I wrote a book called Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents
The greatest sign of vitality in Singapore Europeans that I can see is the furious hurry in writing for the mail. To all sorts of claims and invitations, the reply is, “But it’s mail day, you know,” or, “I’m writing for the mail,” or, “I’m awfully behind hand with my letters,” or, “I can’t stir till the mail’s gone!”
—From “The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither” by Isabella Bird. Imagine what they would’ve done with Facebook.
I wonder how this unexpected and hastily planned expedition into the Malay States will turn out? It is so unlikely that the different arrangements will fit in. It seemed an event in the dim future; but yesterday my host sent up a “chit” from his office to say that a Chinese steamer is to sail for Malacca in a day or two, and would I like to go? I was only allowed five minutes for decision, but I have no difficulty in making up my mind when an escape from civilization is possible.
-From “The Golden Chersonese and the Way Thither,” by Isabella Bird. Separately: Should we revive the word “thither”?
