Efacis 'There was a great sense of occasion about my visit to the University of Alcalá as it was the inaugural event of the university’s Irish Studies Centre, brainchild of Dr Marisol Morales- Ladrón. The presence of the cultural attaché of the Irish embassy, Rory Geraghty, representing the ambassador (who was officiating at the opening of another Irish Studies Centre in Spain on the same day!) added to the celebratory air.
There was a very generous attendance at the reading, especially given that it was almost the last day of term for students and their thoughts must have surely been on exams. They were clearly familiar with my work and they asked lots of interesting questions - our discussions covered feminism, cultural appropriation and the ethics of writing biofiction. One student approached me afterwards to ask if any of my work has been translated into Spanish. It hasn’t, so I’m hoping one of these days that that situation might change, thanks to my visit to Alcalá.
Alcalá is a beautiful city and Dr Morales-Ladrón was the perfect host guiding us through the winding streets of the city, inviting us to her home and introducing us to such culinary delights as salmorejo. So, truly, a cultural exchange on all levels!'
Mary Morrissy
