I have never seen any place on Earth as beautiful, improbable, and beautifully ridiculous as Australia. Whatever god or devil first conceived of the place deserves some sort of award, and possibly a smack in the head.

"See, this is the trouble with a relationship founded on lies," she said. "Eventually, we stop believing each other."

"It`s not going to happen," I said. "We`re not going to let that happen." "Are you lying to me?" The question was mildly asked, and there was no blame behind it: she clearly understood the impulse. She just wanted to know. "I hope not," I said, and put my arms around her, as much as the airline seats allowed. "I really do."