The realization that he is white in a black country, and respected for it, is the turning point in the expatriate's career. He can either forget it, or capitalize on it. Most choose the latter.

Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace.

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.

The Australian Book of Etiquette is a very slim volume.

I cannot make my days longer so I strive to make them better.

You go away for a long time and return a different person - you never come all the way back.

You can't save the rhinos and you can't preserve a culture. I'm very pessimistic. Once it's gone, it's over.

All travel is circular. I had been jerked through Asia, making a parabola on one of the planet's hemispheres. After all, the grand tour is just the inspired man's way of heading home.

Travel is an attitude, a state of mind. It is not residence, it is motion.

Railways are irresistible bazaars, snaking along perfectly level no matter what the landscape, improving your mood with speed, and never upsetting your drink.

Tibet has a very proud people but it's culturally gone and overrun ever since the Chinese took over. It's like saving the rhino. When a species is endangered, it's gone.

Only kind people seem really human.

A strong realization hits me.

Success has made failures of many men.

I've got the kid. I feel a little more relief that I don't have to just think about myself too much.

Looking for the perfect day is not going to make us happy, because that day isn't going to come.

I spent my time trying to understand grand jury procedure - a topic about which I never before had the slightest interest.

Twilight fell: The sky turned to a light, dusky purple littered with tiny silver stars.

I feel more comfortable writing firmly comedic or slightly comedic stuff.

Basically, when I look at my life, I think I'm lucky to be given the opportunities I've had.

I am so crazy with my music taste and I'm so .... I mean, I'll listen to a song. I'll become obsessed with it and then I'm on to the next one. It's just very inconsistent.