I grew up in an era of thinking of travel as escape. The idea that you could conceivably have a new life, go somewhere, fall in love, have little children under the palm trees.

I'm a tourist, a glorified tourist. I'm not doing it to have a good time or to lie in the sun.

There are probably more annoying things than being hectored about African development by a wealthy Irish rock star in a cowboy hat, but I can't think of one at the moment.

I don't think I've ever seen a person having a serious conversation on a cellphone. It's like a kiddie thing, a complete time waster.

A novel captures essence that is not possible in any other form.

Loneliness in travel directs you and tells you about yourself. You don't become lonely unless you're alone.

...a society without jaywalkers might indicate a society without artists.