If you travel in countries like Morocco, and I say that because I have just come from Morocco, if people are shouting at each other in an argument, violence is not going to follow. That would be just so far removed.

I feel better off doing what I know how to do. I feel a strong element of fictional style in travel writing anyway. Some call it creative nonfiction.

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

Paraguay has had a U.S. supermarket boss as its ambassador for a while. He did the job well. He was there because he wanted to be there. Rather than the British diplomat who didn't want to be there.

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

American travel writing is very healthy. I'm always flicking through the reviews and I see plenty of travel writing - and an impressive line up and continual demand.

If you see our best seller list, most of them are books that are given as gifts. They are books you give to flatter somebody.