Ricardo Blanco's Blog

Poems for staying at home (Day 28)

  Now, listen: do not go roaming with the possum. Is that perfectly clear?   from A Somewhat Difficult Syntax The possum represents those who craved the Holy Word, but who, once they have received it, do nothing… Read More

Far South, foul weather

In the south of Chile, early September means late winter, and the weather is cold and damp. This comes as a shock to the system, if your body still thinks it’s summer. Driving from the airport into Valdivia,… Read More

Crossing Patagonia

Writers Chain tour of Argentina & Chile, continued: After three days of readings, lectures and tea parties in Puerto Madryn, Gaiman and Trelew, yesterday we made the long trip across the Patagonian meseta to Trevelin, in the foothills… Read More

A visit to the islands and ‘mal del sauce’

No sooner had I finished writing yesterday’s blog, than I walked into the hotel dining room (earlier than usual, as I had planned an excursion) and the first person I see is Coetzee himself, sitting in the corner… Read More

Dissolving

  It’s always an education to read in unusual locations. The organizers of FILBA appear to be steering me towards a socially engaged role that I am not normally associated with back in the UK. But that’s fine… Read More