Abergavenny – Just Olga

Hi all:

“If you read this”…Yes, like in a novel or a movie if you read this…No, hopefully I’ll be OK, though. My case is not quite as dramatic. But I’ll explain…

Those of you who’ve been reading my blog for a while will remember that a few months ago I left my job to explore other things, do more of my writing, take on the translation of other writers’ work (if there was any demand) and learn about books. After my initial visit to Hay-on-Wye (see more here) I thought I’d love to spend more time there. I corresponded with Anne Brichto from Addyman Books and she kindly agreed to have me learning the business of the day-to-day running of a second-hand bookshop.

I started working (mostly learning) in June and it’s been great. I had hoped to stay the whole summer, but as you all must know by now, things don’t always go according to plan and life has a way of doing its own thing. Best laid plans and all that.

I had planned to do a whole series on my experience at Hay, and although I’d been keeping a diary whilst I’d been there, I still hope to be able to go back soon and carry on, so I’m postponing the series until I can re-start in earnest. But I didn’t want to leave without saying goodbye. As I programme my posts in advance, if you’re reading this post that means that the matter that took me away is ongoing and it might take me a bit longer than I’d like to come back. So by the time you read this I won’t have been at Hay for a few weeks.

The highlights…

Me in Addyman Annex. I can't see without glasses, that's my excuse for the face — Me in Addyman Annex. I can’t see without glasses, that’s my excuse for the face

Getting to know a bit better Anne, Derek and the whole staff of Addyman Books. Thank to Anne for trying to teach me her insights into the business (old dog comes to mind) and the ins and outs of the art of cataloguing and Amazon world of wonders. And also for the friendship and the suggestions of places to go and things to do in Hay. I’m sorry we didn’t get to expand the activities more, but hope we’ll have time soon. Thanks to Marion who was unlucky enough to have me under her wing at Addyman Annex most of the time (Simon was lucky enough to be on holiday), and gave me her wisdom not only with regards to books, but also Hay and life in general. I’ll especially treasure the night out to celebrate Marion’s birthday in Hereford. “Oh what a night!” could have been written about it. Molly, I’m sorry I won’t hear more about your adventures but I’ll try and catch up soon…

Hay is a wonderful place full of character and characters. I love the cinema (Richard Booth is not only the King of Hay and has a beautiful bookshop/coffee shop but has diversified into many venues…from a Yoga studio to a cinema), the Castle, the market…

And I’ve loved spending some time at Annie’s house (hi Mike!) and enjoying her garden and its fruits (beautiful raspberries, peas, mange tout, beans…and more to come), the hens (that although now are not escaping they’ve decided to hide their eggs and every day is like an Easter egg hunt!), Flora (the cat) and Ivy (the dog). We’ve gone to the theatre together (not the god, cat and hens…), shopping, to the cinema, to the Tapas Bar, have chatted about life, have supported me…And Annie is quite determined that I should move to Hay, so we shall see…