Journey into the Mind's Eye Quotes

“I must have been about four years old when Russia took hold of me with giant hands. That grip has never lessened. For me, the love of my heart, the fulfilment of the senses and the kingdom of the mind all met here. This book is the story of my obsession. In her essays, The Sentimental Traveller, Vernon Lee wrote of her emotion for Italy thus: ‘There are moments in all our lives, most often, alas! during childhood, when we possess the mystic gift of consecration, of steeping things in our soul’s essence, and making them thereby different from all others, for ever sovereign and sacred to us.’ So Italy became to her – so Russia to me.”
― Lesley Blanch, Journey into the Mind's Eye: Fragments of an Autobiography

“Always explore a new town on an empty stomach. It sharpens the vision. Leave the main thoroughfare immediately. Spend your time dawdling or just sitting.”
― Lesley Blanch, Journey into the Mind's Eye: Fragments of an Autobiography

“Who is the lonely Traveller
Racing the moonlight to my door?
Racing his troika over the steppe
Pacing his steeds with the wind in the forest.
The North wind that harries
The South wind that tarries
Who the lone Traveller come to my door?
— Lonely no more."

Siberian song - Trans-Baikal region”
― Lesley Blanch, Journey into the Mind's Eye: Fragments of an Autobiography