That odd idea that one person can go to a foreign part and in this rather odd voice describe it to the folks back home doesn't make much sense in the post-colonial world.

There are some moments in life that are like pivots around which your existence turns—small intuitive flashes, when you know you have done something correct for a change, when you think you are on the right track. I watched a pale dawn streak the cliffs with Day-glo and realized this was one of them. It was a moment of pure, uncomplicated confidence—and lasted about ten seconds.

Some of us just don't want to be famous ... anonymity cannot be bought for any price, once you have lost it.

The most difficult part of any endeavour is taking the first step, making the first decision.

When there is no one to remind you what society's rules are, and there is nothing to keep you linked to that society, you had better be prepared for some startling changes.

It is better to proceed with one's duty in the service of others than wallow in the pain attachments bring

Real travel would be to see the world, for even an instant, with another's eyes