Here’s a short account of our wonderful experiences at the Gibraltar Literary Festival. It’s also a recognition of, and a thank you to, everyone involved because a tremendous amount of work went into putting this festival on. In particular, I would like to thank Karen Truman and Jeannette Ochello for their hospitality and for all they did for us during these four amazing days.
The attention to detail was perfect and this ensured our trip was perfect. From the transport, to the wonderful hotel, to the food (oh, the food, so much food!!) right through to the talk itself and the book signings – everything was done to make Peter, Teresa and me feel special although some might argue that Peter is special in his own way!
The day before our talk, Karen and Jeanette whizzed us around for our own private tour where we saw the sights of Gibraltar. We were pounced on and de-loused by the Barbary macaques, an event which Teresa in particular absolutely loved, we saw the caves, the tunnels and were even treated to a sight of a plane landing on the shortest runway imaginable. In fact, I just checked and here’s the definition of the runway:
“The short runway ends with a steep drop into the ocean. Gibraltar Airport has a 5,500-foot runway intersecting the city's main street, which must be closed during aircraft landings. The short runway ends abruptly at the sea, demanding precise landings…”
I think, had I known that, I would have pursued the option of landing in Malaga a little more enthusiastically.
We were wined and dined with two formal dinners (yes, Peter wore long trousers and I wore a dress - a different one for each occasion - insert your own emojis here…), we met other writers and personnel involved in the Festival and I even saw the Moldovan National football team arrive at the hotel just as we left for the airport. Coincidence or crafty planning?
To be delivering a talk at the Garrison library was an incredible experience in itself, to be surrounded by wall to wall books was a joy but to have such a receptive and engaged audience was more satisfying than a thirty yard left footed screamer into the top corner of the goal. And for one of us (yes, ok, for me) to see football journalist and aficionado on all things soccer related (Guillem Balague) sitting in the audience was, to extend the football parlance, the extra time match winner.
As for the talk: well, I think both Peter and I were inspired by the surroundings and the occasion because we received the right amount of laughs, oooohs, aaaaahs and tears. And, surely, that’s the bedrock for every literary talk.
Despite the absolute joy of the occasion, we all knew that for Peter the moment would soon go, but the emotional pleasure will remain, I like to believe, lodged somewhere in his heart. And for me? It was something I shall cherish forever. And I will happily relive my own experiences by telling Peter all about it as many times as he wishes. Because, had it not been for Peter, I would not have had this experience or opportunity.
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