William Dalrymple

There aren't that many writers who make me want to scream with envy, they're so good and I know I'll never write that well, but Dalrymple is the one who gets me every time.

A small excerpt from his book In Xanadu, which is probably the best travel book since The Snow Leopard:

“'What is “travel writer?”

In Turkish, travel writing sounds a very sinister occupation.

'It's a man who travels for his living,' I said

'Like a bus driver?'

'Yes, like a bus driver.'

The mullah translated this for the Afghans. This went down well too; perhaps Afghans have a special regard for their bus drivers. There was a gleeful chorus of 'Bussyman! Bussyman!' from their ranks.
'Come with us,' said the mullah. 'Our bus welcomes you.'