'One of the top six writers' festivals in the world' - Harper's Bazaar, UK
I was invited to the UWRF 2010 where I did some talks, conducted a workshop for adults, and one for the students of the Jakarta International School at a beautiful spa. Apart from the literary events involving more than 130 authors, poets and journalists (including two Man-Booker Prize winners), from all over the world, there were fabulous parties every night with cultural shows, live bands playing world music, and some seriously delicious food. I was extremely touched by the generosity and community spirit that was so obvious in all the staff and volunteers. More than 2,000 book lovers of mixed nationalities attended the festival. For more information, please visit http://www.ubudwritersfestival.com/
Entrance of the Puri Saren Ubud.
'Travel South East Asia', moderated by Janet Steele, George Washington University.
Travel Narrative workshop at the lovely Taksu Spa, Ubud. It was every writers dream - to be surrounded by beauty, the clicking of geckos, crowing of roosters, chirping of birds and the sound of the breeze weaving through the padi stalks, "Sssrrr...ssrrrr..." only to bring the fragrance of frangipani flowers (and the occasional whiff of cow dung, but that's nice too).
Travel writing workshop for Year 9 - 11, Jakarta International School.
I was apprehensive at first about how they would respond – staring at me blankly? Chewing gum and sticking it under the table? Turned out that they were a lovely group of teenagers. They were fast learners, very talented and responsive.
Back to my Villa Semana and my amiable and diligent frog fountain.
Closing party at the Antonio Blanco Gallery.
Bye-bye, UWRF, till we meet again...
