Decisions, decisions

So much to see. So much to do. So many people to listen to. Above all, this is a festival of ideas. We have found from previous festivals that, unless there is a compelling reason to attend a particular session, it is really rewarding to choose a venue instead and enjoy the serendipity. But before I head off to Neka this morning (Eddie has volunteer duties for a few hours), a quick recap.

Airport duty on Thursday was intense. It was as if every plane that had been waiting to land following the APEC closures had arrived at the same time. Writers were hot and tired. Some had been travelling for 24 hours from Europe. But all were unfailingly pleasant, even though the immigration queue took over two hours before processing.

It was my good fortune to make the return journey to Ubud with a charming couple from Zimbabwe. Thando Sibanda is a performance poet, and his beautiful wife Truthness (aka Truth) is a livewire. So much fun. Since they met Eddie too we have all made a strong connection, but more of them and Thando's work another time.

We have attended the Opening Ceremony in the Palace, the writers' dinner at Casa Luna and attended three fabulous sessions yesterday. All of these deserve more time than I have right now. I will reflect later. In 15 minutes Thando is appearing in a panel at Neka (my compelling reason). Making a Mark will feature other people whose work is changing lives through art including Australian artist Ben Quilty who is working with inmates at Kerobokan Prison. So I must rush off, without pictures or links at this stage. Back soon.