That idea of escapism... these words could sum up my life.
Ella Maillart

The benefits of the accomplished journey cannot be weighed in terms of perfect moments, but in terms of how this journey affects and changes our character.
Ella Maillart

The sooner we learn to be jointly responsible, the easier the sailing will be.
Ella Maillart

The state of minds vary according to the angle under which one examines them.
Ella Maillart

The timelessness of a concept has to be woven into the running warp of dying time, vertical power has to be wedded to the horizontal earth.
Ella Maillart

The true traveller is the one urged to move about for physical, aesthetic, intellectual as well as spiritual reasons.
Ella Maillart

The usual channels of university studies or secretarial work did not appeal to me. I cherished difficult dreams through confidence in myself.
Ella Maillart

The wideness of the horizon has to be inside us, cannot be anywhere but inside us, otherwise what we speak about is geographic distances.
Ella Maillart

There is only one valid species of voyage, which is walk towards the men.
Ella Maillart

Those who appreciate the ways of simple tribes, where every activity is direct and immediately understandable, are able to live among them.
Ella Maillart

Travel can also be the spirit of adventure somewhat tamed, for those who desire to do something they are a bit afraid of.
Ella Maillart

We must develop a deeper interest and greater understanding of the people we meet here or abroad. Like us, they are passengers on board that mysterious ship called life.
Ella Maillart

We want to feel that this earth is all ours, like our parents' house when we were children.
Ella Maillart

When I crossed Asia with my friend Peter Fleming, we spoke to no one but each other during many months, and we covered exactly the same ground. Nevertheless my journey differed completely from his.
Ella Maillart

When I look at something, it is certain that for an instant I am one with what I see.
Ella Maillart

When the heart speaks, its language is the same under all latitudes.
Ella Maillart

Words are impotent to describe certain emotions.
Ella Maillart

You can feel as brave as Columbus starting for the unknown the first time you enter a Chinese lane full of boys laughing at you, or when you risk climbing down in a Tibetan pub for a meal of rotten meat.
Ella Maillart

You do not travel if you are afraid of the unknown, you travel for the unknown, that reveals you with yourself.
Ella Maillart