Nora's England/Ireland Travels 2002
Dublin, June 8, 2002
Long, productive day so far. Lots of interviews here at the hotel. Lots of photographs. We've blanketed the country. Every major newspaper represented. Earned my ticket again. Very pleasant though, all in all. No stupid questions, which I never expect when I'm here anyway. Broke for a light lunch, then did another interview. Guy came down from Belfast for it. Publisher and pr rep all delighted with me.
Light rain came in, and out into we went for the bookshop tour. Hit four or five, I've lots count. Lovely welcomes, wonderful displays. In the first a young woman was buying one of my books as we set up. Got to sign it for her.
In another, a group from Omaha was in, and two of the women were just giddy. One had one of my books in her knapsack. They bought more, and I got to sign and chat. Then a young girl bought one for her mom. Very sweet. At still another a man who'd happened to be in NY two Aprils ago and stopped by a signing for a book for his wife just happened to be in Dublin, and bought a new one for his wife. We had fun with that, and wondered where we might meet up next.
On to the BBC for radio with Belfast. We walked here and there in the misty rain and I spotted what looks like a wonderful baby store on Grafton for tomorrow. Back to the hotel. I need to change for dinner.
It's been a lot of work so far, no question, but the rewards are immediate. Everyone's so happy and appreciative. One of the booksellers told me I have to try the sea-salt soak on the coast in Sligo. May look into this. Lots of questions from reporters on my heritage and connection to Ireland, and lots of lots of ops to talk about the situation in Ardmore. Not to mention the books themselves and other related business.
I'm sure it'll be a terrific dinner tonight. Then no alarm clock in the am. Last interview is at ten tomorrow, after which I'll beeline for Grafton Street and the shops.
As packed as today's been, it's good just to be in Ireland again. Oh, the totally cute reporter from one of the papers today had just helped judge the Sexiest Legs in Ireland contest.
And the rep here in Ireland is originally from Tralee. His brother once escorted a Rose--then married her. So cute.
Nora
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Wonderful dinner at Pico One In Dublin. Fun group of people. I sat for a good while next to Sally, a book buyer. Her accent was more West County than Dublin, and she was full of conversation. Sally loves my books, and I loved Sally. Again, we have a private dining room and two waiters who seemed to be having as much fun as we were.
BW was talking to the bookseller on his right when she apparently asked him what sort of television we enjoyed. When he mentioned Buffy her eyes went huge, and her face lit up. She's a huge Buffy fan, and hardly any of her friends understand her obsession. We entertained ourselves with Buffy talk for a bit.
Dinner started at eight, and at midnight we had to break it up. I was beginning to droop. As we say here in this part of the world, it was brilliant. Everything went perfectly, and I know Judy Piatkus is pleased. We definitely had an impact here and in the UK, and it was great for me to meet so many people.
My interview with the Irish Times has to be rescheduled as our reporter is ill. She'll come went to Clare toward the end of our visit, and that's fine with me.
Slept a solid eight, and am going to get dressed in regular clothes and hit the shops. Plan to use the gorgeous indoor pool here later, and top off the day with the aromatherapy treatment. Yum.
I am officially on vacation! And, baby, I've earned it.
Nora
ADWOFF > Nora's Travelogues > England/Ireland 2002 > Dublin, June 8, 2002
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