel is merely an opportunity taken when you can.