BRAZIL BOUND

I am going to a place called Christmas later this week. And it's winter there. Albeit a 26°C kind of winter, with sand, sun and sea. I am off to Natal, in Rio Grande do Norte, in north eastern Brazil. And I can't quite believe my luck :)

I've been invited by the Brazilian Association of Irish Studies to give the plenary lecture at their Irish Studies Symposium, and to read from my work. The theme this year is 'Representations of Women in Contemporary Irish Culture' and my trip is being funded, for the most part, by the Embassy of Ireland in Brazil. I look forward to meeting Frank Sheridan, Ambassador of Ireland to Brazil, who is hosting a reception for all the symposium participants.

I've never been to South America before so this is very exciting. And, as usual, it is my writing that affords me another lovely opportunity. Thanks to all those who have made this possible, especially my family who are my greatest support.