Hay festival - a date with the stars...

Somewhat delayed feedback from Hay. What a great place.  Mind you, we were a bit overcommitted on Saturday and had booked in 4 back to back lectures after a 5 hour drive from London - a major challenge, especially with a 6 yr old in tow.

A roller coaster ride really, kicking off with the (still dreamy) Rob Lowe.  Goddamn, the guy has smarts too. And he signed my book afterwards (up close and personal like...).

Paul O'Grady and Sandi Toksvig were funny, as you would expect, and quite risque (cue: hands over 6 yr olds ears and lalalala distraction activities).  A laugh...

Henning Mankell was an inspiration and a true social democrat and campaigner for justice (as only the Swedes can produce).  Ballsy, outspoken, very interesting. And son in law of Ingmar Bergman, which I never knew.

The IQ in the room went up by about 40 points when Brian Cox came on. I did try to concentrate, honest (quantum particle physics, update on the Hadron Collider, elegant proof of Einsteins Theory of Relativity, the Problem with Gravity, Big Bang etc).  Smartie pants. But of course he looked so good in them. Tight black jeans they were - ever the rock god...

VS Naipaul was wonderful and gave a very moving talk about the relationship with his father (on which his latest book is based). He also has the most mellifluous reading voice - beautiful to listen too. And I loved that he ignored all the frantic handsignals and went overtime...

And lastly, Nigella. She seems so familiar after years on the Telly, but was very honest about how she sees her role in the realms of celebrity chefdom. And of course, we have very similar food philosophies. She also signed a book for me and bless her, offered me her lippie when I balked at having my photo taken with her (was not looking my best at the end of a long day).

So a great time had by all.  Came home with bags of books (that's my reading sorted for a while) and Hay looks like a date for next year....