This terrible frustration that we so often feel in the West in not being able to articulate and express ourselves.

Radio is very popular [in Britain], but it doesn't connect us in the same way. It seems to have this community function.

There is a very big difference between American and British travel journalism, and that's this whole business of the assisted or freebie trip. In Britain we are unashamed about any travel company paying for you to go and then writing about it. That's the only way we can do it. But I have tried the same in the States, and I can't write for any sizeable American newspaper because they tell you to do it on this basis.

I am always surprised when people do get upset. Perhaps its just the nutty people who write to newspapers who get upset.

A lot of books are sold and given away as presents. But who actually reads and enjoy reading?

One does have to learn to travel with a degree of humility and that reflected in writing and personality.

I have dipped into Ian McEwan and so on. I tend not to stick with one writer. But I dip in here and there.