Ibn Battuta — "I saw in this city many things that are forbidden in Islam."

"I saw a bird in this land that was as big as an ostrich, but it had a long neck like a giraffe. It was a most peculiar creature."

"The Sultan of this land is a generous man, but he has a strange habit of giving gifts of old clothes and worn-out shoes."

"The food in this land is very spicy. My mouth was on fire after every meal, but I still enjoyed it."

"The people of this country are very fond of wrestling, and they hold contests every day."

"I have indeed seen the Great Bird, Rukh, and it was a marvel to behold. Its wings were like mountains, and its cry was like thunder."