There's an idea of the Plains as the middle of nowhere, something to be contemptuous of. But it's really a heroic place.

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

Despite the obvious benefits, many Americans do not like Texas. Some even say they despise Texas, and make no secret of their feelings.

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

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

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.

Sometimes travel is merely an opportunity taken when you can.