Every war is ironic because every war is worse than expected. Every war constitutes an irony of situation because its means are so melodramatically disproportionate to its presumed ends.

I find nothing more depressing than optimism.

Travel sharpens the senses. Abroad one feels, sees and hears things in an abnormal way.

Tourism requires that you see conventional things, and that you see them in a conventional way.

Those who fought know a secret about themselves, and it is not very nice.

Every war is ironic because every war is worse than expected. Every war constitutes an irony of situation because its means are so melodramatically disproportionate to its presumed ends.

If the guidebook used to be critical, today it seems largely a celebratory adjunct to the publicity operations of hotels, resorts, and even countries.