I just went on a Theroux binge reading his recent books, Dark Star Safari, Deep South, On the Plain of Snakes. I wish I discovered him earlier in my life. Its given me a totally different perspective on what travel can and should be. I think his view doesn't go along with the internets view of travel. Which maybe is snobbish, or elitist or w/e but definitely richer then most guides or what people do. I think in one of his books he has a quote calling sight seeing just superficial lol. Hes also pretty judgemental at times of other people, I think the world needs a little of that sometimes. Its inspired me to do a big overland trip like this, even if stuff is modernized now. Still think it would be cool to just take trains around china even if they are fast now.