Americans specially love superlatives. The phrases 'biggest in the world,' 'finest in the world,' are on all lips.

Surely one advantage of traveling is that, while it removes much prejudice against foreigners and their customs, it intensifies tenfold one's appreciation of the good at home.

[On Malaysia:] Mr. Darwin says so truly that a visit to the tropics (and such tropics) is like a visit to a new planet. This new wonder-world, so enchanting, tantalising, intoxicating, makes me despair, for I cannot make you see what I am seeing!

Everybody seized upon a bit of the beast. The Sultan claimed the liver, which, when dried and powdered, is worth twice its weight in gold as medicine.

Japan offers as much novelty perhaps as an excursion to another planet.

I have just dropped into the very place I have been seeking, but in everything it exceeds all my dreams.

The 'almighty dollar' is the true divinity, and its worship is universal.