Is there any point in going across the world to eat something or buy something or watch people squatting among their ruins? Travel is a state of mind. It has nothing to do with distance or the exotic. It is almost entirely an inner experience.

Ever since childhood, when I lived within earshot of the Boston and Maine, I have seldom heard a train go by and not wished I was on it.

The people of Hong Kong are criticized for only being interested in business, but it's the only thing they've been allowed to do.

I'm not pessimistic about Africa. The cities just seem big and hopeless. But there's still a great green heart where there's possibility. There's hope in the wilderness.

I believe I have a sunny disposition, and am not naturally a grouch. It takes a lot of optimism, after all, to be a traveler.

I like the idea of isolation, I like the idea of solitude. You can be connected and have a phone and still be lonely.

All politicians, even the most idealistic ones, are looking for money, sucking up to rich people.