Head scratcher

Fabulous walk around Crickhowell, which really is a lovely little town. Coffee in a sunny garden of a cafe owned by a former BBC journalist. Then made breakfast before driving into Hay.

We were sitting down with our first event about to start when TSM’s glasses broke in half at the bridge of the nose. For someone who is very very short sighted, doesn’t carry a spare pair, and is the only driver insured on our hire car this was no small matter. In fact we had an anxious time until we got into town and managed to tape the two halves to a pair of reading lasses with the lenses popped out. Not perfect but functional.

The day went well apart from that. Some fascinating sessions from a Hilary Clinton aide talking about her turbulent experiences as a Muslim American, followed by a panel of journalists who have covered Afghanistan over the last 25 years. 

Fabulous vegan burger in Richard Booth’s. 

Bumped into an old London friend whilst sitting in the castle grounds. Have arranged to meet again tomorrow. 

TSM saw Nicola Sturgeon in the evening whilst I went to a panel made up of Simon Schama, Elif Shafik and A C Grayling. Very good. Echoed many of the themes of the week which for me raised the complex question:

How does love, which by its very nature is free flowing and often spontaneous, stand up to and overcome hate when it is systematically organised and intent on destruction?

I need to find some good books on that subject. It’s a real head scratcher …